Hard Hike: the Lake Frank Grand Circuit + BYO Picnic Lunch

This 'Grand Circuit' hard ~8mile hike is an adventurous & scenic scamper! Pace: 3mph. The trek traverses varying terrain, with rolling hills that total to ~2000ft. of elevation gain, as well as repetitious rivulet crossings... All while circumnavigating the lustrous Lake Frank, with two-three terrifically terrifying titillating trees (including MD's 8th biggest) along the way!

The hike rock hops across Rock Creek, paralleling it and another stream, sauntering up to the green and serene SUNFISH POND. The trek then weaves through the wonderous woodland, eventually arriving at a former/ historical parking lot at the Lake. The circuit shortly shies away on a spur-loop down to the official Rock Creek Trail (RCT) afterwards, creeping by a CORRODED CAR, before approaching a rocky & abrasive, yet awesome ascent nicknamed "P.R.A.T.N.E.W"*!

The trek then dawdles over the earthworks of the Lake Frank Dam, offering vast views (as seen above), before skirting along the shoreline. An awful ascent up the Old Nasty trail leads to a spur-trail en route to the PRATHER FAMILY CEMETERY/ OBELISK (pictured)... After another look at the Lake, the hike may reveal another spur to "the Point", a dramatic (maybe marshy) spot where Rock Creek feeds into the lake!

The latter of the circuit begins with a 'fork in the road', of which the 'hard option' trails a narrow ridgeline via a tricky "TRAVERSE"*! A beguiling boulder lies just beyond. The trek then continues beneath a COVERED BRIDGE before snaking through the Smith Center-- home to a fire watch tower, a pioneer farmstead, and an obstacle course (-- possibly a future Meetup??). The hike concludes by visiting some farm animals as well as Birds of Prey, terminating with an overlook of a puny pond.

NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= MAP | Boots & Trek poles advised... Trek trajectory subject to change.
2.*= Painter's Rocks And The New England Way... Please heed that this as well as (the) "TRAVERSE" ascents are precarious & not suitable for beginner hikers.
3. Remember to pack a Lunch! Would you have a preferred place?
[a] picnic tables @Pioneer Home/ farmstead
[b] Fort in Obstacle Course @Smith Center
[c] picnic tables @Nature Center/ Trailhead