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buuj214 t1_ixz7mwv wrote

Almost all of the hiking throughout the area will be beginner-friendly. Lake Roland has parking and only a couple trails- you can just start walking and turn around when you want. You can walk around Druid Hill; there are paved and unpaved trails there, so a good mix for beginners - parking throughout the park or recommend the end of Parkdale Ave. Wyman Park has a little easy trail- street parking. Out of the city, Loch Raven and Patapsco have tons of trails that are beginner friendly while offering strenuous climbs or distances. I like starting at the parking area off Dulaney Valley rd just west of the bridge at Loch Raven. For Patapsco, recommend parking on Rolling Road in Catonsville (basically opposite the park and ride at the end of 195).

I couldn’t tell you trail names but I recommend just trying different routes and seeing what you like, rather than trying to stick to a particular trail. Just make sure you have a map or AllTrails or something. OnTheGoMap works well too.

Recommend REI for boots. Try a bunch on, get some input from staff etc.

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BeyondRecovery1 OP t1_ixzm9el wrote

This is great thanks a bunch.

How do I personally know it’s time to turn around? Do people normally hike alone?

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buuj214 t1_ixzo8mr wrote

All of these parks will have plenty of people hiking and biking so safety shouldn’t be an issue, especially out in the county. No wildlife concerns; bears aren’t an issue here. Injury is always something to consider, if you slip in a stream crossing or whatever but again, should be plenty of people on these trails. I’d say it’s fine to hike alone, but for context I’m a 6’2” male so, grain of salt.

You’ll need to judge when to turn around based on fitness level but regardless, bring water and maybe even a clif bar or something. Maybe just go 20 mins out, and back on your first go. See how that feels, then you have a baseline and you can do 25 mins or whatever next time. Plus you know if you like that particular route or want to try something else. It’s ok to hike a short distance but it is not ok to realize you hiked too far out. But again, all these trails are beginner friendly.

Btw in this area it’s supposed to be bikers yield to hikers and both yield to horses. In reality a hiker not letting a mountain biker pass on a descent or a climb is a total dick move. Also don’t feel offended if a biker rings a bell- just trying to make sure you know they’re there. (Edited: fixed last paragraph)

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BeyondRecovery1 OP t1_iy4ai8q wrote

That reminds me, I need to buy a bike. I love riding one but I don’t want anything I have to bend on. Where should I go looking for one?

And when is the best time to buy?

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