Turkey Run: A Challenging-Moderate 4 or 6.3 Mile Hike with Rock Scrambles

Turkey Run: A Challenging-Moderate 4 or 6.3 Mile Hike with Rock Scrambles

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."

This is a great hike to step up your hiking to a more challenging level due to the terrain. There are two loops in this hike: one for 4 miles and a second for 2.3 miles. Work on building your hiking strength while challenging yourself to a rock scramble. This hike would be rated a moderate hike other than the rock scramble over a stream and other stream crossings using ropes, which earns it a “challenging moderate”. Please be aware, that the stream crossings and scrambles are challenging, and that good footwear is a must.

Turkey Run Park has a number of wooded and riverside trails. Turkey Run Park preserves a vertical slice of the Potomac Gorge ecosystem. A unique combination of flora and fauna makes a home in the park's riverbanks, flood terraces, upland forest, streams, and underground seeps. There is also a variety of fauna that lives along and in the river. You may see cormorants and a variety of water birds. Trails in Turkey Run Park cross through several of the distinct habitats that make up the Potomac Gorge ecosystem. The Potomac Heritage Trail (http://www.nps.gov/pohe/planyourvisit/index.htm) also runs through the park. Along our route is a fun rock scramble and six stream crossings that you cross using rocks, and of course, a helping hand is always offered. The extra 2.3 miles is challenging in its own way. While we hike mostly along the river and its beautiful views, we will need to navigate several downed trees including one that is quite a challenge.

The 4 mile hike should end around noon and the second around 1:30 PM.

A leashed, well-trained Fido is allowed on this hike.

Bring a lunch to enjoy between the two hikes.

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

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot.
The GPS Coordinates are 38.964346, -77.153034

Turkey Run Park in Virginia is located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean, VA 22101. It is accessed via the GW Parkway (Exit 43). We will meet in the main parking, C-1 lot near the parkway exit when coming from the North; when coming from the South the exit is almost immediately.

Rating: Challenging-Moderate
Distance: 6 miles total (Loop 1: 4 miles and Loop 2: 2.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There are no restrooms near the trailhead.
Fees: no 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:
- RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, CHECK YOUR STATUS SOON AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST.
-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.