Nature Photography
Location: Any of the six trails Hiking Along leads hikes
Description: Children will learn how to observe nature through a camera lens, practicing techniques of photographing perspective, light, color, shapes, and movement. The camera will engage children to participate in nature differently while focusing their observation skills. Cameras are provided with a maximum group size of twelve. Hike participants will receive their photographs within a week after the hike. This hike is best for children 8 years or older.
Beavers and Animal Adaptations
Location: Northwest Branch Trail, Silver Spring, MD
Description: Children will learn about beavers in their habitat and the reasons for their activity on the trail. They will also learn about how beavers and other animals adapt to their ecosystems in order to survive. This hike is adaptable to all ages.
Directions: 495 to Colesville Road, also known as Rt. 29, north. At the first traffic light, turn right on to University Blvd. to make an immediate left in the turn around lane. You will then be going west on University Blvd. Turn right on to Dennis Avenue. Dennis Avenue becomes Lockrigde Drive. Follow this road to the end. We will meet at the trail head at the end of Lockridge Drive.
John Muir: The Father of Our National Parks
Location: Great Falls National Park, VA ($5.00 park fee)
Description: Children will gain a greater understanding of John Muir, who spent his life advocating for the natural world. Children will learn about his contributions to our country and society: the creation of the Sierra Club (an environmental movement) and the creation of our National Parks System, the setting aside of precious land to preserve ecosystems and for people to experience and learn from. This hike is best for older elementary to high school-age groups.
Directions: 495 to exit 193 Virginia, Georgetown Pike. Drive west on Georgetown Pike. Go 4 miles. Turn right at your first traffic light onto Old Dominion Rd. Go one mile to the park entrance. We will meet outside the Visitor Center.
Kids Are Fascinated With Rocks
Location: C&O Canal National Historic Park, Billy Goat Trail, Part B
Description: Children will learn about the foundation of Earth: the formation of rocks, the rock cycle, the types of rocks, and the geologic history of Maryland and Virginia. This hike is adaptable to all ages.
Directions: 495 to Exit 41, West on the Clara Barton Parkway. Take the Parkway until it ends at MacArthur Blvd. Turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. Straight at the stop sign. Turn left into a parking lot about a half mile from the stop sign across the street from Old Angler’s Inn. We will meet in the lower parking lot in front of the C&O Canal sign.
Why Are Trees Important?
Location: Scotts Run Nature Preserve, Great Falls, VA
Description: Children will learn about the importance of trees in our natural and human worlds. They will discover different kinds of trees, their parts, their characteristics, and why trees are different from one another. This hike is adaptable to all ages.
Directions: 495 to the 193 exit, Georgetown Pike. Drive west on Georgetown Pike. Go less than a mile and turn right into the SECOND Scotts Run Parking Lot. We will meet at the trail head at the end of the parking lot.
A Deciduous Ecosystem
Location: Rock Creek Park, Nature Center, Washington, D.C.
Description: Children will learn about the ecosystem of a deciduous forest in the Washington area. They will understand and follow a food web in the forest and what happens to it when a species is endangered. Children will learn about and provide solutions to the human impact on a forest food web. This hike is adaptable to all ages.
Directions: 495 to the Georgia Ave. exit south (towards DC). At the 3rd traffic light, take a right onto 16th St. Follow 16th St. (about 4 miles) until you take a right onto Military Rd. At your first traffic light, take a left onto Oregon Ave. Nature Center will be on your left, follow the signs to the parking lot. We will meet outside in front of the Nature Center.
A Wetlands Ecosystem
Location: Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD
Description: Children will learn about the ecosystem of a wetland, in specific an aquatic plant bed. Through the use of their senses, they will explore the plants and aquatic organisms of a wetland. Children will learn about the importance wetlands provide to humans and to the survival of local and global environments. This hike is adaptable to all ages.
Directions: 495 to the Baltimore Washington Parkway. Drive north towards Baltimore on the Parkway. Take the Powder Mill Rd. exit. Turn right off the exit ramp (drive south on Powder Mill Rd). Drive about three miles on Powder Mill Rd. The entrance to the Patuxent Research Refuge and the National Wildlife Center is on the right side. Follow the long driveway to the parking lot. We will meet at the wolves' statue in front of the National Wildlife Building.
Hiking Safety and Leave No Trace
Location: Any of the six trails Hiking Along leads hikes
Description: Children will learn how to prepare for a hike, what essential items to pack in a backpack, and what to do if they get lost in the woods. They will also learn about the seven principles of leaving no trace in the environment when hiking or camping. This hike is adaptable to all ages.
Twilight Hike
Location: Northwest Branch Trail, Silver Spring, MD and Scotts Run Nature Preserve, Great Falls, VA
Description: Come explore the forest as twilight descends to night. Animal activity abounds during dusk and dawn. Test your senses like animals do. Children will learn and experience how their senses of hearing, smell, and touch and feel become heightened as they loose their sense of sight. The children will use teamwork to hike the trail as twilight descends to night. This hike is geared to ages 8-18.
Directions: Please see Beaver and Animal Adaptations for directions to Northwest Branch Trail and Why are Trees Important for directions to Scotts Run Nature Preserve.
Please print and fill out the Individual Participant Form or the Group Participant Form and the Medical Information Form, the Liability Waver Statement, and the Things To Bring List.