K9 Trailblazers Dog Hiking Club 5th Anniversary Hike!
Saturday, March 20, 2004 Hike Information 
Sugar Loaf Mountain, Dickerson, MD

Where:
When:
Participation Limit:
Hike Description:
(map)
What to Bring:
Rules:
Cancellation Policy:
Directions:
Contacts:

Where: 

Saturday, March 20th we'll be hiking an old favorite: Sugar Loaf Mountain.  Sugar Loaf is a geologically, biologically and historically interesting site.  It's a "monadnock", a sort of mountain in reverse where the land around it was eroded away.  It's the home of 500 species of plants, and the last timber rattlesnake hibernaculum remaining in Montgomery County (don't worry, we won't take a look at that).  Sugar Loaf has long been prized for it's views.  It was used as a lookout during the civil war and, in more recent times, bearly escaped being turned into a very large, scenic parking structure that was being designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  It's now privately owned and open to the public year round.

Of additional (and slightly more recent) historical significance,  Sugarloaf  was also the location of the first official K9 Trailblazers hike way back in 1999.  At that time, the hike only drew 2 people (Jeff and Pat), but we're expecting a slightly better turnout this time.  So, not only is Sugarloaf a great place to hike, but also a great place to celebrate (we'll have some celebration cupcakes and other treats in honor of the day)!

It's located west of I-270 between Gaithersburg and Frederick, MD in Dickerson.  Directions are listed below.  Plan to meet by the snack stand next to the West View parking lot.  This is the uppermost parking lot, so you’ll need to follow the road all the way to the top.  For more information you can call Stronghold Incorporated, the managers of Sugar Loaf, at (301) 874-2024.

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:

 The hike will be 5-7 miles, in the woods over hilly and sometimes rocky terrain.  We will be hiking the Northern Peaks trail (shown in blue).  As the name implies we’ll be hiking up and down a series of peaks.  This means lots of ups and downs with elevation changes of  up to 500 ft.  If you’re feeling so inclined, you'll also have the opportunity to hike up to the top of Sugar Loaf which is 200 ft higher then the peaks we’ll see during most of the trail (shown in green).  With the leaves off the trees, there should be lots of opportunities for scenic views of the surrounding area.

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

Sugar Loaf Mountain Trail Map

Follow this link for more information on the Sugar Loaf Mountain

What to Bring:

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 and cold 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 steep in spots, with a small stream crossing. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a requirement. Bring snacks for you and your dog if you wish.  

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.

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.

Cancellation Policy:

We'll be hiking rain, snow 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.

Directions:

From the DC Beltway:

To reach this point from Beltway (1-495) Exit 35, go NW on 1-270  to Md. 109.  There should be a sign for Sugarloaf.  Turn right (west) on 109 and take it to Md. 95 (Comus Rd.) and turn right.  You'll see the Comus Inn on your right at the corner.  Follow Comus Rd. to Stronghold entrance plaza, and turn right on paved road up Sugar Loaf Mtn. to parking area at the very top

 From Columbia and Points North:

Take I-95 south to the DC Beltway and head west (outer loop - toward Silver Spring).  From there, follow the directions listed above.

From Frederick and Points West:

Take 270 SE to Md. 109 and go West (not sure if that's a right or a left).  Follow the directions above.

Sugar Loaf Mountain	7901 Comus Rd Dickerson, MD 20842-9789
Click map for more details Brought to you by MapQuest

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.