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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a loop trail that includes the woods and high prominences of Blockhouse Point Park with a horse trail through National Park Service land and a return along the C&O Canal towpath. Views of the Potomac from the highpoints are excellent. There are also 3.5 miles of side trails or alternate routes as shown on the map. All trail within MNCPPC land are marked by signposts and blue blazes. Trails outside the park are not marked. The canal can be crossed only at Pennyfield Lock and Violett's Lock. Use the topo map on this page to see the whole loop hike. Email the hike reporter for turn-by-turn trail notes. There is an excellent map giving names of the trails within the confines of the Blockhouse Point Park at http://www.mc-mncppc.org/trails/trails_MAPS/blockhouse_point.shtm Trailhead: From the Washington Beltway (I 495) proceed north on River Road through Potomac Center. Turn left onto Pennyfield Lock Road. First parking area on the right is nearest the trailhead. Cross over Muddy Branch Creek to get to the trail. Do not cross the canal. Alternatively, there are two marked parking areas on River Road. Finally, you may stay on River Road and turn left onto Violette's Lock Road and park at the end of the road. (Lat:39.0567 Lon:-77.29376) Trail Guides for Blockhouse Point Loop: Hikes in the Washington Region Part A Montgomery and Frederick in Maryland by Potomac Applachian Trail club (Potomac Applachian Trail Club) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Trail covers Montgomery Parks land as well as National Park Service land Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Richard Denton, who has posted 14 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Chuck on 3/5/2007 The trail is well marked and maintained. The only comment I have is by following the blue blazes starting at Pennyfield park, I couldn't didn't not find a "loop" in the traditional sense. However, my buddy and I had an enjoyable hike through Blockhouse Point Park with the map suggested at http://www.mc-mncppc.org/trails/trails_MAPS/blockhouse_point.shtm. Seeing the river peaking provided a wonderful view. 
Reviewed by KHF on 1/14/2007 I enjoyed hiking this trail and am amazed at some of the negative comments in other reviews. The river and canal are a fabulous treasure, providing habitat for lots of wildlife. Ok it's not the White Mountains but it is so convenient to the DC area. It's great that people with nasty dispositions don't like the trail, so I won't encounter them, when I hike there. 
Reviewed by JayC on 10/18/2006 I love this trail - so close to civilization and yet it allows one to spend time and energy walking in the woods and along the river. A good variety of terrain, wildlife, and surroundings. I hope I don't ever meet any of those folks like Vivek that wrote such a negative review and has such a lack of appreciation for nature and the outdoors. I've seen eagles, hawks, owls, deer, chipmunks, beavers, squirrels, snapping turtles, fish and snakes on my hikes. The WMA area along the canal teems with life and is a favorite of birders. The view spots in the hills above the river have both native american and civil war history. I certainly appreciate a remote wilderness setting, but I feel lucky to have such a gem that's just a short drive from ho
Reviewed by RJD on 7/8/2006 All trail junctions are now marked by signposts. Also refer to http://www.mc-mncppc.org/trails/trails_MAPS/blockhouse_point.shtm
Reviewed by MJA on 5/22/2006 Trail is VERY poorly marked. 3 experienced hikers and a GPS could not find our way on this trail after the apex of the trail. Trail seems to just disappear and we had to take Turkey Fan trail back. Our 7.3 mile hike turned into about 4 miles due to nonexistent trail markings. Nice walk in the woods, but no challenge.
Reviewed by Richard on 5/6/2006 Apparently the two previous reviewers were hiking someplace else. There is no paved trail. There are no suburban houses visible from the trail.
Reviewed by Olivia on 5/2/2006 I couldn't find it. The parking lot the directions give drop you off at the C&O Canal - more of a bike path, not a trail. The previous reviewer is right in that this paved path is surrounded by suburbia on all sides. Most of the time was spent talking about the large houses we passed every 1/2 mile or so. Aside from the dissapointment of expecting to go on a hike in the woods and instead ending up on a bike path, the trail wasn't all that bad. I just wouldn't ever go "hiking" on it again; Maybe for a long bike ride though, since the path was pretty. 
Reviewed by Vivek on 5/1/2006 Worst.trail.ever. First of all, the C&O Canal path is best skipped. It's more or less a stagnant pool of water teeming with insects, even in the spring. The Blockhouse Point is not only difficult to find, with absolutely NO TRAIL MARKERS anywhere, it is also apparently nonexistent. The park is surrounded by suburbia on all sides and you never get a true feeling of hiking in the woods and the view is so so at most from the Paw-Paw Trail. This trail is best avoided. Don't waste your time on it. All in all, it should have a negative rating. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Montgomery County Hiking, Montgomery County Trails, Montgomery County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||