Block House, Including Muddy Branch, a 7.3 mile Moderate Hike

Block House, Including Muddy Branch, a 7.3 mile Moderate Hike

This hike travels through parts a wonderful area just outside of Potomac MD – Blockhouse including the Muddy Branch section of the park. The Blockhouse Point Conservation Park is one of the Best Natural Areas within the Montgomery County Park system. Natural features include mature upland forest, floodplain forest, palustrine wetlands, streams, river-rock outcrops, at least nine species of threatened, endangered, or watchlist plants, a diversity of wildlife and grand views of the Potomac River and C&O Canal. The park covers an area that was once used as a wartime transportation system for supplies, but never saw action. The Muddy Branch section of the park traverses varied terrain and ecosystems including rocky upland forest, streambanks and meadows, and passes by rich vernal pools.

The hike starts at the Pennyfield Lock of the C&O Canal and cuts across rolling hills in Blockhouse that offer splendid views of the C&O Canal. Along the way, we hike down a short but steep and rocky hill to the canal before continuing through Blockhouse up to River Road. From there we find our way to Muddy Branch along with its wetland trails that pass by stream banks and vernal pools. We will stop along the way for lunch on the edge of the stream, and continue the hike before turning around and following the stream back to the starting point.

Please be aware that the hike has one short but steep and rocky section, and has three easy to moderate easy stream crossings. Poles are useful, but not necessary. A few sections may be muddy, so please wear appropriate footwear.

This hike is a lollipop hike. That is, it includes a loop and an out and back section.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.240879,-76.749977

The Street address to the park is 12420 Pennyfield Lock Road Tobytown, MD 20854. Pennyfield Lock Road is about 5.5 northwest of Potomac Village on River Road. Turn left onto Pennyfield Lock Road and take it to the very end. We will meet by the Porta-Johns.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7.3 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 670 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Weather: The weather for this location can be found here.

Notes:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-A well-mannered fido is welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

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