Join Vegan Trekkers for a (very) strenuous 8.5 mile hike in Catoctin Mountain Park.

We will be starting from the visitor center and ascending steeply eastward to Chimney Rock. After exploring both Chimney and Wolf Rocks, we will head North to Thurmont Vista. We will continue the loop westward to Blue Ridge Summit Vista, and then head south to explore the Hog Rock. The descend southward will be steep but we will get to admire Cunningham Falls.

Meeting Point & Parking: [Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center](https://goo.gl/maps/w9Kf4xBXLVXBsC5v7)
Meeting Time: 9:15am
Distance: 8.5 miles
Pace: moderate (2 – 2.5 miles/hr)
Difficulty: (very) strenuous
Duration: ~5 hours
Type of trail: natural
Hiking Map: attached in the pictures
Restrooms: at the Visitor Center

This hike is strenuous with some steep inclines and declines and very rough and rocky terrain. So please make sure that you meet these requirements in order to attend this hike:
– fit to do 8.5 miles with considerable elevation change.
– handle rough and rocky and steep trail.
– hiking shoes with good tread (sneakers won’t do the job!).

Suggested Carpool Location (please put a comment if you would like to carpool at this location): [Gaithersburg Park n Ride](https://goo.gl/maps/mnWjawrLZL1of9rL6)
Meeting time at this carpool: 8:15am.

Optional post hike lunch: [Hippy Chick Hummus (Vegan)](https://hippy-chick-hummus.square.site/s/order/)

When you sign up to join a hike you automatically acknowledge
VSDC Vegan Trekkers Liability Waiver: https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/

Transportation
By Car: https://goo.gl/maps/w9Kf4xBXLVXBsC5v7

Dog friendly?: Yes. Please keep your dog leashed at all times.

Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy. Please carry plenty of water!

Weather: Be prepared! We will hike rain or shine, but if conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the hike and post a notice in the “comments” section. We suggest that hikers wear comfortable footwear and suitable clothing made from quick-dry, synthetic fabrics, as cotton can lead to uncomfortable blisters and life-threatening hypothermia in case of inclement weather.

*For important updates regularly monitor the “comments” section below.*
*Don’t be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.*

When you sign up to join a hike you automatically acknowledge
[VSDC Vegan Trekkers Activity Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) – https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/

*Please also view the Rules listed at the end of this description*
Please read The 10 Essentials of Hiking: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/

RULES

Pets: When hikes are organized in dog-friendly areas, hikers are invited to bring their pet(s). However, 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 their dogs’ waste in appropriate receptacles.

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

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VSDC (http://www.vsdc.org) is a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through education on the benefits of a vegan diet & lifestyle. Sharing food is the bond that brings families together; so it is with VSDC. From simply “breaking bread” to experiencing delicious and nutritious vegan foods from around the world, we make your journey easier, enjoyable & meaningful.

**VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**