Blockhouse Point Conservation Park and C&O Canal Towpath (Rating: B)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

10 mile circuit hike with about 650 feet of elevation gain.

Join us for a scenic hike along the C&O Canal towpath and the forest trails of Blockhouse Point Conservation Park.

Description: Starting from Lock 22 Pennyfield Lock parking lot off of River Road we will hike on the C&O Canal towpath. We will then hike to Violette's Lock and on to Riley's Lock where we'll cross the Seneca Creek Aqueduct and take a short side trip to the Seneca Mill & Quarry Ruins. We'll retrace our steps and take a lunch/snack break at Riley's Lock before heading back to Violette's Lock where we will make our way into Blockhouse Point Park. We will take several trails in the forest and stop at a couple of overlooks of the Potomac and Canal Towpath on our way back to the parking lot to complete the circuit.

This is a B hike due to the mileage, but most of the hike is level. There is one short but somewhat steep hill going up into the forest. You might want to bring hiking poles if you normally use them on hills. The overlooks are short out and backs and descend slightly from the forest area. These rocky overlooks offer great views of the Potomac!

The pace will be about 2.5 mph.

There are porta-johns at the locks.

Bring: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots with a lot of leaf coverage on the ground. There is one small stream that is easily stepped across.

Fee: There is no park fee.

Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 8:30am.

Blockhouse Point Park:
https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/blockhouse-point-conservation-park-trails/

C&O Canal Pennyfield, Violette's, and Riley's Locks:
https://birdersguidemddc.org/site/co-canal-pennyfield-violettes-rileys-locks/

C&O Canal Pennyfield Lock:
https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/lock-22-parking/

Meeting Place Instructions: We will meet at Pennyfield Lock, Lock 22 parking area on Pennyfield Lock Road. GPS 39.053641, -77.288893. See attached directions in the link.

After turning onto River Road west from I-495, Pennyfield Lock Road is about 8.5 miles on your left. Keep your eyes open and look for the sign for the turnoff onto Pennyfield Rd intersection. Proceed to the end of Pennyfield Road. I will be in a white Nissan SUV with the rear hatch open.

Optional post hike rehydration at Rocklands Farm Winery.

If you have questions, please message me here or call/text me at 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.