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.