Hike GT Potomac Heritage Trail, Chain Bridge, C&O Canal, Cafe La Ruche, 9 Miles

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Where to Meet: We will meet at the Georgetown C & O Canal Visitors Center at 10 AM, hike Georgetown to Key Bridge to Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge to Fletcher's Boat House along the C & O Canal then back to Cafe La Ruche which is a 9.1 mile round trip circuit. Hike should take about three hours to complete. Afterwards we will eat lunch in Cafe La Ruche near the GT Visitor's Center. They have a great outdoor seating area. See http://www.cafelaruche.com (http://www.cafelaruche.com/) for details. Cafe La Ruche is known for sumptuous deserts made on location with decent wine selection and basic French food. It is the oldest operating French Bistro in GT.

Trail Notes: Hike starts along the C & O Canal then crosses the Key Bridge into VA. We will pick up the Potomac Heritage Trail, cross Chain Bridge then pick up the C & O Canal Trail back to GT via Fletcher's Boat House. We will pass through the GT Water Front Park at end of hike. Trail is typical wooded dirt trail once in VA to Chain Bridge. A few easy inclines and a bit of easy scrambling should be expected. Return trail is compacted gravel and dirt. The views along the Potomac are spectacular. A nippy breeze is likely to blow off the Potomac. Dress warmly. Hike can be a sneaker hike unless snow and ice greet us but, a portion is better with hiking shoes. Organizer has used both dockers and hiking shoes on these trails.

Directions: From Northern Virginia: Head north across Francis Scott Key Bridge into Georgetown. At the end of the bridge, turn right (east) onto M street. Follow M street to 30th street and turn right (south). The visitor center is halfway down the block on the right. Parking is available in parking garage just south of the canal on 30th street. Buses may park on K Street.

By Metro: There are no metro stops in Georgetown. Georgetown shuttle buses are available from Foggy Bottom, Rosslyn, and Du Pont Circle.

For Pedestrians, the closest metro stop is Foggy Bottom. From Foggy Bottom metro stop, make u-turn on pedestrian walkway to 24th street and turn right. Take 24th street to Pennsylvania Avenue and turn left. Take Pennsylvania Avenue to 30th Street and turn left. Park is half way down the block on the right. Allow 10-15 minutes for walking. (Approximately 10 blocks).

From Maryland and Beltway: Take Route 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) south approximately 6 miles to K Street and Potomac River. Wisconsin Avenue will end at K Street. Turn left onto K Street and follow to Thomas Jefferson Avenue. Turn left onto Thomas Jefferson and the park is half way up the block on the right. Parking is available in parking garages on K Street and 30th street.

Parking: If one is willing to walk 3 to 6 blocks in DC which is not far then parking is always available in the residential section of upper Georgetown. Parking restrictions on Sunday are very few and far between in DC. Paid parking lots and parking garages are scattered throughout GT. Residential areas is the key point for parking!

What to Bring: Bottle of water and other desired gear depending on personal needs. Take plenty of pictures. Pay attention to the weather which could be chilly.

Disclaimer: As usual this is a kid-free zone. All participants assume total risk for their personal and property safety. Robert's textable cell number is 202-578-8390.