Adventure Travel

Let's continue exploring the historic lockhouses along the C&O Canal, this time staying in a primitive one -- Pennyfield Lock, located by Lock 22. As this is a primitive lockhouse there are NO modern amenities (running water, electricity, heat, or kitchen), and so you will need to bring everything you need to stay comfortable during this one-night stay. We can enjoy some easy hikes along the towpath and through the nearby Blockhouse Point Conservation Park durig our visit. Due to the location of the lockhouse, a carpooling spot has not been established. A WhatsApp group will be created closer to the event and will be used to coordinate rides and other event logistics. We will plan to meet at the lockhouse at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Moderate * **Length:** 14.2 Miles * **Duration:** 4.5-5.5 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 506 Feet * **Permits:** Juanatán will provide overnight parking permits to drivers. * **Parking:** Carpooling will be coordinated via WhatsApp. * **Dogs:** Not allowed inside the lockhouse, sorry. * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.05497688136813, -77.29032396969912 * **AllTrails Maps**: * https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-af4793c?u=i&sh=kucj8c * https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-9e94313?u=i&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** We will arrive at the parking lot near the lockhouse at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning. We won't be able to check in, so we will go on a hike to Seneca Quarry, where we can explore some old structures that used to be part of the canal system. We will take a slightly different route back through Blockhouse Point Conservation Park. By then we will be ready to check in to the lockhouse. Everyone will need to carry their gear 0.1 miles from the parking lot to the lockhouse. There is no kitchen inside and no running water, so keep that in mind when planning dinner. We can all relax, perhaps play some games, and check out the lockhouse. Closer to nightfall we will go on a short 3-mile hike to Swains Lock where we can enjoy a nice view of the sunset. We will then hike 3 miles back in the dark to the lockhouse and perhaps play games or enjoy a fire before bed. The next morning everyone is on their own for breakfast. Keep in mind that we need to clean up and be out of the lockhouse no later than 10:00 AM. The maximum capacity of the lockhouse is eight people. Depending on who signs up it may be necessary to rearrange the provided trundle beds or bring sleeping pads so we can spread out and make sure everyone has a comfortable sleeping arrangement. You can learn more about the lockhouse [here](https://www.canaltrust.org/lockhouse-22/). Since this is a rustic lockhouse, I will only need $10 from each participant to cover the cost of the reservation. I accept PayPal, Venmo, and cash. :) I'm looking forward to this relaxing trip. Please let me know if you have any questions. **Saturday Itinerary:** * 11:00 AM: Meet at the trailhead, start hiking. * 3:00 PM: Check into the lockhouse, get set up, eat, play games, etc. * 6:00 PM: Hike to Swains Lock, enjoy the sunset, hike back. * 9:00 PM: Potentially enjoy a fire or simply go to bed. **Sunday Itinerary:** * Everyone can get up whenever they want to, keeping in mind that we need to clean up and check out of the lockhouse no later than 10:00 AM. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost).​ See you on the trail! **[Featured Image Source](https://www.canaltrust.org/lockhouse-22/)**

This route takes us by many scenic landmarks in northern Maryland: Annapolis Rocks, Black Rock, Raven Rock, Cunningham Falls, Cat Rock, Chimney Rock, and Wolf Rock. The splits will be 13.75/19.75 We will meet at the Grovesnor-Strathmore kiss and ride at 7:30am, and carpool to the trailhead about an hour away, I will arrange to set up the shuttle either beforehand or on our way. We will start from the Annapolis Rocks trailhead and hike north on the AT to raven Rock shelter, stopping to see Annapolis, Black, and Raven Rocks on our way. We will settle in a Raven Rocks shelter for the night. The shelter is quite large, and there are campsites available. The next morning, we will retrace our steps back to the last road and roadwalk 2.5 miles to make the jump from the AT to the Catoctin Mountain Trail. Once there, we will hike several miles to route 77, where our cars will be, and pass them to hike the loop to Cunningham Falls, Cat Rock, Chimney Rock, Wolf Rock, and Thurmont Vista, before returning to our shuttle vehicle back near the falls. For any members who are looking to become veteran members, day two is long enough for you to graduate! Anyone looking for a shorter second day may stop at the cars when we pass on route 77, making it a less than 10 mile day. This is a W1 trip, so be prepared for winter conditions. We will monitor the weather as it gets closer. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)). COVID-19 policy: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/) Carpool: our policy is 10 cents per mile. Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/DCULKaran/15) ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.) caltopo: [https://caltopo.com/m/3BAR07K](https://caltopo.com/m/3BAR07K)

Meet and end at Madison Community Center parking lot for a hike along the Potomac River on a loop through the woods with some rough walking on trails with tree roots and a creek crossing as well as boulder climbing. Difficulty is hard but not in length, more the terrain is rough with some hand over hand boulder climbing and walking across woods. Some hiking on a sidewalk and mostly on established trails. Estimate 2.5-3 hours just to give some time to check out the river. We will see a few waterfalls and maybe some birds! Lots of beautiful forests, a creek or three, and adventure!! I have ice grips for my shoes in case the trail is snowy, holding hike even if it’s cold or snowy! Dress warm bring water and snacks