Goose Creek Potomac Heritage Loudoun County (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

This is an out and back ~7.75 mile/150' elevation gain hike with shaded tree cover along the Potomac Heritage Trail in the Ashburn area of Loudoun County. . We will begin at Riverpoint Drive trailhead and follow Goose Creek to the Potomac with our turnaround point at the Bles Park boundary [Bles Park is closed for renovations]. We'll hike by some ruins of the Coose Creek and Little River Canal locks .

History: In 1849, construction began on a system of locks and dams to render the Goose Creek navigable up to three large mills in the Loudoun Valley. By 1845, the Goose Creek and Little River Navigation Company canal system had been completed on Goose Creek to Ball's (Evergreen) Mill, 12 miles (19 km) upstream from the mouth. Though the lower portion of the canal saw significant usage, only one boat was ever known to have traveled the whole stretch, and by 1857 the canal was put out of business by the completion of the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad to Leesburg. Most of the locks and dams were destroyed by the Union Army during the Civil War.

We hike at a pace of 2.5 to 3.0 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain.

Meet at the Riverpoint Drive Trailhead at 8:45am for sign-in. Restroom (Porta Potty) is available at the Trailhead

Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic

Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174

Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-april-25-2025-48f7d30?u=i&sh=iypgzx