Hiking and Hops Outing at Rocks State Park and Falling Branch Brewery
Join as he leads another Sierra Club Hiking and Hops outing,
whereby we visit a nearby brewery after our hike (optional).
Going on a Hiking and Hops with Paul means spending about four hours in genuine conversation with someone positioned to be your next Councilperson. It is an opportunity to share ideas, raise concerns, and talk about what truly matters to you and your community in a relaxed, informal setting. Too often, once elected, officials become inaccessible. Paul is committed to meeting people where they are, listening closely, and building real, lasting connections that continue long after Election Day.
Cost: Free
REGISTER HERE
NOTE!!!!! This is one of our more vigorous hikes. It is not too long but it is steep and goes up and down quite a bit. Please wear appropriate shoes and consider bringing hiking poles as they really help!
SCENIC ALERT! This hike has fantastic scenic overviews. Our last visit the trees were leaved out, but this time of year, it should provide a totally different experience.
Cost: Free
Date: Feb. 15th, 2026
Time: 11:30am-4pm
Location: Giant Food Parking Lot: 1401 Rock Spring Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014
MEETUP NOTES: We will be meeting in the Giant Food parking lot.
Paul your outing leader drives a lime green Toyota Prius. Jack our other leader drives a white Subaru wagon with storage containers on the roof.
LAND RECOGNITION: this hike is taking place on the ancestral lands once occupied by the Susquahannock peoples
Trailhead Restroom facilities: there are no restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail. There will be a restroom in the Giant where we will be departing from. Use your best judgement if you want to hit the potty before the hike.
LEAVE NO TRACE: Be prepared to carry your trash out with you, better yet, bring a small bag to pick up trash left by others.
CHILDREN over 8 are welcome if accompanied by a legal guardian.
DOGS: this hike is not appropriate for dogs as there are some steer cliff like areas where dogs could endanger participants.
WATER: please bring your own water to stay hydrated.
Hiking poles and hiking boots are not required but always a good idea. Susquehanna has lots of hills and poles help. Laced, closed toe shoes are required. Hat, bug spray and sunscreen suggested if needed.
DAY OF CONTACT: Paul Dongarra, 410-733-6077 or Jack Wise: 443-903-9042
Hike Details: 10:00am -2:00pm
This hike should take approximately 3.5-4.5 hours to complete. Keep in mind that 30 minutes of this time is traveling from our meetup location to the trailhead in the park. Along the trail there may be tripping hazards such as rocky conditions or exposed roots. We will be finding a spot to stop for lunch if you'd like to pack something to eat.
Brewery Details:
Falling Branch Brewery, 825 Highland Rd, Street, MD 21154
Level: Strenuous
Cost: Free
Signup Instructions: Everyone who attends needs to register and sign the waiver. Guardians will have to sign the waiver for any minors under the age of 18 that is under their care.
Bring: Water, trekking poles if you use them and wear sturdy shoes
Signup Restrictions: This event is limited to 70 participants.
Additional Directions: We will be meeting at the Giant Parking lot at 10am and then carpooling to the Park's parking lot to minimize the risk of not having enough parking.
Carpool: Please offer up your car for a carpool and/or look for a ride being offered close to you. See carpool Sing UP URL
Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.
Cancellation Policy: Any rain cancels