Moonlight Hike: C&O Canal Towpath, Great Falls, MD

Hike in the moonlight along the C&O Canal towpath to Great Falls, Maryland, 4 miles

Time: Hike starts promptly at 8:15 p.m. and goes to approximately 10:15 p.m. (2 hours). It’s best to arrive about 10-15 minutes before the start of the hike (around 8:00 – 8:10 p.m).

Meeting Place: Parking lot across from Old Angler's Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD.

Reservations: Unlike CHC's Saturday bus hikes, signing up for Moonlight Hikes is not required. However, if you do sign up, you can be notified of a possible change in plan. Usually, light rain alone will not cancel the hike--for safety reasons, severe weather or a thunderstorm will.

Directions:

a. From the Beltway (I-495), take exit # 41, which is immediately north of the American Legion Bridge. When taking exit # 41, take it west towards Carderock / Great Falls, Maryland.
b. This puts you on the Clara Barton Parkway, heading west. Stay on the Clara Barton Parkway for 1.7 miles until you come to a flashing stoplight.
c. Make a left turn at the flashing stoplight onto MacArthur Blvd. Go for 1 mile until you see the Old Anglers Inn on your right side. Park in the parking lots across the street from the Old Anglers Inn.
What to bring:
a. A flashlight
b. A small bottle of water
c. Insect repellent
d. Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes are fine)
Cost / Donation: There is no charge for this hike, in accordance with CHC’s permit from the National Park Service.

Difficulty / Terrain: This hike is mostly over flat terrain along the C&O Canal towpath and the Berma Road. This hike is considered to be an easy hike.

Ages: This hike is open to all ages, so long as they can comfortably walk 4 miles. Parents need to be mindful of small children during the hike for their safety.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome, so long as they are kept on a leash at all times, are friendly around people and other dogs, and are not taken out on the walkway to Olmstead Island.

COVID PRECAUTIONS

All participants should be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.