PATC Hikes & Events

Blockhouse: A Moderate 8-Mile Hike Near Potomac, MD

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."

Set within the stunning Blockhouse Point Conservation Park—consistently ranked among the best natural areas in the Montgomery County Park system—this hike offers a rich blend of biodiversity and quiet history. As you hike, you’ll trek through mature upland and floodplain forests, passing tranquil streams and unique river-rock outcrops. The area is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and serves as a rare botanical haven, home to at least nine species of threatened or endangered plants. While the park’s rugged terrain once served as a strategic wartime transportation route for supplies, it remains a peaceful retreat today.

The park’s name and historical significance are rooted in the American Civil War, specifically the year 1862. Following the Battle of Antietam, the Union Army constructed a series of blockhouses—sturdy timber fortifications—along the bluffs to defend the vital Potomac River crossings and the C&O Canal from Confederate raids. These outposts were manned by the 19th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, who kept a watchful eye on the supply lines into Washington, D.C. While the site was high-stakes and strategically vital, it is a rare historical gem because it never saw an actual skirmish; the soldiers spent their time on picket duty and reconnaissance rather than combat. Today, eagle-eyed hikers can still find the subtle earthen mounds and remnants of the foundations where these defensive structures once stood, serving as silent monuments to the soldiers who guarded the river.

The hike begins in the deep woodlands bb the C&O Canal Towpath. As you walk along the water’s edge, keep an eye out for sunbathing turtles and elegant Blue Herons while soaking in sweeping views of the Potomac River. The route also offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial past as you pass by the historic Violet’s and Pennyfield Locks. We then climb into the shaded forest, stopping at magnificent vistas along the way. Be sure to pack a lunch or a snack to enjoy at the Blockhouse Overlook, where you can relax and take in one of the most grand perspectives of the river valley below.

Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:4\15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.240879,-76.749977

The Street address to the park is 12420 Pennyfield Lock Road Tobytown, MD 20854. Pennyfield Lock Road is about 5.5 northwest of Potomac Village on River Road. Turn left onto Pennyfield Lock Road and take it to the very end. We will meet by the Porta-Johns.

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour

Facilities: Portable bathrooms at the trailhead

Fees: No entrance fees

Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Winding Trails, a Hidden Garden, and Tranquil Beauty

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER NOTES

Just beyond the rush of the beltway lies a natural sanctuary spanning 536 acres, a green expanse with woodland trails and gentle hills. Here, the landscape feels worlds away from the city’s hum.

Our hike leads us along wooded trails through towering trees and across modest elevations, showcasing the quiet beauty of the park. Along the way, we’ll venture into the edge of Brookside Gardens, a 50-acre oasis renowned for its lush plantings and tranquil, shimmering pond. Often celebrated as the “jewel of Montgomery County parks,” these gardens feature vibrant blooms, meandering walkways, and the gentle murmur of water.

Most trails are natural surface, while certain stretches are paved.
Feel free to bring along a lunch—though take care to enjoy it at the trailhead or in Wheatoon Regional proper, as picnicking is not permitted within the Brookside Gardens. Afterwards, you may wish to return to Brookside Gardens, just a short stroll away, where the flora and water offers the perfect end to a day spent in nature.

Please be aware that while a leashed Fido may travel with us through the park, he or she is not permitted in Brookside Gardens. Best to leave Fido at home.

Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.054546, -77.043680
The Street address is 2004 Shorefield Rd · Silver Spring, MD. When you enter the park you come to a circle. Drive around it 3/4 of the way (to make a left turn) and proceed to a large parking lot. Drive to the far end of the lot.

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 480 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead and about 4.5 miles into the hike
Fees: No entrance fee

Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION BELOW

Riverbend Park sits just upstream from Great Falls NP in Virginia. This moderate 4.8 mile hike with only 75 feet of elevation gain follows a trail which provides beautiful river vistas and a variety of natural scenery. This rocky, mainly natural surface trail runs parallel to the river for most of its length. Wildlife such as herons, ducks, or eagles can sometimes be seen along the riverside. You will be able to hear the sound of the falls as we approach Great Falls park. Once we arrive we will take a few minutes at the Great Falls overlooks to enjoy the beauty of the falls, then proceed a bit further along the river before looping back and returning the way we came. Parts of this trail are narrow and there is a small rock scramble as well to add to the fun.
Restrooms are available at both Riverbend and Great Falls visitor centers.

Please arrive by 9:45 to check
in. We will begin hiking promptly at 10:00

If the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. DO NOT SHOW UP UNREGISTERED!
If your plans change, please update your RSVP by 6:00 pm the day before the hike to allow sufficient time to fill your spot. Signing out after this will be considered a "no show". Repeated instances may result in being barred from participating in future hikes.

If you are on the waitlist, please check your status after 6:00 pm the day before to see if you have been moved to the "going" list. If you are on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it is important to sign out even if you are not yet confirmed, otherwise you may be marked as a no show.