The hike brings participants into the Patapsco Valley State Park, highlighting its restorative natural beauty, while emphasizing access for those reliant on public transit. At the same time, it introduces local residents who are hesitant about bus use to a simple, low-stakes experience—riding a few stops to reach the trailhead. The program blends environmental appreciation with transit familiarization, fostering both connection to nature and comfort with sustainable mobility.
NOTE: This is not a formal campaign event, but rather is a Sierra Club Event, created and led by Paul Dongarra.
Trailhead/Transit Stop: CCBC, Catonsville, MD Bus Stop at Parking Lot #7
NOTES about the transit stop: This stop is serviced by the the 32, 37 and 76 bus lines.
The beautiful Sawmill Branch will be our rest stop of this hike. There are many large rock formations to explore.
Location: We are meeting in the parking lot by CCBC, Catonsville's Bus Stop lot 7. Paul Dongarra will be there to greet you as we wait for others to arrive
NOT NEAR TRANSIT STOPS: consider carpooling!
LAND RECOGNITION: this hike is taking place on the ancestral lands once occupied by the Piscataway peoples
Trailhead Restroom facilities: there are no restrooms at the trailhead, however, there are bathrooms along the way and we'll stop twice.
LEAVE NO TRACE: Patapsco Valley State Park is a trash free park. Be prepared to carry your trash out with you.
CHILDREN over 8 are welcome if accompanied by a legal guardian.
DOGS: we love dogs, but this hike it would be best to have them stay home.
WATER: please bring your own water to stay hydrated along our hike.
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 it is still officially in tick season. Protection strategies include: treating clothes withPermethrin, wearing long pants tucked into socks and wearing a hat and long sleeves, insect repellent, and of course performing a tick check afterwards is always suggested.
DAY OF CONTACT: Paul Dongarra, 410-733-6077
Hike details useKomoota nice hiking app.
Longer Hike Details: 10:30am -3:00 pm
This hike is approximately 4.5 miles and, with our lunch stop, should take approximately 4.5 hours to complete. The trail is very well maintained although in certain places along the trail gets a bit rocky and you have to traverse some granite formations. There may be tripping hazards such as rocky conditions or exposed roots along the route.
There are several stream crossings, which may cause shoes to become wet.
The hike begins with a gentle decent down to Bull Run and then back up to the Hilton area, where we'll take a quick bathroom break. From there we'll take the Santee Trail down to the Sawmill Branch, for a 5 minute rest. Crossing the creek we will continue along the Sawmill Branch Trail (there is little bit of rock formation to traverse by the stream) to the Forest Valley Trail whose elevation gain of approx. 200 ft presents the most physically demanding part of the hike. At this point we will be taking a 1 hour break to join the Greater Baltimore Group's annual member picnic, we'll backtrack to our starting destination.
Shorter Hike Details: 10:30am -3:00 pm (SAME TIME BUT SHORTER HIKE & LONGER LUNCH STOP)
1.5 miles: The first part of the hike is the same as the longer hike, but instead of continuing on after our first bathroom stop you will stay at the pavilion where you will enjoy lunch as you'll wait for the rest of the group to return to the pavilion. This is a great opportunity to bring a book to enjoy reading in the solitude of nature, sit and listen to all the bird calls using the Merlin Birdwatching app, or explore the parks sensory trail that is located steps away.
HANGOUT NOTES 9:30-10:30am and 3-4pm
Buses can run late, to mitigate that risk we will be at the parking lot by the bus stop in case you arrive as early as 9:30am or have to wait for your bus up to 4 pm.
IF YOU ARE RIDING PUBLIC TRANSIT, PLEASE TRY TO ARRIVE BY 10AM. That way, if you are late, you should still be able to make the hike. We will be there by 9:30am in case you really want to make it.
PLEASE text Lindsey Mendelson at 240-706-7901 if you are running late.
We will also have volunteers available to share information before the hike about Sierra Club transportation campaigns and how you can get more involved in the effort to improve access to green space, jobs, education, food, and healthcare by improving public transit, walking, and biking infrastructure.
After hike, Paul will wait with you for your bus to arrive ensuring that everyone gets to where they need to be.