K9 Trailblazers Dog Hiking Club 
Sunday, February 24, 2002 Hike Information 
Riverbend/Great Falls Parks, VA

Where:
When:
Participation Limit:
Hike Description:
What to Bring:
Rules:
Cancellation Policy:
Directions:
Contacts:

Where: 

We will be hiking through both Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park . Directions are listed below. Plan to meet by the bulletin board near the Vistor's Center side of the Great Falls parking lot.

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:

  The first 5 mile loop will be through Riverbend Park.  We'll hike along the Potomac River to a scenic overlook at the dam that diverts 200 million gallons of drinking water to Maryland each day. You can expect some steep, rocky trails and some muddy stream crossings, but you will enjoy your trek through fields, past ponds and historic structures. We'll marvel at individual trees as well as groups of trees in mature forests, emerging forests, upland and floodplain forests. Expect to see occasional bicyclists, maybe some horses, probably deer, squirrels and songbirds in the woods as well as ducks and geese on the Potomac.

(Both loops) After breaking for lunch at the Great Falls picnic area, we'll head out on the trails of Great Falls Park for a second 5 mile loop.  This hike will take us along ridge of the gourge carved by the Potomac.   We'll have views of Great Falls, and probably see kayakers testing their nerves on the rapids.  The trail can be a bit rocky and requires some minor scrambling in places.  After leaving the ridge we'll climb into the woodlands of Great Falls before looping back.  Along the way we'll also pass remnants of the canal system and locks as well as ruins of Matildaville and other historical sites as we hike trails that were once the main roads in that area.

Each loop of the hike is rated "B", and together they are a "D" rating. For more information on the rating system,  click here.

What to Bring:

As usual, come prepared for the hike. This means appropriate footwear, a hat, and sufficient water for you and your dog (at least a quart for each of you). The weather may be either warm or cold this time of year, and mist or rain is also a possibility so be prepared for potential inclement weather. If you dress in layers, you will find it easier to adapt to changing conditions as you heat up while hiking and chill down when stopping for lunch or where the wind is blowing. The trails are rocky and steep in spots, and likely to be muddy, so good hiking shoes are a must. Bring snacks for you and your dog, and if you want to eat lunch at the picnic area, bring lunch. 

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.

Cancellation Policy:

We'll be hiking rain, snow or sunshine unless there is severe or dangerous weather. If the weather is 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.

Directions:

From the DC Beltway:

To reach this point from the Beltway (1-495) take Exit 44, Georgtown Pike (VA Rt. 193). Proceed West about 4 miles, to the traffic light at Dominion Rd.  Turn right and follow the road to the park entrance. Note: There is an entrance fee for the park.

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.

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.