Three Pond Circuit

As of December 10, 2019, users have reported that there are temporary road closures in this area. Please consult the park's website before visiting. Nice forest trails and several natural ponds in protected watershed area. The Frederick Municipal Forest is a forest area protecting the watershed servicing the city of Frederick, MD. Within the forest are many small ponds (yes, the same ponds subject to the FBI anthrax investigations), springs, and many jeep roads and hiking trails. Unfortunately they are all unmarked with the exception of portions of the Catoctin Trail which runs through the area. Take a map and compass! This hike begins with a steep, rough ascent on an unmaintained trail with many blow-downs. This trail will shortly intersect with a fire road. Proceed right. Continue on this trail until you reach large pond on left (small side trail leads down to and around pond). Continue past pond. The trail will begin heading south and roughly parallel Gambrill Park Rd, eventually reaching to Hamburg Road where you can pick up the blue-blazed Catoctin Trail back North. This trail will pass two small ponds and eventually lead back to the first larger pond.