What we’re about
The Patapsco Hikers has moderate hikes most Thursdays centered in Howard, Baltimore, and Carroll counties. Most hikes are 7-10 miles in length and involve 500 – 1500 feet of climb at a pace of 2.5 – 3 mph. We also have occasional, easier (five miles or so, less than 800 feet of climb) hikes on Mondays.
Upcoming hikes are posted on the internet on Sunday or Monday for the following Thursday, weather permitting. We typically start at 9:30 sharp and end around 1 PM or so with an optional lunch at a modest nearby venue or trailside.
Note that the hike description gives the estimated length and cumulative climb of the hike along with some descriptive elements (rocky, rooty, muddy, etc). Please judge carefully if this hike will be a pleasant experience for you (we want to come back) or an unpleasant struggle that will kill your enthusiasm for hiking.
Hikes are limited to 10 attendees. “Yes” RSVP’s are required for each hike. We ask you to donate $1 per hike to pay Meetup fees but no one will be turned away if they choose not to donate.
Well-mannered dogs are permitted but only with prior approval from the group organizer.
Please note that I do not answer my phone unless I know who's calling. You can send me a message through the Meetup website.
WARNING Patapsco Hikers (PH) takes a common-sense approach to hiking/walking. We encourage participants use their best judgement and err on the side of caution when participating with the group. This is an outdoor activity and mishaps do occur.
By registering for any hike, you agree to the following waiver of liability:
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“I am aware of the risks inherent in outdoor activities. Therefore, I will be responsible for my own well-being while participating in the activities of the Patapsco Hikers, and while traveling to and from these activities. I agree that the Patapsco Hikers Meetup Group, its officers, representatives, other participants and trip leaders are not liable individually or collectively for any injury, disease, sickness, loss, or damage to my person or property, direct or consequential, arising out of the activities of the Group. Neither I nor anyone in my household is currently in quarantine, is awaiting the results of a corona-virus test, or has a fever, or any flu-like symptoms.”
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Hike with us; it’s good for your heart and good for your soul. Hike more and you'll worry less.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Come Find "religion" at Baltimore's Ministry of BrewingMinistry of Brewing , Baltimore, MD
Come check out Baltimore's most religious brewery!! Let's get together and end the week on a social note! https://ministryofbrewing.com/
Something’s brewing (literally) inside St. Michael’s Church in Fells Point.
Located on the northeast corner of Lombard and South Wolfe streets. The brewery aims to bring a classic rotation of beers and a unique gathering spot to the neighborhood.General manager Jon Holley says the novel idea of a church brewery is unlike anything neighbors will likely expect, especially when they step inside the church and look up toward the vast barrel vault ceiling.
“When I came on board, I was like, ‘Oh, a church brewery—that’s cool,’" he says. "But then walking in here I think my jaw dropped. There’s nothing really like this anywhere. We just want to have a good atmosphere, good food, good beer, and good people.”
Built in 1857, the church was designed by Baltimore architect Louis Long in the style of early Romanesque Revival. It served the “significant waves of German Catholic immigrants that settled in East Baltimore during the mid-19th century and the Redemptorists who took charge of these German Catholics as part of their mission here in Baltimore,” according to National Register of Historic Places.
It became the oldest continuously operating Redemptorist Catholic church in Baltimore. After most recently serving Hispanic parishioners, St. Michael’s closed in 2011. It was abandoned until Ministry of Brewing partners—Jeff Hunt, Michael Powell, Ernst Valery and David Wendell—bought the building in 2017, with a deal closing in 2018.
The church first caught the eye of Valery, a real estate developer. As more partners became involved, a brewery felt like the right fit for the church’s next life. Hunt—who also opened MadTree Brewing in Cincinnati, Ohio—says that turning the building into a 250-seat brewery has been a "unique undertaking."
Beer hall–style tables are made from wood reclaimed from the church, with the brewery’s logo burned into the center of each. Food will be available, and Holley says to expect pub fare such as baskets of flavored popcorn, burgers and flatbreads.
A large bar, around 40 feet long, will soon be covered with a crushed oyster shell concrete bar top. The bar will initially serve classic beer styles—all made by Ministry of Brewing—such as a fruit-forward IPA, a pilsner, and a sour. Head brewer Dave Macala will use a 20-barrel system, with the equipment fittingly perched on the altar.
“He’s excited to do some pretty unique things with beer,” Holley says. “We’re going to get pretty nerdy with it.” Holley adds that the beers will be available draft only to start, and self-distribution plans around town are in the works.
Along with the beer hall tables replacing where rows of pews once were, patrons will find a lounge underneath the choir loft with low tables, cozy love seats, and couches. A platform with stairs, which is closer to the altar on the right-hand side, will lead out to a small outdoor courtyard with additional tables.
The partners are preserving as much as they can to honor the church’s history. A number of specialized sub-contractors are working to restore the grand columns and one of the saint murals on the ceiling, as well as lightening the interior paint. The Stations of the Cross are also being touched up and will be filled with acoustical material to mitigate noise levels.
Holley says when the partners first got into the building, the stained glass was gone and only eight pews remained. They’re currently refurbishing the leftover pews to use as booths around some of the tables.
