K9 Trailblazers Dog Hiking Club 
Saturday, April 26, 2008 Hike Information 
Gambrill State Park, MD

Where:
When:
Participation Limit:
Hike Description:
Trail Maps
What to Bring:
Rules:
Cancellation Policy:
Directions:
Contacts:

Where: 

We will be hiking at Gambrill State Park, North-West of Frederick, MD.  See directions below.

When:

For the exact time to meet at the trailhead, contact one of the hike organizers.

Participation Limit:

This hike will be limited to 12 people plus dogs.

The Hike:

This is a single loop hike of approximately 5 miles, and there is no quick way back to the parking area. Please condition yourself and your dog before attempting this hike, especially if the weather is very hot or wet. The trails are rocky and very steep in places so good, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a requirement. We will have an elevation gain of 500 ft.  In wet weather the trails are very slick and stream crossings will be more difficult.

   We will start on the Catoctin Trail, then follow the Black Locust Trail past Bootjack Spring and up to the North Frederick Overlook. From there we'll join up with the Yellow Poplar Trail and follow it to the Red Maple trail past the Rock Run Area and back to the trailhead, visiting several scenic overlooks along the way. The forest is lush and we will enjoy hiking in the shade much of the way. Expect to see birds, deer, snakes and salamanders. There are also bear and coyotes in the park, but it's unlikely we will see them.

This hike is rated as a "C". For more information on the rating system,  click here.

Trail Map

What to Bring:

As usual, come prepared for the hike. This means in addition to your 6-8 ft leash and poop bags, you must have hiking boots and sufficient water for you and your dog (at least a quart for each of you).  You may also want to bring snacks for both of you. Be prepared for heat and humidity (extra water!). A hat, sunscreen and insect repellent may also be useful.  The trails are rocky and steep in spots, so good, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a requirement.

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.

Rules:

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.

Cancellation Policy:

We'll be hiking rain or sunshine unless there is severe or dangerous weather. If the weather is too hot, too cold or too wet for you on the day of the hike, don't be afraid to sit this one out. We want you to have fun! We have planned other hikes, so if you don't think you'll enjoy yourself this time, just wait for the next hike.  If you do need to cancel, please contact the hike coordinators as soon as possible.

Directions:

From the DC Beltway and points south:

Take the DC Beltway to I-270. Take I-270 north to Frederick, which transitions into U.S. Route 15, and continue to Route 40 west (Exit 13B=West Patrick Street). Keep to the right on 40 West past the junction with I-70. Continue on Route 40 West for about 4 more miles and look for the "Gambrill Park" sign. Turn right onto Gambrill Park Road and go past the campground (about 0.5 mile) and continue on Gambrill Park Road another 0.7 miles to the trail parking area on your right.

From Baltimore:

Take I-70 west to Frederick. Go north on U.S. Route 15 and take exit 13B onto Route 40 west. Follow Route 40 west to Gambrill Park Road and the parking area as above.

Contacts

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.