Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group
Annual Apple Festival at Piney Run Reservoir Plus an Easy 4.7 Mile Hike!
Let's explore the forests around the crystal clear Piney Run Reservoir and it's clear streams which make for what is my favorite Baltimore area hiking destination. There should be tons of wildlife.
We will also check out the hummingbird garden and aviary (birds permanently injured and maintained by the park and is pretty impressive); you can see the birds even when the nature center is closed. The birds you might see that were there when I hiked this last include black vultures, turkey vultures, barred owls, great horned owls (the largest resident owl in Maryland), red-shouldered hawks, and red-tailed hawks. So come on out on this hike and enjoy the wildlife, flowers and each others company.
The trails are almost all in the shade and most of the trails are wide enough for socializing while hiking with only a small amount of single track spots.
Annual Apple Festival
Enjoy live music with the Rivers Bend Band, enjoy great food and take part in a variety of good old-fashioned family fun. The festival takes place in Piney Run Park’s beautifully wooded setting from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The festival features children’s crafts, delicious apple dumplings, pies, and fritters, face painting, tractor rides, scarecrow making, and much more! Artisans will be selling a variety of beautiful handmade arts and crafts.
Additional Activities
Boat rentals are available at the park in addition to some of the best fishing around for anyone that is interested. Also, there are many shaded picnic areas with tables for anyone interested in post hike picnic.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Location: Carroll County (Finksburg)
Length: 4.7 total miles
Elevation Gain: 550 feet that you won't even notice
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy with wide trails for the most part and perfect for social hiking.
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elevation: 70 feet
Top Elevation: 610 feet
Local Contacts: Piney Run
Local Maps: USGS Finksburg
Pace Options
We break down into groups no larger than 15-20 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is also much better for the environment. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience and can feel like you brought the city out with you on the trails. Best of all is that this also allows us to offer a variety of hike paces! For this particular hike you have 2 paces to choose from which allows us to be put together with those of a similar pace. Paces should be not only based on your preference but also your ability needs to be taken into consideration.
Pace Option 1: A "social" pace, but not a walk, still exercise, but at a pace for those new to hiking or exercising and also a great pace for those who want to soak up the nature at a pace of about 2.5mph.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 3.0mph (Pace of an average hiker)
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.
Carpool Suggestions Information
To carpool, please use the comment section beneath this hike listing. Click Here for a list of suggested carpool locations and additional information. If you can drive or want to carpool from locations such as the DC area, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike.
Hike Meetup Time is 10:00 a.m.
Park Entrance Fee:
Carroll County Residents are $5.00 Out of County residents are $10.00 per vehicle.
Fido is Welcome on This Hike!
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back to help make certain that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics
Let's have good times and see you on the trail!
Mike:
, MD - USA
Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 AM
Attending: 1
Fee: Price: USD 2.00 per person
Details: http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/events/224388202/