Hiking and Hops at Palmer State Park and Independent Brewing Company Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Jan 17, 2026; 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Sierra Club's Greater Baltimore Group

Location: 620 East-West Hwy, Bel Air, MD 21014, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Paul Dongarra
   pdongarra70@gmail.com
   410-733-6077
Jack Wise
   hikingjack@netzero.net

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 the brewery doesn't appear to be dog friendly, however, you are welcome to call the brewery to see if that is accurate.

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 it is still officially in tick season.  Protection strategies include: treating clothes with Permethrin, 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: 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.
• Explore Harford County's Attractions

Level: Easy

Cost: Free

Signup Instructions: Everyone who attends needs to register and sign the waiver. Guardians will have to sign the waiver for any minors under the age of 18 that is under their care.

Bring: Water, trekking poles if you use them and wear sturdy shoes

Signup Restrictions: This event is limited to 70 participants.

Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels