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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike can be an adventure in finding your way around. However, you can gain a great sense of accomplishment if you can cover all the trails shown on the map. The trails are unmarked and appear to be maintained only by the passage of feet, hooves (shod and cloven), and water. Some of the trails are the 200-year-old remnants of wagon trails. The quarry and lime kiln are reputed to be over 200 years old and were used for construction of the Monocacy River Aqueduct which is nearby and worth a side trip. From the Route 28 parking area, Trail A is about 2.6 miles one way. Trail B is about 1.6 miles one way. Trail C is about 2.14 miles one way. The Long Trail is the subject of a separate hike page. The Monocacy NRA is a hunting area in season. Check the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources for info. Some low-lying trails can be muddy and the numerous crossings of Furnace Creek can be wet in high-water conditions. Unsuitable for bikes. Trailhead: From the Washington, D.C. area take I-270 north toward Rockville and exit at Route 28 west toward Frederick County. Approximately one mile after crossing the Frederick County line you will see the main parking area marked before reaching the Monocacy River Bridge. (Lat:39.241812 Lon:-77.43907) Trail Guides for Monocacy Natural Resources Area: Hikes in the Washington Region Part A Montgomery and Frederick in Maryland by Potomac Applachian Trail club (Potomac Applachian Trail Club) Best Seasons: Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, (301) 924-2127 or 1-(800) 825-7275 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Richard Denton, who has posted 14 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by RJD on 11/23/2008 The major trails from the Rte 28 parking lot, including the long trail, the trail to the lime kiln, and the trail along the ridge to the Ed Sears side trail have all been recently cleared by the MD DNR using a dozer of some kind. The hikes on these trails are now much easier. The various side trails still offer adventure. 
Reviewed by rjd on 2/26/2008 Trail C turns left just before you get to the fence. You have to look closely for the turn-off. 
Reviewed by RF on 2/26/2008 There are three reasons to come here: the wilderness, the lime kiln, and the Furnace Branch ravine NE of the kiln. Unfortunately the trails are disappearing through disuse and lack of maintenance. And expect to get your feet wet at one or more stream crossings. In 1991 the trails were OK. In 2008 hiking can be unpleasant. Trail A seems to peter out just past the ravine; I returned by bushwhacking over the ridge. Trail C hits an electrified fence at a chicken farm. 
Reviewed by MCW on 1/16/2006 It's been a few years since we did it, since we moved away from the DC area. We loved the following hike: you hiked in over the bridges to the lime kiln, turned right at the kiln, wrapped around the hill a bit, left the trail to bushwhack down to the trail again, turned left, returned to the kiln, and headed back to the parking lot. We did it regularly, finding new elements each time, sometimes exploring into the larger, longer trails. It was amazing to find such wilderness so close to Route 28 and DC. Excellent!
Reviewed by Dimtri on 10/27/2005 Very good for orienteering. Very muddy at times. Can be combined with Sugarloaf Mtn. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||