Horse Trail - Catoctin Mountain Park

Horse Trail - Catoctin Mountain Park, a loop trail of about 4.75 miles long. As a Meetup group we have done several hikes on the eastern half of Catoctin Mountain Park, this is the first time we have done a hike in the less mountainous western half of the park. Park Website Trail Map and Location of where we will meet up. We will meet up at the Chestnut Picnic grounds which is right off Park Central Road and hike the yellow highlighted portion of the enclosed map. If there is unanimous consent of the participates we could hike the blue highlighted portion as well which will bring the trail length to a little over seven miles. Trail Description: Being a trail designed for horses to travel on there are a couple of 300 foot elevation dips and climbs though they are very gradual. There are no scenic vistas nor a whole lot of photo ops. This is just a walk in the woods. I would recommend you wear long pants and/or boots since the grass is overgrown in several parts of the trail. The 4.75 mile length trail is mildly strenuous while the 7.1 mile length trail is moderately strenuous. Google Map Link to the Visitor Center Directions: From Frederick take US Highway 15 North to Thurmont where you will take the exit for state highway 77 towards Catoctin Mountain Park. If the park is fully open you can make a right at the park visitor center and follow Park Central road for around four miles and the Chestnut picnic grounds will be on your right. If the park is partially closed for security reasons you will drive on Route 77 all the way through the park and make a right on Foxville Deerfield Road for 1/2 mile. Then make a right on Manahan Road for 4/5th of a mile. Then make a right on Park Central Road for almost 1/2 mile and the Chestnut picnic grounds will be on your left. The Chestnut picnic grounds is a one lane/one way road that goes in a circle. I will be parked in the last set of parking spots before you would have to go back onto Park Central Road. I will be there by 8:45 A.M. When deciding on when you should leave your house you should plan on 15 minutes travel time once you get off US Highway 15 onto State Highway 77. Kids and dogs are welcome. I would recommend you wear good shoes and carry water. To all who RSVPs "Yes" or "Maybe" I will e-mail my cell phone number the day prior. 10 minute rule is in effect meaning I will only wait until 9:10 A.M. before taking off. I hope to see you all there.