Riley's Lock and Seneca Quarry

Details

Let's meet at Riley's Lock and explore the C&O Canal and Seneca Quarry!

❶ What we'll do: The hike is divided into two parts along the C&O Canal towpath, plus a short excursion to check out Seneca Quarry.

For the first part, we'll depart from the parking area and walk east along the C&O Canal towpath to Violette's Lock and return, about 1.3 miles round trip.
For the second part, we'll walk west along the C&O Canal towpath to a point just past the tip of Sharpskin Island and return, about 3 miles round trip.
Afterwards, we'll walk inland along the footpath to explore Seneca Quarry, the source of the red sandstone used to build the Smithsonian Institute and many historic buildings in Washington DC. The excursion to the quarry is only about 0.4 miles, round trip.
The hike is not quite 5 miles and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace. The path is level and dirt or gravel surface.
Google map: https://tinyurl.com/y5aursf3

❷ How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take exit 39 for MD-190 W/River Rd toward Potomac and drive west about 11.5 miles, passing through Potomac along the way. (WATCH OUT FOR SPEED CAMERAS!) At the sign marking the end of MD-190 and the junction with MD-112/Seneca Rd, turn left to stay on River Rd and drive another 0.7 miles. Turn left onto Riley's Lock Rd and follow it 0.7 miles to the end; the parking area is directly in front of you and to the left. The turnoff to Riley's Lock Rd is not well marked and can be easy to miss. (It's marked Riley's Lock Rd on the left and Seneca Rd on the right). See https://goo.gl/maps/85ejayTZnw92

❸ What to bring: Plenty of water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 88F (78F at start time), with 3-5 mph NW winds and a 23-24% chance of showers during our visit, with thunderstorms in the afternoon. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/y4x4rmmy

❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Administrative stuff: There are public restrooms (portable) at Riley's Lock and Violette's Lock. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, soap, and toilet paper.

❼ OPTIONAL FUN: The sunflowers are in bloom at the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area! It's a few miles west of Riley's Lock along River Road. The field locations are shown on the Google map for those who would like to visit after the hike, and on the printable map below. To get there from the Riley's Lock Parking Area, return north to River Rd (0.7 mi), turn left and drive west on River Rd (2.2 mi), then turn left onto Hunting Quarter Rd and follow it 0.6 miles to the second parking area on the left. See https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sg2oPmedA7ov7gTs7

❽ Notes: