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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike follows a large and shallow bend made by the Potomac River in a part of western Montgomery County where farmlands rather than subdivisions predominate. It's a 10 mile out-and-back hike on the milepost-dotted, ever so flat towpath between Whites and Edwards Ferry. For company you'll have the mostly out of sight Potomac, the crumbling and overgrown remains of the C&O Canal bed, and woodlands galore. Both ferry sites saw military use during the Civil War, and have lots of historic as well as natural beauty to share. Trailhead: I-495 to exit 39, MD 190/River Rd. Merge towards Potomac, MD. Turn Left onto River Road, then Right onto Partnership Road - which turns into MD 107. This merges with Whites Ferry Rd. Continue until you reach the ferry. Parking lot is on the right side. Store is operated during the warmer months only. (Lat:39.1544 Lon:-77.5156) Trail Guides for C&O Canal - Whites Ferry to Edwards Ferry: 60 Hikes within 60 miles of Washington D.C. by Paul Elliott (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Canal National Park Headquarters (301) 739-4200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Michaeleen on 2/16/2008 I like this hike better if you turn it into a loop by first taking River Road to Edwards Ferry and then returning on the C&O Canal Trail. The road is gorgeous! It travels along beautiful farms with an open, sunny feeling, unlike the trail, which is quite shaded and dark. Don't be concerned about traffic along the road. A few weekends ago, we did not see one car for the entire 5 miles. Another suggestion is to start at Edwards Ferry; then half-way through the hike at White's Ferry, you can get a drink or snack. 
Reviewed by Tina on 3/9/2007 Whites Ferry is something that I have in my early childhood memories. it was a place that my family frequinted on a regular basis. We would travel from Laurel Maryland to Whites Ferry and what a ride it was filled with anticipation and ezcitment. The fishing was pleantiful and I couldn't wait to ride the ferry. I plan to take my children there. I hope they never change a thing about this park or the Ferry.
Reviewed by Mark on 2/10/2004 I have walked sections of the C&O Canal in Montgomery County a great many times, but always below Voilettes Lock. That's because from Voilettes Lock southward you have water in the canal and I have assumed that that water will attract more wildlife than the dry parts of the canal further up. Couldn't be more wrong! I hiked from Edwards Ferry to Whites Ferry yesterday and saw an owl, a red-shouldered hawk that had a squirrel or small fox in its talons, and quite a few deer. Also saw fox (live ones) south of Edwards Ferry last week. There are remains of a defacto aqueduct over Broad Run, so if you are into canal history it's worth the walk. Crunching along through the snow yesterday I thought to myself "I don't care if spring ever co 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||