Karen – Hiked It, Liked It

Return to 9 Ponds, Frederick Municipal Forest

July 3, 2021 Karen Maryland

We first hiked the 9 Ponds Loop on January 18th, Our Second Year of the Pandemic (2021). It was so nice that we hiked it again on March 7th. It took us four months to get back again to see it in the non-winter, but we made up for the dreadful lassitude by adding on some extra mileage (to our detriment, as we both pooped out 9 miles in to what become an 11-mile hike, despite being svelter and in better shape than last time).

Lapidum Rock Run Loop, Susquehanna State Park

April 22, 2021 Karen Hiking, Maryland

Carpets of bluebells in the forest in April are what drew us to Lapidum Rock Run Loop in Susquehanna State Park, and it did not disappoint.

Merryman’s Mill Trail

April 4, 2021 Karen Hiking, Maryland

Lovely spring breezes and reservoir views from well-mitered foot bridges await on Merryman’s Mill Trail in Gunpowder Falls State Park.

Pen Mar to Old Forge on the Appalachian Trail

March 21, 2021 Karen Hiking, Maryland, Pennsylvania

Don’t be fooled by the elevation map! Stretching its 2700 feet of elevation over a pleasantly wooded 14 miles, Pen Mar to Old Forge is a gently rolling death march, not the alpine jungle gym it may appear to be.

Swamp Trail to North-South Trail to Parkers Creek Loop, American Chestnut Land Trust

March 13, 2021 Karen Hiking, Maryland

Soft, dry trails, with surprising hills given the proximity to a large body of water. Beautifully blazed and maintained with color coded signs, benches, and bridges over wet spots. The raft was a treat!