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Details

Details
A moderate loop hike starting from the Angler's Inn parking lot. We will follow the Valley Trail to the Gold Mine Loop, and then follow the Gold Mine Spur and the Lock 19 Spur down to Lock 19. We'll cross over to the C&O Canal towpath and proceed to the Maryland-side Great Falls overlook. We'll then retrace our steps and follow the Overlook Trail to a nice overlook of the river downstream from the falls. We'll return to Angler's Inn via the Gold Mine Loop and the Woodland trail for a total distance of 5.7 miles and 500 feet of elevation.

We will pick a spot to stop for lunch along the way.

AllTrails map:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/anglers-to-great-falls-loop-4-7-miles-07df9cf?u=i&sh=pzrvpp

Pace: average 2.0 -2.25 miles per hour

Meeting time: Meet at 10:00 am for sign-ins and introductions. We will start walking at 10:15.

Meeting place: Meet in the parking lot across MacArthur Blvd from Angler's Inn. Street address: 10790 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854.
GPS Coordinates: 38.982223495027135, -77.22654141782806

Allow extra drive time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway.

What to Bring: Good hiking shoes, rain gear if warranted by the forecast, a hat for sun protection, at least 2 liters of water, and a lunch or snacks. Trekking poles are recommended - there are some rocky sections and a couple of steep spots.

Facilities: There are restrooms at the meeting place, as well as at Lock 19 at the half-way point.

Pets: Dogs are welcome as long as they are well-behaved. Park rules state that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions.

Hike leader is Peter: 703-999-9435. However, there is NO cell service in the park, so hike leaders will not get last-minute messages.
RSVP: Sign-up ends at 6:00 pm the night before. Please do not show up unregistered. If you can't make the hike, please cancel your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to allow others on the waiting list to join.
To find out more about PATC, see www.patc.net

Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, see www.patc.net/membership

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