K9 Trailblazers Dog Hiking Club 
Saturday, November 6, 2004 Hike Information 
Turkey Run/Ft. Marcy
George Washington Parkway, VA

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

Where: 

For our November hike, we'll enjoy the fall foliage along the Potomac Heritage Trail.  We'll hike between Turkey Run and Ft. Marcy with an optional hike out to Dead Run. Round trip is about 7 miles for the first part and 3 miles for the Dead Run hike.  We'll be meeting at parking lot C-1 at Turkey Run park.   Directions are listed below.

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:

This hike will be in two parts.  The first part is an out and back from Turkey Run to Ft. Marcy.  The second part of the hike will be an out and back from Turkey Run Park to Dead Run. 

This first part of the hike an out and back hike along the Potomac River for a total of 7 miles. We will go at a moderate pace on rocky trails up and down the rolling hills, stopping to learn about ecology, wildlife, and vegetation as well as historic uses and early settlers in the area. The trail is likely to be muddy, and there are a couple of rock scrambles and downed trees to traverse.  There are also several stream crossings where you will need to balance on the rocks or wade through water. We’ll stop for lunch at Ft. Marcy and take in the historic sites before heading back to Turkey Run and ending with a hike through Turkey Run and back at the parking lot.. 

The second part of the hike will be an out and back to scenic Dead Run for approximately 3 miles.  The trail is mostly flat and wooded with a couple of stream crossings.  We'll take a break and explore Dead Run before heading back to the trailhead at Parking Lot C-1.

The first park of this hike is rated "D" with a total rating of "F" for the full 10 miles.  For more information on the rating system, click here.

 Full Trail Map

Turkey Run Trail Map

Hike Profile 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).  We will be stopping for extended breaks at Ft. Marcy and Dead Run, so you may also want to bring snacks and a lunch for you and your dog. Remember, this is a long hike, so be sure to bring enough water.

We'll have some scrambles and possibly some 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!

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 (I-495): 

Exit onto George Washington Parkway, heading south (toward the airport.) Watch for the signs and exit at "Turkey Run Park." Follow the signs to the parking area C-1.

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:

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 Jeff Bolognese.