Bugle Call

Ring in 2019 with a First Day Hike

December 7, 2018

Frederick County State Parks Washington County Recreation Carroll County

Photo: Gambrill State Park 

This post is inspired by Charissa Hipp's First Day Hike Bugle Call post  in 2015. See the Maryland State Parks First Day Hikes post on the Department of Natural Resource's website for more hikes all around the state. If you decide to take a hike on New Year's Day (or any time you explore the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area), consider tagging us on social media with #mdcivilwar. 

Even with the chilly winter weather, there's plenty to do in the outdoors in the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. Get 2019 off on the right foot with a First Day Hike in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties' Maryland State Parks. State parks in all 50 states are hosting First Day Hikes, and last year nearly 55,000 people across the country rang in 2018 by cumulatively hiking over 133,000 miles. 

First day hikes vary in difficulty and are guided by park staff and volunteers. We've highlighted the hikes from parks in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington County, categorizing them by difficulty so you can find the right New Year's Day event for you. 

Easy Hikes 

Cunningham Falls State Park: Self-Guided First Day Hike
Frederick County
This is a self-guided hike to Cunningham Falls, the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland. Visitors can choose between the Lower Falls Trail and the Cliff Trail. Dogs on a leash are welcome on both trails. This is a family friendly hike. Jogging strollers can access the Lower Falls Trail.

Time of Event: Available All Day- choose a good time that works for you!
Meeting Location: Lower Falls Trail Parking Lot, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road Thurmont MD 21788
Degree of Difficulty: Lower Falls Trail: Easy, Cliff Trail: Moderate
Length of Hike: 1 mile, round trip
Things to Bring: Sturdy close-toed shoes, warm clothing, and water.
RSVP: N/A

Gambrill State Park: Gambrill Overlook Guided Sunset Hike
Frederick County
Hike with a Ranger to all three of Gambrill's overlooks and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Middletown Valley. Dogs on a leash are welcome. This is a family friendly hike, but is not stroller accessible.

Time of Event: 4:15 PM
Meeting Location: Gambrill Nature Center, 8448 High Knob Road Frederick MD 21702
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Length of Hike: Approximately 2 miles, round trip.
Things to Bring: Sturdy close-toed shoes, warm clothing, water, and a flashlight.
RSVP: No pre-registration required. Call (301) 712-6964 by Dec. 31 for additional information.

Greenbrier State Park: A Winter Hike around the Lake
Washington County
There will be a self-guided hike available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. which will take you around the lake. There will also be a ranger-led hike around the lake at 11 a.m. For a stroller friendly experience or a walk on a level surface, there is also a self-guided "measured mile" that is available starting at the visitor center. Pets on a leash are welcome. Large groups may be directed to the self-guided hike.

Time of Event: Self-guided First Day Hike available from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Ranger led-hike at 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at the Greenbrier Visitor Center
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike
Length of Hike: Approximately 1.5 miles
Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).
RSVP: Reservations are recommended. Call Greenbrier State Park at 301-791-4767

South Mountain State Battlefield: Following the Footsteps of Civil War Soldiers
Washington County
Join a Park Ranger for a guided hike through history. Learn about important and stirring events from the Battle of South Mountain, while you hike along a road trace used by thousands of soldiers during the September 14, 1862 battle. The guided hike begins at Turner’s Gap and ends at Fox’s Gap. Participants will have the option to spend additional time exploring Fox’s Gap and hike back to the parking area on their own. Pets on a leash are welcome. There are no restroom facilities at this location. Hike is not stroller friendly.

Time of Event: 1 p.m.
Meeting Location: Appalachian Trail Parking Lot adjacent to the Old South Mountain Inn (6132 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713)
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for all ages
Length of Hike: 2 miles round trip
Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather and bring water for drinking
RSVP: Call Greenbrier State Park at 301-791-4767 to register

Moderate Hikes

Cunningham Falls State Park: Self-Guided First Day Hike
Frederick County
This is a self-guided hike to Cunningham Falls, the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland. Visitors can choose between the Lower Falls Trail and the Cliff Trail. Dogs on a leash are welcome on both trails. This is a family friendly hike. Jogging strollers can access the Lower Falls Trail.

Time of Event: Available All Day- choose a good time that works for you! 
Meeting Location: Lower Falls Trail Parking Lot, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road Thurmont MD 21788
Degree of Difficulty: Lower Falls Trail: Easy, Cliff Trail: Moderate
Length of Hike: 1 mile, round trip
Things to Bring: Sturdy close-toed shoes, warm clothing, and water.
RSVP: N/A

Fort Frederick State Park: Vistas of Fort Frederick
Washington County
This hike will encompass a variety of terrains and there will be hot drinks and refreshments following the hike! Dogs welcome on a leash. Not stroller accessible.

Time of Event: 11:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Fort Frederick Visitor Center- 1100 Fort Frederick Rd. Big Pool, MD 21711
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike fort families
Length of Hike: approximate round trip 3 miles
Things to Bring: Please wear hiking shoes or boots, dress for the weather, bring water, camera, and binoculars
RSVP: 301-842-2155

Patapsco Valley State Park: Morning Start at McKeldin
Carroll County
Join Ranger Petrucci on New Year’s Day at the McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park for our annual First Day Hike! We will hike 2.5 miles, incorporating parts of the Spring Glen, Tall Poplar and Switchback Trails. Start off 2019 on a positive note, and join us for a morning of exercise in the great outdoors!

Time of Event: 11:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Shelter 501 at the McKeldin Area- 11676 Marriottsville Road
Marriottsville, MD 21104
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Length of Trail: The hike is about 2.5 miles, which will take approximately 2 hours.
Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes (boots are preferred) appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).
RSVP: Reservations are not necessary. Call Patapsco Valley State Park Headquarters at 410-461-5005 for any further questions!

South Mountain State Battlefield: Following the Footsteps of Civil War Soldiers
Washington County
Join a Park Ranger for a guided hike through history. Learn about important and stirring events from the Battle of South Mountain, while you hike along a road trace used by thousands of soldiers during the September 14, 1862 battle. The guided hike begins at Turner’s Gap and ends at Fox’s Gap. Participants will have the option to spend additional time exploring Fox’s Gap and hike back to the parking area on their own. Pets on a leash are welcome. There are no restroom facilities at this location. Hike is not stroller friendly.

Time of Event: 1 p.m. 
Meeting Location: Appalachian Trail Parking Lot adjacent to the Old South Mountain Inn (6132 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713) 
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for all ages 
Length of Hike: 2 miles round trip 
Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather and bring water for drinking
RSVP: Call Greenbrier State Park at 301-791-4767 to register

Difficult Hikes 

Cunningham Falls State Park: Cat Rock Guided Hike
Frederick County
Hike with a Ranger to beautiful Cat Rock. This difficult hike will begin at the Cat Rock Parking Lot, located across the road from the National Park Headquarters. Start the New Year with some strenuous activity! This hike is weather-dependent, participants will be notified about cancellation via phone by Dec. 31. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Time of Event: 1:00 PM
Meeting Location: Cat Rock Parking Lot, 6571 Foxville Road Thurmont MD 21788
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult
Length of Hike: 3 miles, round trip
Things to Bring: Sturdy close-toed boots, warm clothing, water, snacks, boot ice grips, and hiking poles.
RSVP: (301) 712-6964 by Dec. 31

Contributing Author: Emily Huebner

Emily Huebner is the Assistant Director of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. Prior to joining the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area in 2017, she worked on the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland at the Maryland State Archives. She received her undergraduate degree in History... Read More