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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail follows the shoreline of the lake for the most part. From the parking lot, locate a trail to the left of the nature center. It starts right by the information sign, where you may be able to pick up a trail map of all trails in the park. Follow the short trail down the hill to the stream bed and turn right on the Sleepy Hollow trail. Follow this trail along the stream and after it leaves the stream, turn left on the Big Pines trail. Follow this a short distance to the Lakeside trail. Follow the lakeside trail until in meets an asphalt trail. Turn left and cross the dam. Follow the asphalt until in comes into and old parking area. Tranverse this to a unused road at the far end. Follow the road, bearing left, where another road runs off to the right. The road will end at another old parking a and the dirt trail picks up at the back. Follow the trail until you see the stream crossing with a sign for the nature center. Cross and return to start. Trailhead: The hike starts from the parking lot of the Meadowside Nature Center in Montgomery County, Maryland. The entrance to the center is on Muncaster Mill Road, between Avery and Norbeck roads. (Lat:39.06768 Lon:-77.06397) Trail Guides for Lake Frank Loop: Meadowside Nature Center Trail Map by na (na) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Maryland National Park Planning Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Keith Ferguson, who has posted 10 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Leo C on 10/25/2009 My wife and I enjoy the trail around Lake Frank. I agree with the another entry that the trail markings / layout needs work...a trail map is definitely helpful. 
Reviewed by DS on 5/11/2009 I like the fact that the lake is closed off to traffic and many don't know about it. It makes trail running a great experience. The first time I ventured up the Avery Road area toward the Dam, I was really taken back by the view. After getting around the southeast side of the paved lake trail, the real fun begins when you follow the feeder stream north all the way to Muncaster Mill Rd. Crossing the wide river is difficult in high water, but the trails on the west side are best. The trails meet back up eventually to the paved area by the dam. The loop is between 4 and 5 miles around, depending on which route you take. You can also park at Meadowside nature center and hit the trails from there. 
Reviewed by BJP on 4/23/2009 I recently took this trail from the parking lot entrance on Avery Road during my lunchtime break. There's an incredibly steep hill at the very beginning of this trail which is virtually impossible to navigate if you have any form of disability or are out of shape (i.e. bad knees). The scenery of the lake is pleasant, and I spotted a Red-tailed hawk in flight. As the trail leads into the woods, the abandoned parking lot, and the abandoned road, it was desolate and creepy. It made the hair stand up on the back of my neck, and I turned around and headed back to my car. I will not be returning. There are far better walking paths in Montgomery County. I would recommend taking a buddy along. By the way, it is called LAKE FRANK.
Reviewed by James on 12/5/2008 Good mix of hills in the woods, in the fall & winter you get nice views of the lake & surrounding terrain. On both sides of lake there is civilization in the form of housing developments with side trails leading to them, but there are only glimpses of this. The paved side of the trail is is quite with no vehicle traffic, due to a long ago closed gate. I found an Osage Tree that had dropped it's seed pods. These seed pods look like faded yellow/green softballs. The nature center located at the northern end of the lake has several Raptors in cages. These Raptors are permanent residents, there are descriptive education boards near each exhibit(s). Though this is a closed park if the weather is nice you'll find people using the trails.
Reviewed by JTM on 8/10/2008 Enjoyed this hike immensely.
Reviewed by imer on 7/24/2008 It is so beautiful and the walk for me is always a small journey. You start on a high point with an over view of the whole lake on a paved trail. You keep walking and you think you are moving far from the lake you see the splendor through the trees. The paved road begins to crack given way to a natural path thinking you are just heading into untouched part of His creation. The trees become thicken with life and just when you forget where you started the lake submerges into tributaries and marshes. Before you know it your at the shore line! There is a point that you can nest under a tree where the lake almost wraps around you! its is a haven from the suburben life i can take whenever becuase it is so close 
Reviewed by cjc on 6/1/2008 Easy hike around the lake. Popular with runners and dog walkers. The locals have cut a lot of side trails from their homes to the main lake loop, but the trail is still easy to follow. All of the trails seem to be blazed blue which can lead to some confusion near the nature center if you don't take a map. There is a significant stretch of the trail on an old paved access road which doesn't make for the most interesting hiking. Probably a good place for bird watchers.
Reviewed by Foht Family on 1/14/2008 This hike was very interesting, the nature center has some interesting items to look at to include 3 owls, 1 american bald eagle and a few other hawks. We didnt find the trails confusing at all, how difficult can it be it circles a lake. We will visit this trail again in the near future. Tony, Stacy, Madison and Sammy Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Montgomery County Hiking, Montgomery County Trails, Montgomery County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||