Intermediate Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

- Mountain run, dress according to the weather: always cooler on the mountain than the surrounding low-lands.
- Thick over-the-ankle socks preferable.
- Trails frequently maintained; regardless, be cautious of poison ivy
- You might cross shallow creeks: rock-hopping is safe and feasible, as is stepping through the often dry beds.
- Can be buggy in July
- Open dawn to dusk

A beautiful trail in all seasons, with wildflowers in the spring and summer months, classic East Coast autumns, and sparsely green, snowy winters. The trail begins near the Rainbow Lake Reservoir; a misty vista is visible from higher points on the trail.

This trail is part of the Emmitsburg Multi-Use Trails, stewarded by M.O.R.E. (Maryland Off-Road Enthusiasts). Also featured on the sister site, MTB Project, the Intermediate Trail is part of a larger tour in the Catoctin Mountains.

Frequented by trail-runners, hikers, and mountain-bikers alike, the trail is gaining in popularity but still mostly under the radar (was featured in Dirt Rag Issue #189 in 2015).

You'll be happy to claim this trail as your new favorite: for bragging rights, the gorgeous landscapes, the climb, and the next-day soreness after said climb.

It's probably the prettiest "hill" run you'll do; take advantage ASAP.

Turkeys! (For real.)

Wildflowers galore, all sorts of trees and brush; woodsy. Also, it's a mountain trail, so please dress appropriate should you try the ill-fated "run-and-'gram" and end up in an off-trail thicket.