Volunteering to help the park: A work crew installs a bench near Great Falls in 2016.
Supporting park projects: Catoctin Aqueduct after collapse in 1973
Supporting park projects: Catoctin Aqueduct after restoration effort in 2011
Exploring history and nature: Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct as viewed from the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
Protecting the canal since 1954: The association opposes Georgetown University’s plan to build a large boathouse in the park
Protecting the canal since 1954: The association opposes Georgetown University’s plan to build a large boathouse in the park
Exploring history and nature: Hikers gather at Fifteen Mile Creek Aqueduct in 2018.
Protecting the canal since 1954: Justice Douglas and eight others pause during their famous hike, which publicized the canal in 1954
Exploring history and nature: Ranger provides interpretation for hikers at Seneca Stone Cutting Mill in 2020.
Exploring history and nature: Hikers marvel at a large specimen during a tree identification walk in 2012
Volunteering to help the park: Association volunteer attaches plaque to newly installed bench in 2018.
Exploring history and nature: Association members participate in the last day of the 2009 Thru Hike at Great Falls
Volunteering to help the park: Association member helps install an identification sign at Landers in 2011
Exploring history and nature: Hikers gather at Dam 5 in 2019.
Protecting the canal since 1954: Justice Douglas and others rally against replacing the canal with a highway.
Volunteering to help the park: Association members repaint picnic tables at Swains Lock
Volunteering to help the park: Association volunteers assemble picnic table in 2018.
Photos from Jon Wolz continuing hike series hike from Violette's Lock to Pennyfield Lock.
Stay tuned for more details about the next hike in the continuing hike series, scheduled for November 15, from the Big Slackwater parking lot to Dam No. 4 cave, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Sign-up with hikemaster Jon Wolz [email protected]
Photos from Pennyfield Lock Road as DC Water prepares for sliplining a new pipe into the existing Potomac Interceptor pipeline.
Photos by Jon Wolz
On Walk Maryland Day, we’re visiting a trail that combines scenic views, natural beauty, and a little Montgomery County history. The Paw Paw Trail at Blockhouse Point Conservation Park is a must-hike this fall.
The trail winds through mature forest and along the bluffs above the Potomac River, offering beautiful views of the river and the historic C&O Canal below. It’s a perfect spot to slow down, take in the scenery, and experience the connection between Montgomery County’s natural and cultural landscapes.
History buffs will also find plenty to discover. The Blockhouse Point area contains remnants of Civil War-era defensive earthworks, constructed as part of the defenses protecting Washington, D.C.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful woodland walk, scenic river views, or a chance to connect with local history, this trail has a little bit of everything. Get outside and check out this trail in honor of Walk Maryland Day!
Blockhouse Point trails are open to hikers and equestrians only with the exception of the connecting Muddy Branch Greenway Trail which is open to all trail users.
#MoCoParksTOTM
