K9 Trailblazers Dog Hiking Club 
Saturday, October 20, 2007 Hike Information 
Sugar Loaf Mountain, Dickerson, MD

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

Where: 

Our October hike will be at 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.

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 about 5 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.  With the fall foliage, there should be lots of opportunities for scenic views of the surrounding area.  Our route will also take us to the very top of Sugarloaf Mountain for one, last scenic view before heading back down to the parking 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. The trails are rocky and steep in spots, with a small stream crossing. This time of year the trails will also be covered with leaves and potentially slick. 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.  But, if you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible!

Directions:

From the DC Beltway:

To reach this point from Beltway (1-495) Exit 35, go NW on 1-270 18.4 mi. (29.4 km) to Md. 121, turn R .6 mi. (I km) to Md. 355, turn L .9 mi. (1.5 km) to Md. 95 (Comus Rd.), turn L 4.2 mi. (6.8 km) to Stronghold entrance plaza, and turn R 1.8 mi. (2.9 km) on paved road up Sugar Loaf Mtn. to parking area at end. Total travel distance is 25.9 mi. (41.6 km).

 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.

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 Jeff Bolognese.