I'll never forget my first hike in the Appalachians with and an 18-month old child strapped inside my backpack as I ventured up the steep rocky slopes in search of a scenic vista. Well, this hike does not offer such adventure but it is a good hike once that little person is out of the backpack and wandering on their own. The trail is limited to foot traffic so there is no concern for oncoming bike or horse traffic. Youngsters are free to weaves back and forth along the trail discovering all those tiny trail fragments we left behind in childhood. The loop trail is one mile in length, a good distance for that tiny tike to work up a good nap.

Directions: From Frederick, MD, Travel north about 5 miles along U.S. Highway 41 turning right onto Gambrill State Park Road. Follow the road for a little over 1 mile to reach the designated Trailhead Lot on the right. All trails begin from this lot, including the long-distance Catoctin Trail.

Elevation: 1,000 feet

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Distance: 1.0 miles

Difficulty: Easy

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