K9 Trailblazers Dog Hiking Club 
Sunday, October 5, 2003 Hike Information 
C&O National Park, Pennyfield Lock

Where:
When:
Participation Limit:
Hike Description:
(map)
What to Bring:
Rules:
Cancellation Policy:
Directions:

Where: 

Our October 5th hike will be at the Pennyfield Lock of the C&O, off River Road close to the Beltway near Potomac, MD. Directions are listed below. Plan to meet at the parking area by the boat launch area (but not in the park "Reserved for boat launching".

When:

For the exact time to meet at the trailhead, contact one of the hike organizers.

Participation Limit:

This hike will be limited to 12 people plus dogs.

The Hike:

We’ll hike at a moderate pace for about 8 miles, along the scenic and historic C & O Canal, and in the woods over hilly and sometimes rocky terrain as we pass horse farms and climb up to the cliffs to eat lunch while enjoying fantastic views of the Potomac. The area we are hiking is full of wildlife and urban artifacts! Expect to see buzzards circling the cliffs and Great Blue Herons fishing in the canal. We’ll probably see ducks and other birds along the canal, and maybe we’ll see deer and wild turkeys in the forest, too. We’ll also pass some historic places and visit some cultural artifacts. This hike is rated "D." For more information on the rating system,  click here.

 Trail Map

What to Bring:

As usual, come prepared for the hike. This means in addition to your 6-8 ft leash and poop bags, you must have hiking boots and sufficient water for you and your dog (at least a quart for each of you).  You may also want to bring snacks and/or lunch for both of you. The weather may be hot this time of year, so be prepared for heat and humidity (extra water!). A hat, sunscreen and insect repellent may also be useful.

Hurricane Isabel has left a bit of a mess so we may have some scrambles and muddy treks, so sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a requirement!  Please do not force us to turn you away at the trailhead.  Come properly equipped!  In addition, due to the many scrambles, please only bring one dog per person!

Rules:

Basically the main rules we have are that dogs need to stay on leash and under control, and that you scoop your poop. Please bring a 6-8' standard leash for your dog. With a large group, flexible leads can allow people and dogs to trip or tangle, resulting in rope burns or injuries.

In addition, if the hike leaders feel that you are not properly equipped for the hike, or that you or your dog are not physically prepared for the hike, they reserve the right to turn you away at the trailhead.

Cancellation Policy:

We'll be hiking rain, snow or sunshine unless there is severe or dangerous weather. If you think the weather may be too hot, too cold or too wet for you on the day of the hike, don't be afraid to sit this one out. We want you to have fun! We have planned other hikes, so if you don't think you'll enjoy yourself this time, just wait for the next hike.  If you sign up for the hike and have to cancel, please contact one of the hike leaders as soon as possible so we can give your place to someone on the waiting list.

Directions:

From the DC Beltway:

To reach this point from the Beltway (1-495) take Exit 39, River Road (MD Rt. 190). Proceed West on River Road for 8.5 miles, through the village of Potomac, Md, and go left on Pennyfield Lock Road. Note: This road only comes in from the left, so check your mileage and be looking for it. Follow Pennyfield Lock Road all the way to the end, passing the boat ramp, where it makes a sharp turn to the left.  Park in the area next to the lot marked "Reserved for boat launching". Allow extra time for traveling those 8.5 miles at 30 mph!

From Columbia and Points North:

Take I-95 south to the DC Beltway and head west (outer loop - toward Silver Spring). From there, follow the directions listed above.

A map is provided below:

Pennyfield Lock, C&O Park	(Click on map to navigate)
Brought to you by MapQuest

Contacts

To register for the hike and to get the details on meeting location and time, or for anything else about this hike or the hiking club in general, please contact Pat Fuhrer or Jeff Bolognese.