Where:
When:
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Hike Description:
(map and trail profile)
What to Bring:
Rules:
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Directions:
Contact:
For our October 30th hike we'll be at Soldier's Delight NEA in Owings Mills, MD (west of Baltimore, MD). General directions to the area are listed below.
This will be an afternoon hike. For the exact times to meet at the trailhead, contact one of the hike organizers.
This hike will be limited to 12 people plus dogs.
This will be an 4 1/2-mile late afternoon hike ending at sunset with a Halloween story about a local ghost said to haunt Soldiers Delight. The hike will take us through the serpentine barrens. These are rocky areas with soil that has a very high mineral content. Because of this hostile environment, only certain type of plants can thrive. Some of those plants can only be found in Maryland in Soldier's Delight. We'll go past abandoned chromium mines where chrome was first mined in the US. Depending on our timing, we may be able to see flowers such as Great Lobilia, Fringed Gentian, and Sandplain Gerardia.
We’ll stop for rest/water/snacks during the hike, and those who wish will eat lunch at the picnic area at the end of the hike. The full hike is rated "B". For more information on the rating system, click here.
For more information on Soldier's Delight, click here.
We'll start out at the overlook parking lot off of Deer Park Rd. and hike along the
"Red" trail past the Chote mine and through the eastern side of the
park. The loop returns to the overlook where we'll cross the street and
head down toward Chimney Branch along the "Serpentine Trail" and back
up toward Red Dog Lodge for a ghost story and then back to the overlook to enjoy
sunset over the barrens.
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Trail Profile
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As usual, come prepared for the hike. This means in addition to your 6-8 ft leash and poop bags, you must have hiking boots and sufficient water for you and your dog (at least a quart for each of you). Even on cool days, the sun can be hot in the exposed areas of the barrens and there isn't much water along the trail so be sure to bring more than you think you'll need! You may also want to bring snacks for both of you. The trails are rocky at times, so good hiking shoes are a must. Be prepared for potential inclement weather. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a requirement.
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.
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 Baltimore area: Take the Baltimore beltway to I-795. Take 795 west to the Owings Mills Blvd exit. Take Owings Mills Blvd south (which will be the left fork on the exit). Be careful to stay on Owings Mills or you may find yourself in the middle of Owings Mills Mall. Turn right onto Lakeside Blvd (by a Rite Aid) and take that until it ends at Dolfield Rd. At that point you will see a sign for Soldier’s Delight. Turn left on Dolfield and take it until it ends at Deer Park Rd. Turn right on Deer Park and follow it to the park. Go past the entrance to the overlook parking lot (on the left). If the lot is full, there is parking on either side of the street.
From DC area: Take I-95 North to the inner loop of the Baltimore Beltway (I-695 west). Take the beltway to I-795 and follow the directions above.
A map is provided below:
| Soldiers Delight NEA 5100 Deer Park, Rd Owings Mills, MD |
click on map to navigate |
| Brought to you by MapQuest (Click on map to navigate) | |
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.