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• First Day Hike 2026

  • When
    1 Jan 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    4500 N Franklintown Rd, Baltimore, MD 21229

  Register

  Start your new year with us in Gwynns Falls-Leakin Park

  This is one of our most popular events. This year there's a bonus.

  Explore the park with us and get a sneak peek at the area that may become a new Maryland State Park in Baltimore City.

  Don’t know about the State Park initiative? Learn all about it here. 

  Please register so that we have a headcount and therefore enough leaders; we’ll also use your email address to send out any weather-related updates. Signup here

  Hike details

  Meet at Winan’s Meadows by 11:00 am. 

  After a very brief introduction, our hike will head out at 11:10 am promptly. After a short walk along the paved Gwynns Falls Trail, we will follow the natural trails in the southwestern section of Gwynns Falls Leakin Park, exploring parts of the area that Baltimore City has proposed to lease to the State of Maryland to create the prospective new Gwynns Falls State Park.

  We'll all start out walking together.  After about 0.5 miles, we will split into groups:

  Moderately challenging Hike

  About 2 miles in length, this is a great route to see some of the most beautiful forests in the Park.  We will also visit the Sacred Magnolia Grove Trail and the Hopi Labyrinth.  With 300 feet total elevation gain, this hike will get your heart pumping, but there will be frequent opportunities to stop and look around.

  Rigorous Hike

  This is a faster-paced 3-4 mile hike.  We'll check out the mature forest, before crossing over to the eastern part of the Park and visiting the old Girl scout camp and the old cemetery.  Our pace will be accelerated compared with the first group-- faster walking, fewer breaks.

  
  

  Easy Option

  Do both of these hikes sound like more than you bargained for?  No problem!  Join us for the first portion of the hike only.  It will be 1.2 miles roundtrip and totally paved, perfect for strollers and people who prefer to just stroll.  

  What to wear and bring

  We will be on hiking trails for most of this walk, and they may be muddy.

  • Please wear sturdy shoes 
  • Expect mud
  • Dress in layers
  • Bring a rain jacket if the forecast calls for rain
  • Water is not available in the park, so please bring your own in a reusable water bottle.

  Good to know: Portapotties are available at several locations along the way.

  Please register so that we have a headcount; we’ll also use your email address to send out any weather-related updates.

  Signup here

  
  

  See you in the park!
  

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