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Dickerson is untouched, even though close to DC. Scenic views and great hiking best describe Dickerson Maryland. The large landmark of Dickerson is Sugarloaf Mountain. Geologically, Sugarloaf is known as a monadnock, a mountain that remains after the erosion of the surrounding land. At SugarLoaf, that process took approximately 14 million years. At an elevation of 1,282 feet, Sugarloaf stands more than 800 feet above the farmland below. The rugged cliffs on the summit are composed primarily of quartzite, the predominant type of rock on the mountain.
The dominant tree species on Sugarloaf are the oaks of both red and white groups. These trees are being threatened by oak decline, a result of several factors of which the introduced gypsy moth is a part. Other trees include black gum, tulip poplar, black birch, and eastern hemlock. The more than 500 species of plants here include a variety of wildflowers, many of which can be found blooming during the warm weather months.
White tailed deer are abundant on and around the mountain. Other mammals include flying squirrel, red fox, eastern cottontail and raccoon. The forest birds include the great horned owl, pileated woodpecker, wild turkey and red shouldered hawk. During the spring and fall, many migratory species of songbirds can be found.
This mountain has a part in American history, taken from a write-up from the Comus Inn Restaurant:
"In 1862-63, Confederate forces occupied the mountain, which was fought over by both sides as a signal station before the newly invented telegraph reached here. Its use as an observation point is described in the diaries of a local family's Union Army ancestor. After the Civil War, the mountain went into private ownership.
What an unusual mountain. Lying east-south-east of Frederick Maryland, and west of Germantown, this small mountain stands by itself. Trails immediately surrounding the peak make for short, but in places strenuous, hiking. There are lots of hiking opportunties available on the moutain for all levels of skill and stamina.
If you're an outdoor entusiast, and want a getaway after the long day in the city of DC., Dickerson may be the place for you.
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