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Rocky Gorge Lookout at Brown's Bridge LbNA #45719

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Feb 21, 2009
Location:
City:Columbia
County:Howard
State:Maryland
Boxes:1
Planted by:JAM
Found by: drobare
Last found:Apr 6, 2013
Status:FFFFFFFF
Last edited:Feb 21, 2009
This fun and scenic hike is located just down from Brown's Bridge that crosses the Rocky Gorge Resevoir near Fulton, Maryland. Large Overhanging rocks, Massive fallen and standing timber, and high river views are the highlights of this trip. Public Parking is available on both sides of the bridge, but you will need to use the south side that has a clearly visible boat launch. It should be noted that there are a few rugged spots on this short but slightly challenging venture and you will want to be sure to wear a pair of snug and grippy shoes for the occasional leaf pile.

Park anywhere in the boat launch parking area and proceed down towards the water. Keep your eyes open for a good walking stick- its the perfect trail for one. If the water is low you can take a right and proceed along the open flats towards the cliffs ahead. You should see a chair sized bright white rock at ground level- head to it. A well worn trail ahead starts to ascend thru the woods and between the rocks. Follow this fairly obvious trail and note the "Blue" paint marks on trees every 20 yards or so. The "blue" marks are basically your indicator for most of the hike--when in doubt you can spot one ahead and continue towards it. As the trail starts after 100 yards or so there is a giant fallen oak tree that sits just to the left of the trail. Pass by and then you will see a large overhanging rock above- walk under that and also note the blue mark on a large tree next to the overhang. More blue marks assist you as you head up to the "Double Down Trees." One tree is so big that you actually crawl UNDER it! (You can go around if you choose)
Two small gulleys or washouts are ahead and the second has leaf piles so watch your step. Now take the trail to the left and head towards the water. Now you are approaching "Rock Mountain." Take the trail right just as you come to a blue marked tree- The trail is not as worn but it should be easily visible- begin your ascent and watch your step. As you pass the first group rocks on your left (river at your back) the route gets steeper and you can choose your own route as long as you keep going up. The second and clearly higher rock ridge has a clearly visible "Triple Trunk Tree" with a basketball sized opening at the base. Concentrate your final search at this tree and you should find the Leprechaun!

Directions to the bridge from I-95 heading north from 495.
Head northeast on I-95 N toward Exit 35B
2. Take exit 35B for State Hwy 216 West
3. Merge onto MD-216. Go 2.3 miles
4. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto MD-216/MD Route 216/Scaggsville Rd
5. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on MD-216/MD Route 216/Scaggsville Rd
6. At the next traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on MD-216/MD Route 216/Scaggsville Rd.
Continue to follow MD-216/Scaggsville Rd for a mile.
7. Slight left at Lime Kiln Rd and go two miles.
8. Turn left at Browns Bridge Rd, cross over the bridge and park on the left side.