Bringing You DC Area Hikes, Running Races and Other Outdoor Happenings In the New Year

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As the season for mass family obligations comes to a wrap, we have been named the latest site to the Washington Post’s Local Blog Directory.  Below find our final hike through Maryland on the AT as we complete the whopping 41 miles of trail through the state, upcoming running race opportunities in the DC area, a booming outdoor winter festival and winter cabins available to rent from the state of Maryland.

Final Maryland AT Hike for State’s Completion:  Starting from Gathland State Park in Maryland once again we headed back to Lamb’s Knoll, which we had gleefully conquered one afternoon several weeks before.  The Gmap says we only went about 6.5 miles roundtrip

From a different hike, the Shenandoah shimmers just before the New Year with views of Virginia and West Virginia from Maryland.

but our AT map says we did it was about 8 miles.  It was a gorgeous fall day when we went and fall we did.  We headed north on the trail for about 4 mostly flat miles up to Lamb’s Knoll, which we’d reached before.  The AT map had a short loop right about where we turned around so we took one way there and one way back.  Unfortunately it proved to basically be a drop off that was knee deep in leaves.  At the bottom of the short drop off that we basically slid down there was a sign that said something like “Caution: Steep Trail.”  It was pretty funny but had it been icy could have been a bit more dangerous.  Next week we continue in to Virginia.

• Run in to the New Year:  Say you want to drop a few extra holiday pounds like I do.  There are a plethora of races to run and get ready for by running in the DC area.  The best calendar I’ve seen to date is the Washington Running Report, which has a great calendar you can sort by a number of topics.  If you’re looking around elsewhere, between the Washington Running Report, Runner’s World Magazine Races and Places Search Tool, and, if you prefer dirt or mud to pavement, Trail Runner Magazine, you’ll cover most of your race bases.  We’ll be running in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday, April 9, 2011, in their half marathon.  Let us know if you’ll be there.
  

• Gunpowder Falls Winter Festival:  Join park staff for a fun and warm day in the middle of winter. Enjoy hot chocolate, storytelling, winter crafts and kids’ activities. Great family fun! Please pre-register if you plan to attend. January 9, 2pm – 4pm. $2/person. Gunpowder Falls State Park – Monkton Train Station. Monkton, Maryland. Call (410) 592-2897 for more information.

• Winter Cabins and Camping in Maryland:  The Maryland Park Service offers more than 2,000 campsites, 120 full-service and camper  cabins, and 100 picnic shelters in case you feel the need to dine in a park in winter.  Reservations for all of their facilities can be made by calling 1-888-432-2267 from 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday or online 24-7 at reservations.dnr.state.md.us.