Canicross Hikes 2010: First Hike and Swim is July 10, 2010

Come on Out for Our Canicross Hike and Swim!

It's been a bit delayed in coming but we have finally scheduled two Canicross Club Hikes for the 2010 canicrossing season. We've had numerous inquiries from interested folks so hopefully we will have good groups for each hike.

Our first Canicross Club Hike will be a Hike and Swim held at Gunpowder Falls State Park on July 10, 2010 and our second Canicross Club Hike will be at Sugarloaf Mountain on September 11, 2010.

All abilities are welcome on our hikes. If you would like to hike with your dog on leash instead of canicrossing, that is fine too. Please be aware that park rules require that all dogs must remain leashed at all times.

Visit the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC website for more information on our Canicross Club. For a schedule of upcoming hikes, check out the Upcoming Events section of our website. For specific hike details, see the hike descriptions below. To register email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com.

Eric and Okemo canicross hiking at Gunpowder Falls State Park

The view on the trail

Acadia lines out. For a list of dog sledding (and canicross) commands visit our website.

Acadia practices her doggy paddle after Canicross Hiking at Gunpowder

Sugarloaf Mountain views

What to Bring on all of our Canicross Hikes: To canicross, you will need a properly fit pulling harness for your dog (loaner harnesses can sometimes be arranged, email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com for more details), a canicross (or skijor) belt (belts can be purchased through Nooksack or White Pine Outfitters), and a 1-2 dog line or leash (lines can be purchased from Maryland Sled Dog Adventures for $35 per line with advance notice), plenty of water for you and your dog, a bowl (or some way to give your dog water), comfortable and supportive hiking boots, a lunch for you and snacks for your dog, and weather appropriate hiking clothes. Optional items include sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, and a camera. You will need a small backpack or fanny pack to carry these items along the trail. If you have any questions about what to bring email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com.

Details: Cost of each hike is $10 per person. One dog per person, please. Each hike is limited to eight (8) participants. All participants must sign our waiver and release. Each of these hikes requires a certain level of physical fitness for both dogs and humans.

Okemo on the Gunpowder north trail slides under a log

Okemo and I hike along at Gunpowder Falls State Park

Acadia takes a cooling dip after canicross hiking

Canicross Hike and Dog Swim at Gunpowder Falls State Park

Saturday, July 10, 2010: Our first Canicross Club Hike of the season will be approximately 5 miles of hiking through the woods along the Gunpowder North and South Trail at Gunpowder Falls State Park. Start time for this hike is 10 AM. Bring your swim suits and water shoes and after the hike, we'll go for a swim/wade in the crystal clear waters of the Gunpowder at an area the locals call "Hillbilly Beach." Starting out, we'll follow the Gunpowder South trail as it parallels the Gunpowder River for approximately 2.5 miles. At Big Falls Road, we'll cross the Gunpowder and come back along the river on the Gunpowder North Trail passing a small waterfall, Raven Rock Falls. This hike is a moderate to easy hike. After the hike, we'll lunch, swim and wade with the pups at Hillbilly Beach. In addition to the items above, for this hike, be sure to bring a swim suit (plan on changing in your car or the woods), towels for you and your dog, sunscreen, and a lunch for you and snacks for your dog. You may also wish to bring a camp chair for lounging around and socializing after the hike.

Rating: Easy

Directions:

From Baltimore: Take I-83 North to Mt. Carmel Road. Exit and go east (right). Follow Mt. Carmel Road to York Road (stop light) and turn North (right). Follow York Road north for approximately 2-3 miles. As the road begins to go down steeply and just BEFORE crossing the river you will see two trail head parking areas on the left and right side of York Road. Park in either (be careful crossing the road with your dog).

Canicross Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain Hike (with optional winery stop)
Saturday, September 11, 2010: Our final Canicross Club hike of the 2010 season will take place at Sugarloaf Mountain. This five mile hike offers panoramic views of Frederick and the fields and farms surrounding Frederick. Please plan on packing a lunch which we'll plan to have at the White Rocks Overlook. Also, please be aware that this hike is a popular day hike and as a result we will begin this hike at 9 AM. Please bring only dogs that are friendly with other dogs and people. Also please plan on carpooling. The lots at Sugarloaf Mountain are small and fill up quickly. We will meet at the West View Parking lot. For a map of the hiking trails at Sugarloaf Mountain and site information click here. Post hike join us for an optional excursion to Sugarloaf Mountain Winery for a short wine tasting (please plan on bringing money to cover the cost of this additional excursion).

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

From Baltimore: Take I-70 West towards Frederick for approximately 60 miles. Exit onto I-270 South.

Take Exit 22 for Route 109. From the bottom of the exit ramp, follow Route 109 South for 2.9 miles. Turn Right onto Route 95 (Comus Road) toward Sugarloaf Mountain. Go 2.4 miles to a wide paved area at the Sugarloaf Mountain Entrance. Turn Right into the mountain entrance (the second right) and follow the road steeply uphill. Pass the East View parking lot. Continue along a level stretch of road and then fork right uphill for the west view parking lot.

From DC: From Interstate 495 (Capitol Beltway) take Exit 35 (outer loop) or Exit 38 (Inner Loop) in order to take I-270 North. Once you are on I-270 North follow the directions above.

Three Across: Canicross Hiking Sugarloaf

Anna and Wolfie Canicross Hiking Sugarloaf

Canicross Hike at Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland

Left to Right: Acadia, Sobo and Wolfie pull hard down the trail

On Saturday, Maryland Sled Dog Adventures hosted its last canicross hike for the season. The hike was held at Sugarloaf Mountain near Frederick, Maryland. While the skies were gray, the rain drops held off until the afternoon. Temps were cool in the upper 40s when we arrived at the trail head and did not warm up out of the low 60s. Fall has finally arrived in the Mid Atlantic. Our hike followed the five mile route of the Northern Peaks (blue) trail climbing to 1,282 feet at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. At the entrance to the trail, we noticed a sign indicating that a black bear and cub has been spotted in the area but alas we did not see any bears. This hike is somewhat unusual in that you reach the summit of the mountain at the very beginning of the hike and then the trail follows a series of ups and downs between peaks ranging in height from approximately 900 ft to 1100 ft.

Along for the hike were Anna and her Siberian Husky, Wolfie, along with Eric and I and sled dogs, Sobo and Acadia, both Siberian Huskies. While Sugarloaf Mountain was our last canicross hike of the 2009 season, we'll resume our canicross hikes in late spring 2010. Stay tuned to the upcoming events section of our website for more information on upcoming hikes for you and your dog.

Wolfie (left) and Sobo (right) demonstrate a nice line out!

Canicrossing down the trail with Wolfie and Anna in lead

Wolfie pulls at a nice steady pace!

Canicross Club Hike at Gunpowder Falls State Park

Wolfie and Anna canicross along side Acadia and me

Despite a somewhat wet and gray morning, our canicross hike Saturday morning was a nice and easy 3.5 mile ramble through the woods and along the Gunpowder River. Along for the hike was Anna and her Siberian Husky, Wolfie. Maryland Sled Dog Adventures veteran lead dog Alaskan Husky, Zoe and our leader in training Siberian Husky, Acadia, joined in. Both Zoe and Acadia were spot on with their "gees" and "haws." Along the way, we stopped several times to let the dogs swim and wade in the Gunpowder.

Acadia and Zoe work side by side

Our final Canicross Club Hike of the season is Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Sugarloaf Mountain in central Maryland (convenient to both Maryland and DC). Unlike our other hikes, this five mile hike begins at 9 am. An optional post hike excursion to the Sugarloaf Mountain Winery is planned for snacks and beverages. Cost for the hike is $10 per person, one dog per person please. For information and directions visit our Canicross Hike Schedule (scroll down until you see the Sugarloaf Mountain hike). Hiking boots, water for you and your dog, and a snack for you are recommended.

Wolfie and Acadia cool off in the Gunpowder River

Canicross Hike: June 27, 2009

"Who me?" asks Acadia

Our June 20, 2009 canicross hike at Gunpowder Falls State Park was re-scheduled to this past Saturday, June 27, 2009 due to rain on Saturday, the 2oth. While the weather was gorgeous, we did have a directions glitch that resulted in two of our participants missing the hike although they did finally find the trail head (after a scenic tour of Baltimore and I-83). While they missed the hike portion, they did get to hang out, socialize and swim with the dogs at Hillbilly Beach post hike.

Acadia pulling hard down the trail

Total hiking time was approximately two hours and total hiking distance was approximately 5.2 miles. Temps were in the upper 70s to low 80s but with low humidity. The trail is a single track wooded trail and is mostly shaded which also helped to keep the dogs and people cool and comfortable. Along for the hike was lead dog in training, Acadia, and veteran wheel dog, Okemo. Joining us post hike were Cara, Kevin and their Alaskan Malamute, Chelsea, and their adorable pup, Masu.

"Is it lunch time yet?" asks Okemo

Starting out on our hike we paralleled the Gunpowder River, hiking down steam following the white blazed Gunpowder South Trail. At the end of the Gunpowder South trail, we crossed the river and proceeded to loop back on the blue blazed Gunpowder North trail again paralleling the Gunpowder River but this time heading up stream. Along the way we saw two deer including a small, spotted fawn. We also saw kayakers, tubers and rafters on the river, all out enjoying the wonderful weather after many days of rain. Along the Gunpowder North trail, the dogs stopped for a brief cool down at Raven Rock falls. Post hike, we enjoyed lunch and swimming with the dogs at the local swimming hole which is sometimes referred to as "Hillbilly Beach." The big bend in the river provides a nice place to swim in the refreshingly cold waters of the Gunpowder. For the more adventurous there is rock jumping.

Acadia cools off at Raven Rock falls

Acadia taking a post hike swim at Hillbilly Beach

After swimming Acadia rolls in the grass

If all of this canicross hiking sounds like fun, our next hike is August 29th at Prettyboy Reservoir in northern Baltimore County followed by swimming at Hemlock Gorge. For photos of this truly spectacular area, visit our blog entry from last year's hike. For details on start times, what to bring, directions, etc., visit our Schedule of Canicross Hikes. To learn more about canicross, visit our website.

Don't have a dog and still want to join us for a hike? Don't despair, all are welcome on our hikes, with or without a dog. If you like, we will even pair you with one of our very friendly, very happy, hard pulling, sled dogs if you would like to try canicross hiking and don't have your own dog. Don't have a northern breed dog? That's fine too. We've had a variety of different types of dogs join us on our hikes. Any dog active dog over 30 lbs can be trained to pull and most dogs enjoying a day spent hiking and swimming with their owners. Dogs hiking on leash, with dog packs are also welcome.

Okemo's swimming sequence: Leaving the far shore

Wading in further....

Swimming (doesn't he look like a polar bear?)

In the shallows....

Coming ashore

Preparing for a....

Shake!

And the water flys....

All better (don't my feet look big under water?)

What do sled dogs do during the Summer?

Dogs that swim are dogs that shake!

If you happen to be one of the lucky sled dogs at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC, you go swimming during the summer. Swimming is a great way to keep your dog in shape during the warm summer months with far less risk of over heating.

So while the sled dogs at Maryland Sled Dog Adventures spend their winters dog sledding, they spend their summers swimming and relaxing at the beach since in Maryland it is simply too warm to safely run the dogs in harness in the late spring, summer and early fall.

In general, mushers use what is called the Rule of 100 to determine whether it is too warm on any given day to run their dogs: add the temperature and the humidity together and if the sum is 100-120 or more it is probably too warm to safely run your dog in harness. Thus, with the advent of warm weather, mushers are always looking for creative ways to exercise their ever energetic sled dogs. Sled pet, Acadia's new favorite way to blow off steam and cool down a bit is swimming.

Trying to hitch a ride

"I'm not so sure about this swimming business," thinks this pup.

Swimming Siberian Husky, Acadia

Where's my boogie board?

Acadia showing her focus

A couple of weeks ago, Eric and I learned that Siberian Husky sled dog, Acadia, our lead dog in training, LOVES to swim. So with the onset of warm temperatures, we've been taking Acadia swimming at various swimming holes and beaches throughout central Maryland and exploring some of nature's best swimming "pools."

Swim Spa: Acadia swims against the current

Sled dog, Acadia, splashing in the Gunpowder River

If all of this swimming looks like fun, why not join us for our upcoming Canicross hike on June 20th which includes a 5.1 mile hike and then some post hike relaxation and swimming for you and your dog splish splashing in the Gunpowder River. For more information on our canicross hikes visit our canicross hike schedule and for more information on what is involved in canicrossing visit our website. If you are new to canicross and just want to hike along with your dog, that's fine too! To see photos from our most recent canicross hike at Catoctin Mountain Park visit our blog. Email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com to register for an Upcoming Canicross Hike.

Acadia prepares to dive in

I wonder what is over here?

Is it time to get out already?

2009 Schedule of Canicross Club Hikes

Canicross Hiking the Gunpowder Falls North and South Loop with sled dog, Zoe

Spring is in the air and it's time to think about doing some hiking with your dog. Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC hosts Canicross Club Hikes throughout the Maryland-Washington, D.C. area. This year's hikes will explore a variety of different parks and trails near the metro Baltimore-D.C. areas. Visit the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC website for more information on our Canicross Club. For a schedule of upcoming hikes, check out the Upcoming Events section of our website. For specific hike details, see the hike descriptions below.

Enjoying the views while canicross hiking with sled dog, Acadia

What to Bring on all of our Canicross Hikes: To canicross, you will need a properly fit pulling harness for your dog (loaner harnesses can sometimes be arranged, email catherine@marylanddogsledding.com for more details), a canicross (or skijor) belt (belts can be purchased through Nooksack or White Pine Outfitters), and a 1-2 dog line or leash (lines can be purchased from Maryland Sled Dog Adventures for $35 per line with advance notice), plenty of water for you and your dog, a bowl (or some way to give your dog water), comfortable and supportive hiking boots, a lunch for you and snacks for your dog, and weather appropriate hiking clothes. Optional items include sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, and a camera. You will need a small backpack or fanny pack to carry these items along the trail.

If you would like to hike with your dog on leash, leashed dogs are welcome as well. Please be aware that park rules require that all dogs must remain leashed at all times.

Details: Cost of each hike is $10 per person. One dog per person, please. Each hike is limited to eight (8) participants. All participants must sign our waiver and release. Start time for each hike is 10:00 am unless otherwise noted below. Each of these hikes requires a certain level of physical fitness for both dogs and humans. Please be honest with yourself (and us) about you and your dog's ability to complete each hike.

Acadia demonstrates a perfect line out

Canicross Club Hike Schedule 2009

June 6, 2009: Our first Canicross Club Hike will be the Blue Ridge Summit--Hog Rock hike held at Catoctin Mountain Park near Frederick, Maryland. This hike is a ramble through hardwood forests and over the ridges of Catoctin Mountain, with views of the Blue Ridge and the Monacacy valley. Dogwoods and other flowering trees should be abundant at this time of the year. This loop hike begins at the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center and is approximately 5.1 miles in total length. This hike does climb nearly 700 feet and is moderate to difficult. At approximately the midway point of this hike, we will plan on stopping for lunch (please plan on bringing a sack lunch as there is no where to purchase lunch along this trail). Water and restrooms are available at the visitor center and a pit toilet is available approximately midway through the hike. For all of our hikes but especially this hike, we recommend supportive hiking boots.

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Directions:

From D.C., drive north on I-270 about 32 miles and exit onto U.S. Highway 15 North. In 17 miles, head west on Maryland Highway 77 (at Thurmont). Catoctin Mountain Park visitor center is 3 miles on the right. The trail head is at the far end of the lot.

From Baltimore: Drive west on I-70 to Frederick, Maryland. Exit onto U.S. Highway 15 North. In 17 miles, head west on Maryland Highway 77 (at Thurmont). Catoctin Mount Park visitor center is 3 miles on the right. The trail head is at the far end of the lot.

June 20, 2009: Our second Canicross Club Hike of the season will be approximately 5 miles of hiking through the woods along the Gunpowder North and South Trail at Gunpowder Falls State Park. Bring your swim suits and water shoes and after the hike, we'll take the dogs for a swim/wade in the crystal clear waters of the Gunpowder at an area the locals call "Hillbilly Beach." Starting out, we'll follow the Gunpowder South trail as it parallels the Gunpowder River for approximately 2.5 miles. At Big Falls Road, we'll cross the Gunpowder and come back along the river on the Gunpowder North Trail passing a small waterfall, Raven Rock Falls. This hike is a moderate to easy hike. After the hike, we'll lunch, swim and wade with the pups at Hillbilly Beach. In addition to the items above, for this hike, be sure to bring a swim suit (plan on changing in your car or the woods), towels for you and your dog, sunscreen, and a lunch for you and snacks for your dog. You may also wish to bring a camp chair for lounging around and socializing after the hike.

Rating: Moderate

Directions:

From Baltimore: Take I-83 North to Mt. Carmel Road. Exit and go east (right). Follow Mt. Carmel Road to York Road (stop light) and turn North (right). Follow York Road north for approximately 2-3 miles. As the road begins to go down steeply and just BEFORE crossing the river you will see two trail head parking areas on the left and right side of York Road. Park in either (be careful crossing the road with your dog).

From DC: Take I-95 North toward Baltimore to I-695. Take I-695 North towards Towson. Exit onto I-83 North and follow the directions above.

Okemo canicrossing on the Gunpowder South Loop

Sobo lines out while canicrossing at Prettyboy Reservoir

Sobo canicrossing at Prettyboy Reservoir

Small falls at Hemlock Gorge

September 12, 2009: Our third Canicross Club Hike of the season will be held at Gunpowder Falls State Park (Masemore Road trail head). To read more about this hike, visit the blog entry from last year's canicross club hike. While short (approximately 3.5 miles) in duration, this hike does require a bit of scrambling over boulders and large rocks. Several spots along the river are suitable for the dogs to swim (and the humans to wade).

Rating: Moderate with short difficult (bouldering) stretches

Directions:

From Baltimore: Take I-83 North to the Mt. Carmel Road Exit. Exit and proceed west (left). Follow Mt. Carmel Road for approximately 1-2 miles and turn Right onto Masemore Road. Follow Masemore Road about 2-3 miles. The road will go down sharply and make a hairpin turn by an old mill house (be sure to slow way down and watch out as this is strictly one way traffic). Immediately after going past the mill house, the Masemore Road parking lot is on the right.

From DC: Take I-95 North towards Baltimore. Take I-695 North towards Towson. Exit onto I-83 North and follow the directions above.

Okemo and a Day Lily at Gunpowder Falls State Park

Taking a dip in the Gunpowder

September 26, 2009: Our final Canicross Club hike of the 2009 season will take place at Sugarloaf Mountain. This five mile hike offers panoramic views of Frederick and the fields and farms surrounding Frederick. Please plan on packing a lunch which we'll plan to have at the White Rocks Overlook. Also, please be aware that this hike is a popular day hike and as a result we will begin this hike at 9 AM. Please bring only dogs that are friendly with other dogs and people. Also please plan on carpooling. The lots at Sugarloaf Mountain are small and fill up quickly. We will meet at the West View Parking lot. For a map of the hiking trails at Sugarloaf Mountain and site information click here. Post hike join us for an optional excursion to Sugarloaf Mountain Winery for a short wine tasting (please plan on bringing money to cover the cost of this additional excursion).

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

From Baltimore: Take I-70 West towards Frederick for approximately 60 miles. Exit onto I-270 South.

Take Exit 22 for Route 109. From the bottom of the exit ramp, follow Route 109 South for 2.9 miles. Turn Right onto Route 95 (Comus Road) toward Sugarloaf Mountain. Go 2.4 miles to a wide paved area at the Sugarloaf Mountain Entrance. Turn Right into the mountain entrance (the second right) and follow the road steeply uphill. Pass the East View parking lot. Continue along a level stretch of road and then fork right uphill for the west view parking lot.

From DC: From Interstate 495 (Capitol Beltway) take Exit 35 (outer loop) or Exit 38 (Inner Loop) in order to take I-270 North. Once you are on I-270 North follow the directions above.

View from White Rocks at Sugarloaf Mountain

Broken tree along the trail at Sugarloaf Mountain

Canicrossing at Sugarloaf Mountain with Acadia

Trees framing distant views at Sugarloaf Mountain