Hiking and Hops Outing at Palmer State Park and Independent Brewing Company
Join Paul as he leads another Sierra Club Hiking and Hops outing,
whereby we visit a nearby brewery after our hike (optional).
Cost: Free
Register Here!
Date: January 17th, 2026
Time: 11:30am-3:00pm
Location: Hickory Park & Ride, parking is limited at the Park so in case we have a large turnout, we will carpool to the park's smaller lot from the park and ride. Our last hike here was so well attended that we ran out of parking spaces.
Independent Brewing Company: 418 N Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014
MEETUP NOTES:
Paul your outing leader will be standing by his lime green Toyota Prius. Email, info@paulforcouncil.net if you’d like to carpool with Paul
LAND RECOGNITION: this hike is taking place on the ancestral lands once occupied by the Susquehanock peoples
Trailhead Restroom facilities: BE ADVISED: there are no restrooms at the park other than those nature has provided. As you drive to the meet up, please leave time to make a quick bathroom stop if required.
LEAVE NO TRACE: Palmer State Park has trash and recycle cans on the property. However, be prepared to carry your trash out with you.
CHILDREN over 8 are welcome if accompanied by a legal guardian.
DOGS: welcomed, but must be leashed and waste picked up after: NOTE: there are no dog waste stations or trash cans at the park and check to see if the brewery is dog friendly.
WATER: please bring some water to stay hydrated.
Hiking poles and hiking boots are suggested by not required. Laced, closed toe shoes are required. Hat, bug spray and sunscreen suggested if needed.
TICK warning: Even though the weather has cooled, a tick check afterwards is always suggested.
DAY OF CONTACT: Paul Dongarra, 410-733-6077
Hike Details: 11:30am -1:30pm
This 3.4 mile hike, on average, takes approximately 1.25- 2 hours to complete. The trails are well maintained although in certain places along the trail there may be tripping hazards such as rocky conditions or exposed roots and leaves on the trail can cause slippery conditions.
Generally speaking it is not too hilly, BUT, there is a 321 ft descent down to Deer Creek and then the ascent back up.
If you have any concerns about your ability to complete this hike, PLEASE contact Paul our outing's leader.
Notes of interest: learn about morel habitat, see a native persimmon and hornbeam trees both interesting and beautiful understory trees. We will also see interesting archeological ruins of an old furnace along with dense quartz deposits that we refined in this old furnace.
Visiting the Brewery: 2pm-whenever
The brewery is a 20 minute drive from the park, however, we are headed in a southern direction towards the Baltimore area and will be returning to the park and ride prior to going to the brewery. After the hike you can either go home, explore the area or depart to Independent Brewing Company to celebrate our great hike.
Want to Stay a While? Here are some points of interest in the area:
Downtown Belair for a nice small town window shopping and dining experience.
Broom's Bloom Dairy for some craft made ice cream
Numerous other agricultural tourism opportunities can be found here.