Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland)

Spend your Sunday morning with us on a scenic hike along the C&O Canal Towpath. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the beauty of Great Falls from the Maryland side.

We'll walk along the towpath, chat along the way, and take a well-deserved break at the Great Falls Overlook to soak in the stunning waterfall views. Whether you're here for the hike, the conversation, or both, this adventure is all about enjoying the journey together!

This is an easy and beginner-friendly hike which is generally flat with a few gentle inclines and a manageable 180 feet of elevation gain. The towpath is well-maintained and ideal for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for those looking to ease into hiking or simply enjoy a relaxed outdoor experience.

To learn more about the trail, click the link in the Trail Map section below.

Meeting Time & Location:
Join us at 9:30 AM at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot. We'll meet at the trailhead, located midway down the parking lot on the right side (as you enter).

Distance: 7.04 miles

Elevation Gain: 131 feet

Difficulty: Easy
This hike is accessible for all skill levels, taking place on the towpath and Berma road, which both feature mostly flat ground and wide paths.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
Free parking is available at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot, which is also our meeting point.

Trail Maps (AllTrails)
For this hike, the main group will take the Standard Route, a relaxed and social hike along mostly flat terrain — perfect for conversation and enjoying the views.

For those looking for a tougher workout, we’ll also offer an Advanced Route led by a separate hike leader. This route moves at a faster pace and includes significantly more elevation gain for an extra challenge.

Standard Route – Social pace on mostly flat terrain
Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland, towpath)

Advanced Route – Faster pace, more elevation, greater challenge
Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland, towpath + Gold Rush trail)

Restrooms
Restrooms are not available on this hike.

Dog Attendance
For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding!

Lunch After the Hike
Following the hike, we’ll head over to \ for a casual lunch. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue conversations, spark new ones, and unwind with your fellow hikers. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular, we’d love for you to join us—and for many, this might just be the best part of the hike!