Take a Hike! (DMV)

Spend your Sunday morning with us on a scenic hike along the C&O Canal Towpath. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the beauty of Great Falls from the Maryland side.

We'll walk along the towpath, chat along the way, and take a well-deserved break at the Great Falls Overlook to soak in the stunning waterfall views. Whether you're here for the hike, the conversation, or both, this adventure is all about enjoying the journey together!

This is an easy and beginner-friendly hike which is generally flat with a few gentle inclines and a manageable 180 feet of elevation gain. The towpath is well-maintained and ideal for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for those looking to ease into hiking or simply enjoy a relaxed outdoor experience.

To learn more about the trail, click the link in the Trail Map section below.

Meeting Time & Location:
Join us at 9:30 AM at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot. We'll meet at the trailhead, located midway down the parking lot on the right side (as you enter).

Distance: 7.04 miles

Elevation Gain: 131 feet

Difficulty: Easy
This hike is accessible for all skill levels, taking place on the towpath and Berma road, which both feature mostly flat ground and wide paths.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
Free parking is available at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot, which is also our meeting point.

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.

We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.

After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.

We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!

Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,063 feet

Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.

** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.

Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.

We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.

After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.

We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!

Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,063 feet

Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.

** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.

Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.

We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.

After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.

We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!

Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,063 feet

Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.

** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.

Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.