American Chestnut Land Trust

a land conservancy

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ACLT's 2025 Guided Hikes

Join us on a guided hike along ACLT’s beautiful trails. Our 26 miles of trails meander through old-growth forests, up and down ravines, along meadows, streams, and the pristine Parkers Creek.

The hikes are lead by Master Naturalists who will fill you in on all you’re seeing along the way and share information about the history of ACLT and other interesting facts.

Registration is required and is open to ACLT members first. Click on the dates below to register.

2025 Dates & Details

 
  • Saturday, January 11, 2025 – New Year’s Resolution Guided Hike
    Time: 10:00am (will last approx. 1.5 hours)
    Location: Begins at South Trailhead Barn (arrive by 9:45am)
    Trails: Frog Pond Trail to Ridge Trail to Flint Trail to Ridge Trail
    Notes: Mostly flat; one incline

  • Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Sweetheart Guided Hike
    Bring a special someone to share your love of ACLT.
    Time: 10:00am (lasts approximately 2.5 hours)
    Location: Begins at North Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 9:45am)
    Trails: Horse Swamp Trail to Bay Overlook and back
    Notes: Several inclines; can be slippery when wet

  • Saturday, March 22, 2025 – MLB Opening Day Hike on the Oriole Trail
    Celebrate the 2025 Opening Day of America’s Game! MLB trivia along the way.
    Time: 10:00am (lasts approximately 2.5 hours)
    Location: South Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 9:45am)
    Trails: East Loop to Oriole Trail and back
    Note: Several inclines

  • Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Spring Ephemeral Guided Hike
    Witness the beauty of the spring ephemerals before they’re gone!
    Time: 10:00am (lasts approximately 2.5 hours)
    Location: North Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 9:45am)
    Trails: Horse Swamp to Parkers Creek Overlook and back
    Notes: several inclines; can be slippery when wet

  • Saturday, May 10, 2025 – Night Hike (Adults only) 
    Time    : 8:00pm (lasts approximately 2.5 hours)
    Location: North Side Trailhead Barn
    Trail: Parkers Creek Loop
    Notes: ADULTS ONLY; Bring a headlight and flashlight; some inclines

  • Thursday, May 29 2025 – Mountain Laurel Guided Hike
    Hike through acres of beautiful Mountain Laurels
    Time: 6:30-8pm
    Location: South Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 6:15pm)
    Trail: Laurel Trail
    Note: Date is subject to change based on bloom time of the Laurels.

  • Sunday, June 8, 2025 – Scavenger Hunt/Hike
    Hikers will look for nature-related items and learn about what they find.
    Time: 10:00am (lasts approximately 2 hours)
    Location: South Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 9:45am)
    Trails: Ridge Trail to Laurel to Karen’s Trail to East Loop and back
    Note: Several inclines

  • Saturday, June 21, 2025 – Garden Tour & Optional Hike
    ACLT’s “Flower Girls” will show off the garden with an optional hike around Griffin Meadow Trail
    Time: 10:00am (lasts approximately 1.5 hours)
    Location: North Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 9:45am)
    Trail: Griffin Meadow Trail
    Note: Level, grassy

  • Sunday, July 13, 2024 – Guided Hike with Snacks at the Raft
    Extra long hike on the Parkers Creek Loop with a 30-minute stop at the Raft for photos & snacks.
    Time: 9:00am (last approximately 3.5 hours)
    Location: North Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 8:45am)
    Trails: Parkers Creek Trail (PC1-PC6), North/South Spur. 

  • Saturday, August 16, 2025 – Summer Evening Walk
    Say farewell to Summer with a guided hike along Parkers Creek Loop
    Time: 7:00pm (lasts approximately 2.5 hours) 
    Location: North Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 6:45pm)
    Trail: Parkers Creek Loop.
    Note: Bring a headlight and flashlight, just in case. 

  • Saturday, September 13, 2025 – Garden Tour & Optional Hike
    ACLT’s Farm manager will discuss the farm and food pantry followed by an optional hike around Griffin Meadow Trail
    Time: 10:00am (lasts approximately 1.5 hours)
    Location: North Side Trailhead Barn (arrive by 9:45am)
    Trail: Griffin Meadow Trail
    Note: Level, grassy

Tips for Making Your Hike More Enjoyable:

  • Most hikes last approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.
  • Some of the hikes are more challenging than others, so please read the descriptions carefully. 
  • Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip flops)!
  • We love dogs, but we do not allow them on guided hikes.
  • Lastly, don’t forget to bring water!

Inclement Weather

The hiking guides will determine whether the hike should be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather. They will email you at least 24 hours prior to the hike.

Photos from Past Guided Hikes
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