Walk in the Woods: Frederick Municipal Forest

How does a city protect its drinking water? Fred Besley knew the answer. He was the first (and longest serving) Maryland State Forester. A century ago, Mr. Besley insisted the City of Frederick set aside land in the watershed to protect the city's drinking water. Luckily for us, the city listened.

Join us on October 16 for a hike in the Municipal Forest of the City of Frederick, Md. Our guide for this 3-mile hike is Jenny Willoughby, the Sustainability Manager of Frederick City. Jen is continuing Mr. Besley's legacy by knowledgeably and responsibly managing the city's watershed. She will talk about the active forest management, the history, and the flora and fauna of the area.

Expect to walk about 3 miles on moderate terrain. Please bring your own water bottle, snacks, and bug spray (if needed).

This event is free but please RSVP.

This hike is part of ICPRB's Walk in the Woods Series produced by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.

We will be meeting at the Hamburg Blue Lot (directions below) at 9:00am. Please pay careful attention to the directions because cell service is spotty and it can be easy to get lost.

Each participant will be required to complete the following form (copies will be available at the beginning of the hike but we encourage you to bring a completed copy for each person in your party):

https://www.potomacriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Liability-Waiver-and-Medical-Form_2020.pdf

Address for Google Maps: 10420 Hamburg Road, Frederick, Md.

From points south and east:

1. Follow Route 40 to Gambrill Park Road
2. Right onto Gambrill Park Road
3. At the t-intersection, turn right to stay on Gambrill Park Road (left takes you to the Gambrill State Park Tea Room)
4. Follow Gambrill Park Road through the state park for several miles to Hamburg Road
5. Turn right onto Hamburg Road
6. Parking area will be ¼ to ½ mile on the right side—if parking area is full, park on side of road

From Route 15:

1. Take the Rosemont Avenue exit and head north/west
2. Rosemont Ave becomes Yellow Springs Road—continue on Yellow Springs
3. Yellow Springs Road becomes Hamburg Road—continue on Hamburg
4. Follow Hamburg up the mountain, pass Hamburg Pond on the left
5. Parking area will be on the left less than ¼ mile from the pond—if parking area is full, park on side of road

From points north:

1. Take Route 15 to Route 77 heading toward Cunningham Falls State Park
2. Follow 77 to Catoctin Hollow Road
3. Turn left onto Catoctin Hollow Road
4. Turn right onto Mink Farm Road
5. Mink Farm Road will turn right—stay STRAIGHT onto Tower Road
6. Follow Tower Road to a Y-junction with Gambrill Park Road, continue straight onto Gambrill Park Road
7. Follow Gambrill Park Road south to Hamburg Road
8. Turn left onto Hamburg Road

Parking area will be ¼ to ½ mile on the right side—if parking area is full, park on side of road