Great Falls, MD Gold Mine Trails (Rating: B)
Details
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.
Hike Overview: This will be a 10-mile hike in and around Great Falls, Maryland, with about 800 feet of elevation gain. We will be hiking in the woods, not along the towpath. The trail can be rocky and uneven at times. Plan for some small hills and stream crossings. I hike at a moderate to fast pace of 2.5-3.0 miles per hour.
Park Entrance Fee: None.
Trailhead: The trailhead / hike starting location is at the far end of the upper parking lot across from the Old Angler's Inn. The restrooms at the other end (by the entrance) should be open.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Route: We’ll hike up to the Gold Mine Loop, circle around the east side, make our way down to the towpath, and then visit Olmsted Island for a lovely view of the falls. Once back at the towpath, we'll head past the visitor center and parking lot north to the Ford Mine Loop. After finishing this loop, we'll retrace our steps to the visitor center, hike along the Overlook Trail and around the Gold Mine Loop and back to the parking lot. Highlights include: the falls overlook, Civil War trenches, gold mine sites, and a pretty stream.
Type: Our path will be roughly in the shape of a barbell.
Hiking Speed: We'll hike at a speed of 2.5-3.0 mph (moderate to fast).
Pets: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with NVHC's dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy. The dog must be on a leash, and you must let the hike leader know in advance. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk to Olmsted Island, so any hikers with a dog would have to wait at the entrance while the group goes to view the falls.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf