We will hike about 6 miles, on rocky, but relatively flat trails through woods, fields and wetlands looking for cultural
artifacts, interesting vegetation and a variety of wildlife including birds and waterfowl. Where:
When:
Participation Limit
Hike Description:
What to Bring:
Rules:
Cancellation Policy:
Directions:
We will visit Patuxent River Park, near Upper Marlboro, MD, with our naturalist guide. This is a chance to learn about wetlands ecology and biology while hiking at an easy pace through a beautiful natural area.
Directions are listed below. We will meet at the parking area on Croom Airport Rd.
Saturday, June 15, 2002. Contact hike organizers for start time.
Eight people, one dog each.
We will hike about 6 miles, on rocky, but relatively flat trails through woods, fields and wetlands looking for cultural
artifacts, interesting vegetation and a variety of wildlife including birds and waterfowl.
The trails are unmarked, so we will stay together in a group and hike at a moderate pace with frequent stops for explanations by our naturalist. The trails are shared use trails so we may encounter horses and bicycles. This hike is rated as "D". For more information on the rating system, click here.
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). The weather is likely to be hot, and mist or rain is also a possibility so be prepared for potential inclement weather. If you dress in layers, you will find it easier to adapt to changing conditions as you heat up while hiking and chill down when stopping for lunch or where the wind is blowing. The trails are rocky in spots and likely to be muddy, so good hiking shoes are a must. Bring lunch and snacks for you and your dog.
Basically the rules are the ones we always have: dogs need to stay on leash and under control, and you need to scoop your dog’s poop. Please use a standard 6’ leash while on the trail. Flexible leads can allow people and dogs to trip or tangle, resulting in rope burns or injuries.
We'll be hiking rain, snow 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.
From the DC Beltway (I-495):
From the Washington Beltway, I-495, take Exit 11 A toward Upper Marlboro (MD Hwy 4.)
Stay on Hwy 4 for about 7.8 miles and look for Equestrian Center. Just past the Equestrian Center take Rt. 301 exit going South. Stay on Rt. 301 for about 1.5 miles, passing Chew Rd
Take next left after Chew Rd. onto Croom Station Rd. Stay on Croom Station Rd for about 1.6 miles to the dead-end and turn left onto Croom Rd. Stay on Croom Rd for 1.5 miles and turn Left onto Croom Airport Rd. [Pass the park entrance road, do NOT turn into the park!] Stay on Croom Airport Rd 3 miles to dead-end where you will see a large field on your right with a barn and large open shelter in the distance. Park along the road here.
From Columbia and Points North:
Take I-95 south to the DC Beltway and head west (outer loop - toward Silver Spring). From there, follow the directions listed above.
A map is provided below:
|
Click Image for interactive map |
For more information about this hike, or about the hiking club in general, please contact Pat Fuhrer or Jeff Bolognese.