Walk for the Woods

This beloved spring event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville (rain date is Sunday, May 3, 2026).

Scenic Rivers will again partner with Anne Arundel County’s Department of Recreation and Parks to offer a wonderful opportunity to hike and explore this beautiful wilderness just minutes from downtown Annapolis.

We anticipate a fantastic, safe day in our local, protected woods!

Experts in wildlife, native plants, birds, and more will be on-site and available to attendees. Plus, self-guided hike options will be offered, complete with trail maps and educational signage posted along the trails.

Registration for guided hikes will open April 10. The link to registration will be announced via email and social media.

A complete program guide for the event will be released soon.

Guided Hikes & Activities

Guided hikes led by experts in wildlife, native plants, birds, nature photography, and more will be offered throughout the day. Advanced registration is recommended, but not required.

Hikes range from 1 to 4 miles, vary in degree of difficulty, and are on marked unpaved trails.

Hike & Activity Schedule

• Check back soon for a complete schedule of the day's events.

Special Note about the "Say My Name Ceremony"

In 2025, construction on the "Say My Name Memorial" was completed. The annual "Say My Name Ceremony" will now be held in June to commemorate the dedication of the memorial.

Scenic Rivers will continue to share information on plans for the annual ceremony as it becomes available.

Self-led Hikes

Attendees are also invited to explore Bacon Ridge Natural Area's 1,000+ acres of woodlands, wetlands, streams, and meadows on their own. The Colby Rucker Memorial Self-led Naturalist Hike, complete with trail maps and educational signage posted along the trails, will be offered again this year. The hike is approximately one mile round trip and is great for small children and for those who prefer a self-led option.

Critter Discovery

Learn about the life teaming in our local streams! Experts from Coastal Resources, Inc. will be set up along the banks of Bacon Ridge Branch with hands on exhibits and information about the aquatic wildlife found in the stream. This activity requires a short hike into Bacon Ridge and is wildly popular with children and adults alike!

Walk for the Woods T-Shirts

Walk for the Woods event t-shirts, featuring original artwork by local illustrator Phyllis Saroff, are a beloved part of the day. Many attendees return year after year to collect the designs and our team always enjoys spotting the oldest shirts out on the trails!

This year’s design captures the small wonders of spring at Bacon Ridge. Look closely and you’ll find mayapple, Solomon’s seal, and rattlesnake weed in bloom, a red fox peeking out from the woods, a tiny spotted turtle resting on a log, and even a firefly lighting the way.

T-shirts will be available at the event in adult sizes XS–XXL. Receive a t-shirt with a donation of $30 or more. We’ll also have a limited selection of vintage designs available at the event.