THE FIRST HIKE OF 2021 IS COMPLETE!
Only 49 more, that's all. The optimism of ONLY 49 to go is such a trainer thing to say.
Today's hike was a good but unexpected one. Why unexpected Tikima? Alexis and I thought we were going to another trail and Alltrails dropped us off at Hidden Green Trail instead. Being the just go with the flow type of people we are, we decided to try this trail out. Besides, it was new-to-us trail and that was one of the two rules for the #50FirstHikes challenge remember?
LOCATION
Hidden Creek Green Trail Gaithersburg MD, USA
DESCRIPTION
Hidden Creek Trail is tightly nestled in the middle of a neighborhood. Based on the route you take it has an equal mixture of paved and natural surfaces. We normally do not start a hike without a plan but this hike was an exception since we planned for a different trail. Therefore, we winged the 2.36 miles hiked.
DIFFICULTY
This was a relatively easy hike. 1 out of 10
HIDDEN CREEK TRAIL: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- I would like to consider this a neighborhood trail hence it being a "trash-free" trail. There are no trash cans available. In order to protect the wildlife, visitors, and keep the trail beautiful, what garbage you bring in you must take with you. I like to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines whenever I go hiking.
- We parked in a local neighborhood and we did not come across any trouble. Please read street signage prior to parking, you don't want to park in someone's residential parking spot.
- Local public trails normally do not charge for use. Therefore there weren't any admission fees.
- The WiFi service was great. We had service our entire hike.
ONE PIECE OF GEAR I AM HAPPY I BROUGHT
The first week of January + being on the east coast = COLD AF!!
I feel like this entire blog I feel the need to remind you that I am originally from California. So you can understand when I say, cold weather is not flattering on me. This Sunday afternoon was cold but not unbearable with the help of my trusty NorthFace TriClimate Waterproof Jacket. I love that I could remove the inner fleece if the weather changes while on my hike.
ONE PIECE OF GEAR I WISH I BROUGHT
BETTER GLOVES!! I have been eyeing some WhitePaw RunMitts and I think it is time to put my order in. I brought my daughter's gloves with me because mine was in the washing machine. Want to hear more about WhitePaw RunMitts? My podcast Fit Black Queens had the opportunity to interview the inventor of these great mittens.
BEST PART OF THE HIKE
Who doesn't like a discovery? I love a great find, especially during a hike. While hiking, Alexis and I stumbled across an old, graffiti-covered dam. Can we say cool? I was able to test out my strong knees with a SQUAT!!
MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE HIKE
There really was not a difficult part of this hike. It was accessible for many and quite fun.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGE
The land we hiked today was of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe. The Piscataway Conoy Tribe was prominent throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. It was enlightening to learn about the tribe's history. From their first European encounter in 1608 to Maryland's Governor Martin O'Malley reestablishing government-to-government relations by granting "State Recognition of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe" in 2012.
America's past of disenfranchising people of color is painful but it is up to us to know our past. I encourage you to learn more about the Piscataway Conoy Tribe.
WHAT DID I LEARN?
This hike was fun. We began late afternoon and ended just before sunset. I visit Gaithersburg, MD frequently and never knew this trail was there. This hike challenged my idea of a hike. I was starting to think that a hike must be in a state park, mountain, or something that was densely packed with luscious greenery. This hike reminded me that it does not have to strenuous.
I lived in Maryland when Governor Martin O'Malley granted state recognition of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe. I am grateful to learn more about the Piscataway Conoy Tribe.
OVERALL RATING
Don't get mad but I don't think I can rate this trail. Sorry! I can say that this trail is great for beginners and pretty accessible for everyone.
Stay tuned for more hikes and recaps. Alexis and I will post our adventures on our Instagram page. If you are participating in the #50FirstHikes challenge, I would love to hear about your hikes!
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