Blockhouse: A Moderate 5.5-Mile Hike Near Potomac, MD
Details
Blockhouse: A Moderate 5.5-Mile Hike Near Potomac, MD
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."
Set within the stunning Blockhouse Point Conservation Park—consistently ranked among the best natural areas in the Montgomery County Park system—this hike offers a rich blend of biodiversity and quiet history. As you hike, you’ll trek through mature upland and floodplain forests, passing tranquil streams and unique river-rock outcrops. The area is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and serves as a rare botanical haven, home to at least nine species of threatened or endangered plants. While the park’s rugged terrain once served as a strategic wartime transportation route for supplies, it remains a peaceful retreat today.
The park’s name and historical significance are rooted in the American Civil War, specifically the year 1862. Following the Battle of Antietam, the Union Army constructed a series of blockhouses—sturdy timber fortifications—along the bluffs to defend the vital Potomac River crossings and the C&O Canal from Confederate raids. These outposts were manned by the 19th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, who kept a watchful eye on the supply lines into Washington, D.C. While the site was high-stakes and strategically vital, it is a rare historical gem because it never saw an actual skirmish; the soldiers spent their time on picket duty and reconnaissance rather than combat.
The hike begins in the deep woodlands above the C&O Canal, in the shaded forest. We will stop at magnificent vistas along the way. There is one very steep downhill and one significant stream crossing so be prepared with proper footwear.
Time to Meet: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00. The parking lot fills up early, so please be on time.
Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.066148, -77.304770 .
The Street address to the park is 14750 MD-190, Potomac, MD.
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: 528 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There are no toilets on this hike
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 RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE, KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS.
SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW," AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER.
-PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP UNLESS YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST.
-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.