Great Falls National Park, MD: Historic Gold Mine 5.5-Mile Hike
Details
Great Falls National Park, MD: Historic Gold Mine 5.5-Mile Hike
Great Falls National Park in Maryland offers breathtaking river vistas as well as a fascinating history tied to the remnants of a quirky gold mining enterprise. This loop hike provides a blend of natural beauty and intriguing local lore, guiding hikers through forested trails, historic sites, and the iconic overlook of Great Falls.
The story of gold mining at Great Falls begins during the Civil War. A Union soldier stationed along the Maryland side of the Potomac River near Great Falls noticed a glint of gold in the rocks. After the war ended, he returned to the area, purchased farmland, and began prospecting for gold. His discovery sparked interest among others, leading to the opening of approximately 30 small mines by various prospectors. The Maryland Mine became one of the most prominent operations, though ultimately, little gold was found and the mines were abandoned. Today, only remnants of these ambitious ventures remain, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the park's landscape.
This loop trail begins at the Great Falls National Park Visitors Center. The trail first climbs to several high vantage points, providing panoramic views of the Potomac River as it winds through rugged terrain. It then takes hikers past the remains of one of the historic gold mines, offering a glimpse into the area's unique past. After exploring the mine site, the hike continues thru forested areas eventually leading to the classic overlook of Great Falls before looping back to the Visitors Center.
Please note: You must sign up by 9:00 PM the night before the hike.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.000740, -77.248008
The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Falls Road and MacArthur Blvd in Potomac, MD. Upon entering the park, take the road to its end and you will arrive at the parking lot. We meet at the Visitors Center.
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: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 590 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead but due to the government shutdown, they may or may not be open.
Fees:
No entrance fees if the government is shut down, Otherwise there is a $20 entrance fee. A National Parks pass is also accepted,
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.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.