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If you pause during your trek through the forest, you are likely to see rabbits, gray squirrels, beavers, white-tailed deer and red fox. Listen for the beautiful songs of warblers or the whistle of a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead. Along the banks of the river, bird watchers will spot Canada geese, green herons, kingfishers, mallards and wood ducks year-round. Although rarely seen, screech owls, barred owls, great-horned owls, kestrels and wild turkeys also inhabit the forest.
This adventure has several distance and difficulty options so there is truly something for everyone so come on out for good times! Newbies who like to stroll as well as seasoned hikers are welcome. Just know that the first two legs are very easy and parts in this section are on paved paths but much is packed dirt. But, if you stay for the last leg of this hike that goes beyond the falls, it becomes the typical rooty and rocky Maryland terrain with a couple of stream crossings and is a moderate hike.
This trek begins with a trek on a mostly paved path (2.5 very easy/newbie) and explores the swinging bridge and some interesting ruins. The second leg is also on a paved path (1.25 very easy miles-family/stroller) and takes us to the world's first internally housed hydroelectric dam and back. The third leg is out and back on a packed dirt, hilly, and rocky path leading up to Cascade Falls (0.5 moderate miles). Ready to explore beyond the falls? Join us for our fourth and final leg for a custom hike of several combined trails with several minor stream crossings with stepping stones (5.3 very moderate mile circuit with minor stream crossings with stepping stones). This brings our total hike distance to 9.55 miles if you complete all the legs of this hike!
Trail Information
Nearby City: Ellicott City
Length: Varies as described above but 2.5 - 9.55 with three bailouts.
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Skill Level: Varies from Very Easy, paved and flat to Moderate only due to length and some rolling hills on rocky terrain
Duration: Options ranging from 1 to about 5.5 hours with an average of a 2-2.5mph pace for the stroll paced group and a 3+mph for the brisker group.
Trailhead Elev: Options ranging from 20 to 300
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine!
Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.
Carpool Information
Due to the proximity of the trailhead to the hike leaders location, there no formal carpool. However, if you can drive or want to carpool from any 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 is at a beat the heat time of 8:00AM
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 and ALL guides/sweepers are equipped with two way waterproof radios (15 miles) with GPS navigator and NOAA weather in addition to polling for optimum safety on the trail, which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing leaving no trace
I need a ride from Bethesda area and can meet anyone going from VA or MD over the beltway (right at the exit to Wisconsin avenue). Appreciate it as I am without a car at the moment.
Thank you to everyone that came out for this hike. You are all some great folks and I look forward to see you all again on another hike. Stay safe.
Beautiful spot, and great taking some new trails. Thanks to fellow hikers who rallied to support a hiking friend who was not feeling well-you're super!
Park Range opened the gates early at our request and we set off along the railroad tracks to cross the swinging bridge and hike the glen.
Think we covered about 6 miles up and down hills at a moderate pace. Good folks and friendly conversation. I'd like to explore the trails around the lower end of the Orange Grove site the next time out.
Is anyone carpooling from the DC metro area? I do not have a vehicle so I will need a ride to the trail head!