Mason-Dixon Map 5 and Park Map / MD Bus
*$36 plus swimming area fee. Long hike: 12 mi., 1500 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 8 mi., 1000 ft. elevation gain.*
This is a mostly flat hike through abundantly-grown meadow around a large lake in Gifford Pinchot State Park. Starting at the East Campground Entrance, all hikers do a counterclockwise hike around the lake. Long hikers can add distance on the Gifford Pinchot Trail, equestrian trails (somewhat brushy and overgrown), and on the Quaker Race Trail.
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RESERVATIONS
Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. We don't want to leave you behind!
Because this is a paid event, we cannot offer a waitlist should the hike fill up. If spots subsequently open up, they will become immediately available to anyone and everyone.
FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace.
BUS STOPS: MARYLAND ROUTING
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before times listed below. All our bus stops are Metro accessible. If you're driving to meet the bus, we strongly advise using the Grosvenor bus stop, as parking is extremely limited at the others. Bus stops and times are as follows (click links for maps):
• [DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu) downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
• [Connecticut Ave. and Porter St,, NW, northeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutPorter). Bus briefly stops at the curb in front of the Broadmoor Apartments to pick up hikers about 8:10 a.m.
• [Connecticut Ave. and McKinley St., NW, southeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutMcKinley). Bus stops at the bus shelter in front of the Safeway to pick up hikers about 8:20 a.m.
• Twinbrook Metro Station, North Bethesda. Bus stops at the bus shelter nearest to Metro Station walkway entrance about 8:30 a.m. There is outdoor parking available.
LIABILITY
By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before 12PM the Thursday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](https://www.capitalhikingclub.org/hikes-faqs)
for answers to questions such as these and many more:
• What should I bring on a hike?
• Can things be left on the bus during the hike?
• When will the bus return to the metro Washington DC area?
• Can I drive my car and meet the bus at the hike destination?
• Are dogs allowed on hikes?
