Blockhouse Point (7 miles, 446 feet, pawpaws & swimming hole?)

RSVPs open Saturday Aug 30 at noon

For this hike we'll venture to Blockhouse Point for a moderate loop that runs through a forest and along the C&O canal and Potomac. As anyone who has hiked with me in September knows, it's pawpaw season and I am obsessed with this local fruit so I'm hoping we'll find some on this hike. If it's warm enough after we have an option of heading to a nearby swimming hole on Seneca Creek to hang out, although given recent cool temperatures we may skip this and go to Rocklands Winery instead. Further guidance will be provided closer to the hike.

This hike is mostly flat so we'll move at a moderate pace of about 2mph. There don't appear to be bathrooms or a water source on site. Please bring water and snacks. There's supposed to be one nice view point, but come expecting more of a pleasant forest walk than the rugged beauty of Shenandoah.

Note that this hike starts later than our usual hikes. Enjoy sleeping in!

Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/blockhouse-point-loop-trail

CARPOOLING:
We encourage those with cars to be willing to drive - you're the ones who make LMH great!
If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time (recommended departure time from DC is 8:45 AM).
As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.
We look forward to hiking with you!

BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.
Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0)