The outings schedule will be updated monthly.

Important information for all outings participants. Advance registration NOT required unless requested in hike description.

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Baltimore Inner City Outings

Founded in 1999, BICO provides under-served Baltimore City youth with educational, enjoyable, safe, cost-free outdoor experiences. Since start-up, BICO has conducted more than 200 outings ranging from nature hikes and camping to community service for Baltimore’s Recreation & Parks Dept. BICO welcomes new volunteers. For more information, please visit the BICO website.

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WANTED: Hike leaders for the Greater Baltimore Group. No experience needed. We will provide training. Have fun, enjoy the outdoors and help others to do the same. Call Jack at 410-256-3963.
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MAY

Sun. May 4 GB - Perry Point Veterans Hospital
Brighten the lives of patients at the Perry Point Veterans Hospital with a visit and sing-along accompanied by guitar and other instruments you may bring. Many of the people here do not have family and friends to visit them, and they appreciate interaction with other people, which is how we can show our appreciation for their sacrifices for our country. We will follow our visit with a short walk around Havre De Grace (they have a special celebration that weekend), and an early dinner at an inexpensive diner with great food. Meet at church parking lot on Seminary Ave W of Dulaney Valley Rd at 1:00 PM. Children OK with prior approval. Call Paul at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net for details.

Wed. May 7 GB - Easy. Gunpowder River Hike
See wildflowers. Easy mile or two. Meet at Gunpowder River and Belair Road at 6:30 p.m. Call Jack at 410-256-3963.

Sat. May 17 GB – Moderate. Invasive Plant Removal in Leakin Park.
Help cut invasive vines out of beautiful old trees in Leakin Park in Baltimore City. As well as getting satisfaction from freeing trees that are being choked and strangled, you will be rewarded with excellent exercise. Tools and gloves will be available. Meet at 10 AM at the Carrie Murray Nature Center in Leakin Park, off of Windsor Mill Road in Baltimore City. For more information, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), or email at XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Sat. May 17 GB – Moderate. Bicycle Ride on the Gwynns Falls Trail (Older children are welcome).
Explore all or part of the new 15-mile bike trail that runs from near Rt. 70, through a series of parks along the Gwynns Falls to Middle Branch Park at Baltimore City’s waterfront. The trail runs along streams, through woods, up and down hills, over bridges, on City streets in back of Ravens stadium, and to wetlands overlooks. Children under 18 must be able to bicycle with this difficulty and be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Meet at 1 PM with your bicycle at Trailhead # 2, Winans Meadow – Leakin Park, 4500 Franklintown Rd off of Cooks Lane/Security Boulevard in Baltimore City. For more information, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), or email at XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Wed. May 21 GB – Easy. Evening Hike at Cylburn Arboretum (Children and dogs are welcome).
2 mile evening stroll along woodland trails and through formal gardens around a mansion house from the 1880s. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Dogs must be friendly and leashed. Meet at 6:30 PM in the parking spaces along the side of the road just before the mansion. The park is in Baltimore City on Greenspring Ave. just off the Jones Falls Expressway between Coldspring Ave. and Northern Parkway. For more information, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), or email at XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Friday May 30 to Sunday June 1. "I got dem Hikin' Blues" outing in Hagerstown, MD.
We will leave the Baltimore area about 4:00 PM Friday evening and stay at the Hagerstown/Antietam KOA Kampground Friday and Saturday evenings (tent, RV, or Kabin camping). Carpooling is encouraged, and alternate arrangements may be made among participants. We will discuss the history of the canal and the City Park, and consider positive and negative environmental impacts of commercial campgrounds. Saturday morning is a good opportunity to visit the Hagerstown factory outlets, including LL Bean and Timberland. From about noon to 8 PM we may attend the Western Maryland Blues Festival downtown, which costs about $25 per person. Sunday morning we will take a 3-5 mile easy hike on the C&O canal near Williamsport, and visit the museum. From about noon until 5:00 PM we may attend the second half of the Blues Festival (no charge) at the beautiful City Park. We will do an easy circuit hike of about 2 miles. For more information and reservations call Paul (preferably two weeks ahead) at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net. Children OK with prior approval.

JUNE

Saturdays and Sundays, June 8 through August 31
Enjoy a variety of FREE musical concerts in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring folding chairs or blankets and have a picnic under the trees or on the grass. Donations are appreciated. All concerts start at 6:00 PM and last about 2 hours. We can carpool from the Lutherville light rail station on Ridgely Road at 5:30 PM. Optional pub crawl in Ellicott City after concerts. Call Paul at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net. Children OK with prior approval. Website: www.Lurman.com.

Sat. June 7 GB – Moderate. Hemlock Gorge Hike
4 mile hike with two hills along the Gunpowder River through the beautiful Hemlock Gorge. Meet at 11:00 AM at the Middletown Road park-and-ride off I-83 north of the Baltimore Beltway and the Shawan Road exit. We will carpool to the trailhead. For information, call John at 443-739-6439.

Sat. June 14 GB – Easy. Kayaking and Day at the Beach at Hammerman State Park
Kayak where the Gunpowder River and Dundee Creek empty into the Chesapeake Bay. Explore the marshes and shoreline and look for wildlife in the air, in the water, and along the shores. Meet at 10 AM on the beach at the Hammerman Area of Gunpowder State Park. The park is on Ebenezer Rd. reached from the Whitemarsh Blvd. east exit off I-95. Bring your own or rent a kayak from Ultimate Watersports. It is required to wear a life jacket. There is an admission fee to the park. Stay afterwards or join us later for a picnic lunch and day at this sandy beach, which has picnic tables, a bathhouse, playground, etc. Kayaking is weather-dependent—no threat of thunderstorms and no high waves in the Bay. For more information, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), or email at XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Wed. June 18 GB – Easy. Evening Hike at Prettyboy Reservoir (Older children and dogs are welcome)
2 miles along the shoreline and through forests around Prettyboy Reservoir along the old Prettyboy Trail, newly re-discovered and maintained by the GB Sierra Club in collaboration with the Prettyboy Watershed Alliance and the Mountain Club of Maryland. Enjoy the pristine water and wildlife (maybe a beaver) along this isolated trail. Meet at 6:30 PM at the Mt Carmel Rd. park and ride just west off I-83 north of the Baltimore Beltway. For more information, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), or email at XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Fri. June 20 GB – Easy. Happy Hour and Social
Members and non-members are invited to meet 6 – 8 PM on June 20 for socialization, happy hour, and dinner at the Charred Rib in the Ridgely Shopping Center in Lutherville near York Road. Walking distance to the Lutherville light rail station. For details, contact Paul at 410-667-4889 or pstech@smart.net

Sat. June 21 – GB Moderate. Great Falls Dinner and Hike
History meets nature at Great Falls section of the C&O Canal in Potomac, MD. We will examine how the canal and locks were constructed and operated. We will take the boardwalk to the Great Falls overlook on Olmsted Island. Length of hike will be 4 miles or less depending on weather and condition of trails. Entrance fee required. There will be a dinner stop in Rockville before the hike. Meet at 3:00 PM at the South West Park & Ride (for map to park & ride see http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/sports/ravens/New_Southwest_Map.cfm) Call Bill for details at 410-574-1453.

Sat. Jun 21 GB – Easy.
Eagle's Nest Wine/Cheese Potluck Summer Solstice Pool Party 6:00 PM Visit the historic Eagles Nest estate and learn about its past dating to the 1600s. Take a short hike to a small stream that empties into Loch Raven Reservoir. Swim in the lovely pool and enjoy dinner with interesting people. Bring a covered dish, grillables, desserts, wine or beer. We will also read bits of folklore about the Solstice, and we will have a sing-along featuring my song, "O Solstice Mio". For details, contact Ted or Gordon at 410-667-6677. Tedwords@peoplePC.com, or Paul at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net

Sun. June 22 GB – Moderate. Gunpowder River Hike
5 mile hike with hills along the Gunpowder River. Meet at the Mt. Carmel Road park-and-ride off I-83 north of the Baltimore Beltway and the Shawan Road exit. We will walk to the trailhead. For information, call John at 443-739-6439.

Sun. June 29 GB: First Aid Training and Potluck.
Obtain the first aid training required for outings leaders, and important for all to know. It will be taught by a nurse with over 40 years experience in health care, in her home in Lutherville. Limited to about 8 people; cost is $35 (reimbursed by Sierra Club for Outings Leaders). Instruction will be given from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by an optional pot luck dinner. Call in advance for reservations and details: Paul at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net

Thurs. June 26 GB - Outings Planning Meeting
New and prospective outings leaders are welcome to attend the next quarterly meeting of the Greater Baltimore Group’s Outings Committee on Thursday, June 26. Come plan new outings and meet other outings leaders. If you're interested in leading outings and are curious about what is involved, come and talk with the outings leaders. The meeting will be held at the Panera Bread restaurant in Timonium, beginning with dinner and socialization at 6:30 PM in a quiet corner and the meeting to follow at 7:00. From I-83 north, take exit 16 Timonium Rd. east, turn left on York Rd., and turn right at the next light for the Timonium Center across from the State Fairgrounds. For more information, call Bette at 410-666-2696.


JULY

Friday, July 4: Celebrate Independence Day at Baker Park in Frederick, MD.
Enjoy the sounds of a variety of bands, including well known classic rock and country entertainers, as well as local musical talent, big band, and patriotic music. Have a picnic in the park, play volleyball, hike along Carroll Creek, and explore historic downtown Frederick. Finally, experience one of the biggest and best fireworks displays on the East Coast. Plus, as appropriate for this day, it's FREE! We will meet at 1:00 PM at the Lutherville light rail station on Ridgely Road. Call Paul at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net. Children OK with prior approval. Website: www.cityoffrederick.com/departments/SpecialEvents/july.htm

Sun. July 6 GB - Moderate. Gunpowder River Tube Trip
Bring s tube or rent one at the Monkton Station. Meet at the Monkton Station at 1:00 p.m. For details call Jack at 410-256-3963

Wed. July 9 GB – Easy. Cromwell Valley Park Sunset Hike (Children and dogs are welcome)
2 miles through this Baltimore County park that is a working farm with draft horses, woodlands, hilly meadows, streams, limestone kilns, and a brook bubbling out of the ground. Look for wildlife that comes out at dusk. Meet at 6:30 PM in the parking lot beside the house in the park’s Sherwood Farm section on Cromwell Bridge Rd. off the Baltimore Beltway near Towson and Loch Raven Boulevard. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Stay for dinner at Sander’s Corner Restaurant nearby. For details, call Mary at 443-386-0862 cell or 410-239-4590 home, or email XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Sat. July 12 GB – Moderate. Kayaking on Susquehanna River
Kayak from a new boat launch at Perryville Community Park in Cecil County, near where Mill Creek empties into the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Susquehanna River. Explore Mill Creek and Furnace Bay, then go out into the Chesapeake Bay and head up the Susquehanna River to check out Garrett Island below Conowingo Dam. Look for eagles and other wildlife in the air, in the water, and along the shores. Meet at 11 AM at the boat launch. Bring your own kayak or canoe. It is required to wear a life jacket. Kayaking is weather-dependent—no threat of thunderstorms and no high waves. Possible dinner stop on the trip home. For directions and more information, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), or email at XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Sun. July 20 GB – Easy. Hike and Free Concert with Picnic in Catonsville
Meet at 4:30 PM at Lurman Park parking lot, on Hilltop Road off Bloomsbury Ave near Catonsville HS. We will take a short 1-2 mile hike around the school, maybe take a couple of laps around the track, and then settle down to enjoy a free Boogie Woogie Blues concert by the renowned Deanna Bogart Band. Bring a picnic potluck dinner to share. Check theater website at www.Lurman.com, or contact Paul at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net.


AUGUST

Sunday, August 3 GB - Easy/Moderate 3-4 miles
Learn about the lost town of Warren and explore some of the remaining ruins of this historic town that was flooded in 1922 with the Loch Raven Reservoir. We may be joined by a local resident and amateur historian who made a video of Warren's history. Meet at the southeast corner of the Cranbrook Shopping Center on Cranbrook Road near Ridgland, at 3:00 PM. We may have a cookout or share pizza after the hike. Call Paul at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net

Saturday, August 16 Full Moon Hayride and Farm Tour.
Cost will be $10.00 per person. We will meet at 7:00 PM at the church parking lot on Seminary Ave at Dulaney Valley Road 1/2 mile north of I695. Tractor-pulled hayride starts at 7:30 PM at Yoder's Land of Promise Farm in Long Green. We will hopefully see the full moon. After the hayride we will have refreshments of soda, cider, hot dogs, and marshmallows around a bonfire, with guitar music and singalong. Extra instruments invited! Activity will end about 10:00 PM. For more information and reservations call Lynn at 443-986-1100, or Paul at 410-667-4889 or email pstech@smart.net. Children OK with prior approval.

Sat. Aug. 23 GB – Moderate. Kayaking at Rocky Point Park
Kayak from this waterfront park to Hart Miller Island, a short paddle across in the Chesapeake Bay. Hart Miller (built from dredge spoil) is a favorite hangout for boaters and has a campground, observation tower, sandy swimming beaches, waterfowl, and floating vendors. Meet at 10 AM at the boat launch in the far end of Rocky Point Park past the beach area. Bring your own kayak. It is required to wear a life jacket. There is an admission fee to the park, which has a sandy beach, grassy shaded area with picnic tables and playground, sailboat rentals, and a marshy area with a fishing pier. The park is reached from Rt. 702 and Back River Neck Rd. from the Baltimore Beltway 695 east. Kayaking is weather-dependent—no threat of thunderstorms and no high waves on the Bay. For details, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), or email at XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com


SEPTEMBER

Sat. Sept. 6 GB – Moderate. Stony Run Trail Hike (Older children and dogs are welcome)
5½ miles along the Stony Run stream through Baltimore neighborhoods including Hampton and Roland Park and through Wyman Park. The trail is well-maintained, mostly flat and shaded, with scenery ranging from jungle to manicured parks. Go underneath several bridges decorated with graffiti. See the results of extensive stream restoration by Baltimore City and the planting of native trees by the Jones Falls Watershed Association and other volunteers. Children under 18 must be able to hike this distance and be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Dogs must be friendly. Optional burgers afterwards at Dizzy Izzie’s in Remington. Meet at 10 AM and park on either side of Sisson St. beside the ex-Stieff Silver and the Boy Scouts headquarters, or in the parking lot on the left with the Jones Falls Trail sign. From 29th Street just east of the Jones Falls Expressway, turn north onto Keswick Rd. and then take the first left onto Sisson St. For more information, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), or email at XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Sat. Sept 20 – GB Moderate. C&O Canal (Sharpsburg to Shepardstown)
7 mile hike along the C&O Canal from Sharpsburg to Shepardstown and back. We will examine how the canal and locks were constructed and operated. Possible dinner stop after hike. Meet at 9:30 PM at Southwest Park & Ride. Leader: Bill 410-574-1453.