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 Reporter |
Summary: The Frederick Municipal Forest is a forest area protecting the watershed servicing the city of Frederick, MD. Within the forest are many small ponds (yes, the same ponds subject to the FBI anthrax investigations), springs, and many jeep roads and hiking trails. Unfortunately they are all unmarked with the exception of portions of the Catoctin Trail which runs through the area. Take a map and compass! This hike begins with a steep, rough ascent on an unmaintained trail with many blow-downs. This trail will shortly intersect with a fire road. Proceed right. Continue on this trail until you reach large pond on left (small side trail leads down to and around pond). Continue past pond. The trail will begin heading south and roughly parallel Gambrill Park Rd, eventually reaching to Hamburg Road where you can pick up the blue-blazed Catoctin Trail back North. This trail will pass two small ponds and eventually lead back to the first larger pond. Trailhead: This trail is located within the City of Frederick Municipal Forest. My preferred approach to the trail head is via Hamburg Road. From Route 15 in Frederick, take the Rosemont Avenue north. The road will change names to Yellow Springs Road and then Hamburg Road. This is a very picturesque drive up into Catoctin Mountain. Nearing the top you will take a right onto Fishing Creek Road. If you reach Gambrill Park Rd you have gone to far. Fishing Creek road is gravel road, and can be rough in spots. Just prior to ending onto Mountaindale Road a small parking area will be visible on the left. Park here and then walk back up the road (right when back is to parking) about 50 yards or so where an unmarked trail will lead uphill off the right side of the road. (Lat:39.536 Lon:-77.478) Trail Guides for Frederick Municipal Forest - Three Pond Circuit: Hikes in Western Maryland by Golightly (Golightly) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: City of Frederick, MD Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Talbert, who has posted 20 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Frederick County Hiking, Frederick County Trails, Frederick County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
