Join us for a Trail Hike in Monocacy Natural Resources Management Area on Thursday, September 5th at 9 am. The hike begins at Furnace Branch Trail, and we will hike for 1.6 miles and take Dr. Belt Trail which is 1.75 miles. There are two creek crossings, so it is recommended to take an extra pair of socks and hiking sticks. The trail is packed dirt, roots and some rocks. Most of the trail is in the shade. At the end of Dr. Belt Trail, we will hike a half mile on Ed Sears Road (paved road) then take Ridgeline Trail for an additional 1.6 miles. The total mileage is 5.6 miles and should be completed in 2.5 hours. This is a lollipop hike with the stem being part of Furnace Branch Trail. The hike can be muddy and if there is a lot of rain during the week it is scheduled, it may be postponed. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can start promptly at 9am. Rain Date is September 12th.
Directions:
Take Route 28 through the town of Dickerson. Proceed about 2 miles out of Dickerson and passing into Frederick County. The parking lot is at the bottom of the hill before the Monocacy River bridge on the right side of the road. It is easy to miss if you are going too fast. The sharp right turn into the parking lot is BEFORE you get to the bridge. There is a sign … “Monocacy Natural Resources Management Area.” If you miss the turn, go across the bridge and turn around at Park Mill Road that is just past the bridge. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead. 
Karen Dansby was born and raised in Arlington, VA. She spent 20+ years in eastern Kentucky, then retired to Sedona, AZ. Karen participated in trail maintenance in Sedona, hiked and participated in Preventive Search and Rescue for almost 10 years at the South and North Rim of the Grand Canyon. She moved back to Poolesville to be close to family.
Gwen Haney grew up in rural PA but did most of her hiking while living in Arizona, in the mountains and canyons of the southwest. She moved to Maryland 17 years ago to be near family and continues to enjoy being outdoors and on trails.
Watch for other hikes in and around Montgomery County for Poolesville Seniors. Once a month Gwen Haney and Karen Dansby will lead/tailgate a hike for Poolesville Seniors. The hikes will be 4-6 miles and last approximately 2-3 hours. A description will be given of the monthly hike with hiking recommendations.