K9 Trailblazers Dog Hiking Club 
Saturday, May 30, 2009 Hike Information 
Gunpowder Falls/Hereford, MD

Where:
When:
Participation Limit:
Hike Description:
Trail Maps
What to Bring:
Rules:
Cancellation Policy:
Directions:
Contacts:

Where: 

We will be hiking at the Hereford section Gunpowder Falls off of Bunker Hill Rd.  Our hike will take us through a variety of terrains as we travel through woodlands and along the river.  See directions below.

When:

For the exact time to meet at the trailhead, contact one of the hike organizers.

Participation Limit:

This hike will be limited to 12 people plus dogs.

The Hike:

Our hike trailhead is at the Hereford section of Gunpowder Falls State Park.  We'll be hiking along woodland trails, old fire roads, and along the Gunpowder river.  The hike is mostly through rolling woodland with a couple of moderate climbs.  We'll hike through woods, fields, along streams, and, of course, along the Gunpowder Falls (which actually don't have "falls" per se, but that's another story...)  Note:  This is a multi-use trail, and may encounter horseback riders and fly fishermen (though the fishermen will most likely be in the river...)

  We'll start off on the Bunker Hill Trail (blue blazes) and follow it though rolling woods back across Bunker Hill Rd., and on to the Mingo Forks Trail.  This trail starts off as a fire road, and passes through the park's archery range (though not in front of any targets, so no need to worry!).  Once past the archery range, we'll head down to Mingo Branch and hike along the stream before heading up through open fields and then down to Gunpowder Falls.  We'll hike along the Gunpowder to Masemore Rd., where we'll take a break at a nice, grassy spot by the river with easy water access for the dogs.  Once we're sufficiently cooled and rested, we'll head back along South Gunpowder Falls trail, up out of the valley and back to the trailhead.

Total hike length is ~5 miles.

This hike is rated "B". For more information on the rating system,  click here.

Trail Map

Trail Profile

What to Bring:

As usual, come prepared for the hike. This means appropriate footwear, a hat, and sufficient water for you and your dog (at least a quart for each of you). Be prepared for potential inclement weather. The trails can be muddy and steep in spots, with small stream crossings. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a requirement. Bring snacks for you and your dog if you wish.  

Rules:

Basically the main rules we have are that dogs need to stay on leash and under control, and that you scoop your poop. Please bring a 6-8' standard leash for your dog. With a large group, flexible leads can allow people and dogs to trip or tangle, resulting in rope burns or injuries.

In addition, if the hike leaders feel that you are not properly equipped for the hike, or that you or your dog are not physically prepared for the hike, they reserve the right to turn you away at the trailhead.

Cancellation Policy:

We'll be hiking rain or sunshine unless there is severe or dangerous weather. If the weather is too hot, too cold or too wet for you on the day of the hike, don't be afraid to sit this one out. We want you to have fun! We have planned other hikes, so if you don't think you'll enjoy yourself this time, just wait for the next hike.  If you need to cancel, please let the hike leaders know as soon as possible.  We limit the number of hikers on our hikes and frequently have hikers on a wait-list in case of cancellations.

Directions:

From Baltimore:

Take the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and take it to I-83 North.  Follow I-83 about 12 miles north to exit 27 toward Hereford (Rt. 137 – Mt. Carmel Rd.)  

Take the exit east (right) and follow the road until it dead ends at York Rd.  Make a left and follow York Rd.  to Hereford High School (on your right).

Just after Hereford High School, make a left on Bunker Hill Rd.  Follow Bunker Hill around and down toward the river.  Note:  Bunker Hill becomes rather narrow and pothole ridden, so drive with care.  Look for a large, paved parking lot on your left and park there.

From Washington:

Take I-95 to the Baltimore Beltway (I-696) west (inner loop) and follow the directions above.

Contacts

To register for the hike and to get the details on meeting location and time, or for anything else about this hike or the hiking club in general, please contact Jeff Bolognese.