Where:
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Hike Description:
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For our April 24th hike we'll be hiking at Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, MD (outside of Frederick, MD). Catoctin is neighbor to Cunningham Falls SP and offers a variety of hiking terrain including rugged "mountain" trails and many beautiful scenic vistas. General directions to the area are listed below.
For the exact times to meet at the Catoctin trailhead, contact one of the hike organizers.
This hike will be limited to 12 people plus dogs.
The full length hike will be about 8 miles and is rated "E". For more information on the rating system, click here. The hike will be mostly through wooded areas over trails that are rocky at times. Parts of the hike will have steep ascents and descents, but the views along the way and at the various vistas make the climbing worthwhile! Note: If the President is visiting nearby Camp David on the day of our hike, we will have to reroute our path to avoid trail closings.
(~8 miles): We'll start out by the Catoctin
Mountain Visitors' Center following "Falls Nature Trail" to "Hog
Rock" where we'll ascend to our first scenic overlook: Hog Rock. From
there the trail levels out a bit as we head to Blue Ridge Summit Overlook and
Thurmont Vista. Our trail then heads to "Wolf Rock" and
"Chimney Rock" before we descend back to the Visitor Center.
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Follow this link for more information on the Catoctin Mountain Park.
As usual, come prepared for the hike. This means appropriate footwear, a hat, and sufficient water for you and your dog (at least a quart for each of you). Be prepared for potential inclement weather. If you dress in layers, you will find it easier to adapt to changing conditions as you warm up while hiking and chill down when stopping for snacks or where the wind is blowing. The trails are rocky and very steep in spots. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a requirement. Bring snacks for you and your dog if you wish.
Basically the main rules we have are that dogs need to stay on leash and under control, and that you scoop your poop. Please bring a 6-8' standard leash for your dog. With a large group, flexible leads can allow people and dogs to trip or tangle, resulting in rope burns or injuries.
In addition, if the hike leaders feel that you are not properly equipped for the hike, or that you or your dog are not physically prepared for the hike, they reserve the right to turn you away at the trailhead.
We'll be hiking rain, snow or sunshine. We will only cancel the hike in the event of severe or dangerous weather.
From DC area: Take the beltway to I 270 toward Frederick. At Frederick, get to the left two lanes and merge to US 15 north toward Thurmont. At Thurmont, take the exit for Rt 77 toward Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls (right turn from off ramp). Take 77 to the Vistors' Center (on rt).
From Baltimore area: Take I 70 from the Baltimore Beltway and follow the directions above.
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Catoctin Mt. VC |
Thurmont, MD |
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Click map for more details |
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To register for the hike and to get the details on meeting location and time, or for anything else about this hike or the hiking club in general, please contact Pat Fuhrer or Jeff Bolognese.
