PATC Hikes & Events

Savage Park: Wincopin Trail Area! A Moderate 6.5 Mile Hike

The Wincopin area, located between the Little and Middle Patuxent rivers in Howard County, Maryland, has a history that includes Indigenous people, colonial settlement, and a century of industrial quarrying. The name "Wincopin" is likely derived from a Nanticoke dialect of the Algonquin language, with the term meaning "bear." Today, it is primarily a forested area with an extensive trail system.

This hike takes us along the Middle Patuxent River to its merger with the Little Patuxent River. Within minutes of setting off, we will transport from one of the most densely populated suburbs in America to a lovely and peaceful woodland along these two former mill streams turned woodland. Thick woods, beech, oak, and poplar crowd either side of this beautiful trail. Much of our hike plan takes us along trails that are right up next to the stream.

Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.150102, -76.834237
The Street address is 9299 Vollmerhausen Road, Jessup, MD 20794

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 550 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: A portable toilet can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance fee

Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

ACLT: Prince Frederick to Hance-Chesley Cemetery: 11 miles

The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) offers a remarkable 11-mile hike from Prince Frederick to the historic Hance-Chesley Cemetery. This adventure not only immerses hikers in the scenic beauty of Southern Maryland’s forests and wetlands but also offers a window into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Highlights of this hike include:
· Start at Double Oak Farm’s North Side Trailhead.
· Traverse woodland and wetland landscapes.
· Cross Parkers Creek by raft, linking North and South Tracts.
· Navigate seven small streams and several steep but short hills.
· Pass historic sites of African American farmsteads.
· A stop at the Hance-Chesley Cemetery, a 19th-century family burial ground.

The hike begins at the North Side Trailhead located at Double Oak Farm. From this point, hikers traverse rolling woodlands, skirt the edges of wetlands, and cross Parkers Creek using a raft—a unique and memorable experience that connects the North and South Tracts of ACLT lands.

Continuing southward, the trail crosses seven small streams and features several challenging, steep (yet short) hills. The terrain is varied, providing both moments of exertion and opportunities to enjoy peaceful, natural surroundings.

Along the route, hikers pass through areas that were once sites of African American families who, after emancipation, purchased land and established farms here. These families contributed significantly to the local community, cultivating the land well into the 20th century. Today, the woodland preserves their legacy, offering a silent tribute to their resilience and determination.

The hike culminates at the 19th-century Hance-Chesley Cemetery—a historical family cemetery that stands as a testament to the region’s deep-rooted history.

ACLT is a member supported, non-profit natural conservancy working to protect the natural land, waterways, cultural landmarks and wildlife habitats of the Parker Creek and Grosvenor Run watersheds and to encourage conservation and preservation throughout Southern Maryland.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa (410-610-6254). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.54714, -76.53310
The Street address to the park is 676 Double Oak Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Details:
- Rating: Moderate
-Distance: 11 miles
-Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,200 feet
-Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
-Facilities: Portable toilets at the trailhead.
-Fees: no fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Riverbend Park is a lush Fairfax County Park located along the Potomac River just north of Great Falls National Park. Entry is free. We will be hiking a loop that primarily covers the Potomac River Heritage Trail and the Bootlegger trail.

Hikers must register individually and must read the entire event description.

WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:
Meet at the Riverbend Park map at the top of the boat ramp near the Riverbend Park Visitors Center on Potomac Hills Street - NOT at the Nature Center. See map and GPS coordinates below. Please arrive at the meeting spot no later than 11:00AM. Riverbend has been very popular since the government shutdown, so arrive early. Your parking location may be up to 0.5 miles from the meeting location depending on how full the park is when you arrive.

TRAIL MAP: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/414335718

CELL PHONE COVERAGE:
Spotty. Check your route ahead of time and don't depend on your phone for directions!

WHAT TO EXPECT:
This will be a moderate, 4.5-mile hike with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain. Our approximate speed will be 2mph and the hike is expected to last 2-2.5 hours. Some parts of the trail are single-track, and the trail condition varies between smooth dirt, rocks and roots, leaf-covered forest trail, and grassland. The hike leader will provide a printed map and a liability waiver at the meeting site.

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:

1. At least 16 oz of water. Hikers without water may not join the hike.
2. Supportive shoes with ankle support and tread. Hiking boots or trail runners preferred. We will be hiking through piles of leaves and acorns, so traction is an issue and the hike will be much easier if you have some grip.
3. Weather-appropriate clothing. Layers encouraged. If there's any chance of rain, bring rain gear (e.g. jacket, gaiters for shoes). Choose synthetic fibers, not cotton!
4. Food, other items to meet your needs: Always better to have a granola bar than to hike hungry!
5. Trekking poles: Optional but encouraged.

KIDDOS AND DOGS: Contact the hike leaders in advance if you plan to bring a kiddo or a leashed doggo.

WEATHER: Cancellations for weather will be announced by Thursday November 13 at 3:00PM. If necessary due to weather, the hike will be rescheduled for November 22 at 10:00AM.

INCLUSIVITY: All folks are welcome on this hike, regardless of age, ancestry, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Those with disabilities are welcome as long as they can physically complete the hike at the posted speed without assistance from the leaders. This trail is not wheelchair accessible and will be difficult for those with crutches.