02. Monacacy River Natural Resources Management Area

This 1,800-acre, state-owned area of wooded ridges and stream valleys abuts the southwest side of the Sugarloaf Mountain property. Hiking here means exploring and navigating unmarked, minimally maintained trails, many of which are faded roadways, some dating from the late 1700s, giving this area a wilder, less tamed flavor. It's simple enough if you follow this good map.

There is a trailhead at the south end on Rt. 28 at the bridge over the Monacacy River. There is a second trailhead on Ed Sears Road. The blue-colored trail on the map that is accessed from Ed Sears Road becomes a bit overgrown, with blowdowns, at its end, where it meets the red-colored trail. However, stay on the faint trail and it will open up again. 

To walk the Long Trail, follow the trail from the parking area on Rt. 28. You will cross Furnace Branch on a wide bridge. Keep to the right, following the creek. After three-fourths of a mile, turn right at the first opportunity. (This trail junction can also be reached by starting on the "blue trail" from Ed Sears Rd.) The trail fords Furnace Branch twice, and then comes to a T-junction. Go left, up the old road cut, to continue on the Long Trail. (If you go right at the T junction, you ford the creek a third time to go to the lime kiln.) 

To follow the Long Trail, keep going straight on the old road  that parallels the ridge above it. Don't turn off on the side trails that head down into the valley. Contrary to what the map shows, you cannot continue on the Long Trail after you reach the northern boundary of Natural Resources Management Area (marked "Boundary" on the map). At this point, the way is blocked by private land posted with red "no trespassing" signs. From here, you can follow an old road cut that goes straight up the ridge, along the publicly-owned side of the property line. About halfway up the ridge, it enters land owned by Stronghold—the corporation that owns and operates Sugarloaf Mountain property for the public's "enjoyment and education in an appreciation of natural beauty"—(posted with yellow signs), and connects with a logging road that, if followed up and over the ridge, connects with the Sugarloaf yellow trail, with trailheads on Mt. Ephraim Road.

Trail access from Dr. Belt Road also appears blocked by private property. The trails leading south and east from the Lime Kiln have faded away. 

The blue-colored trail that appears to extend to Banner Road actually stops just short of the road on the west side of the creek, upstream from where  a large beaver dam creates a pond on Furnace Branch. Unfortunately, access to the trail from Banner Road is blocked by private land between the road and Furnace Branch. 

This website provides some history about the area.

A ford of Furnace Branch on the Long Trail.