With the leaves off the trees at Great Falls, wonderful views of the C&O Canal and Potomac River are unveiled. Join Jon Wolz at 10:30 a.m. on March 16 at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (currently closed) for a 3.5-mile hike. Jon will lead the group up the hill behind Lock 19 and up to the Overlook Trail. Then we’ll head along the hillside and down to the Canal. We will cross the Canal by footbridge at the Winch House, down to lock 16, then back up the towpath to the entrance to the trail for Olmstead Island. We will walk out to the island and view the falls. Then we will walk back to the Great Falls Tavern and to the parking lot. There are a few spots where a walking stick might be handy.
A National Park Pass is required -Bring your senior or annual park pass to enter the Park. Otherwise, entrance to Great Falls Park is $20 per vehicle (credit, debit or contactless payment ONLY no cash). Dogs are not allowed on the Olmstead Island Trail. The first part is an intermediate level hike on the Overlook Trail and then walking on the towpath is an easy hike. We should be back at the parking lot at Great Falls by 1:30 pm.
Carpooling and Park Pass sharing – Meet at 9:30 am at the far end of the Our Lady of the Presentation parking lot and bring your park pass if you have one to share among vehicles.
Park Passes can be purchased online at www.recreation.gov
A Poolesville Seniors Liability Release Form must be complete or on file to participate.