Germantown Metropark Backpacking
I've heard of countless people and friends tell me they've wanted to get into backpacking. Well Germantown Metropark and hiking the Twin Valley Trail is the perfect place to start!
Germantown Metropark Backpacking
I've heard of countless people and friends tell me they've wanted to get into backpacking. Well Germantown Metropark and hiking the Twin Valley Trail is the perfect place to start! There are several campsites and trail routes to choose from to suit any hiker's experience level. The Germantown Metropark loop is a 6.8 mile loop and Twin Creek Metropark has a 8.1 mile loop hike. There's also a 7.3 mile trail following the Twin Creek River that connects both parks. To do the whole trail and back makes for a 29 mile hike!
This past weekend we went out to Germantown Metropark and did a 16.4 mile hike all together. We camped at the Cedar Ridge back country campsite.
Before going, I called Five Rivers Metropark a month ago to reserve a campsite. It is free but campsites get booked up quick. The 2 front country campsites usually book up quick because they can accommodate more people and allow campfires. They were booked so we opted for the backcountry campsite, which we didn't mind since it's more secluded, was more miles to hike, and more trees which was good since most of us were hammock camping!
The river is never too far from the trail which makes refilling water easy and it's fairly easy terrain with great scenic views and plenty of wildlife and beautiful streams.
We parked at the Germantown overnight parking lot right next to the sled hill and started our hike along the west side of the river, making our way around the germantown dam before jumping on the connector trail. 2.2 miles later we arrived at our campsite. We spent the rest of the evening playing cards, making dinner, hiking farther down to the river, swapping stories and enjoying the company of good friends. That is what backpacking is all about!
It lightly rained all night - which made it so peaceful. As we woke, the rain let up for us to break down camp, get some breakfast, and made the 8.6 mile hike back to our car.
If you've never backpacked before, Five Rivers Metropark holds several entry level trips a year and even provides gear to those who need it. They have very knowledgable trip leaders who can answer any questions you may have about gear, what to pack, or what kind of food to bring. Germantown Metropark is a great beginner place for your first backpacking adventure! Click Here for more trail maps, instructions for campsite permits, and lots more tips and info on the Twin Valley Backpacking Trail.
