VSDC Vegan Trekkers: Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail ~8 miles

Join me for a strenuous 8-mile hike on beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, MD (Frederick County). This hike is a combination of three major trail loops in this National Park.

Expect a moderate pace, rocky and uneven terrain and a steep elevation gain of nearly 1,700 ft. You should be able to hike uphill without break for at least an hour, as well as comfortably scramble over rocks and negotiate uneven surfaces. Please wear sturdy shoes/boots and weather-appropriate clothing.

Meeting Point: 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Meeting Time: 8:30 am EDT
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Pace: Moderate (2.5 miles/hr)
Elevation gain: ~1700 ft
Duration: 4 - 4.5 hours
Type of trail: Dirt, rocks, gravel, tree roots

Dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed in the park but not permitted on two lookout points, Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Please keep your dog on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet in length. Dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up to date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of any waste.

Bathroom Facilities/Food/Water?
No water, but portable toilets are available at the trailhead. Bring your own water and a vegan snack to enjoy mid-hike. Bathrooms are also available in the visitor center when it is open.

Update Your RSVP
Out of respect for others interested in attending this event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes.

## Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes.

Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct
When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge VSDC's Liability Waiver and commit to follow the code of conduct found at Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC.

VSDC: More Than A Meetup
We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that VSDC is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?

With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.

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