PATC Hikes & Events

Block House, Including Muddy Branch, a 7.3 mile Moderate Hike

This hike travels through parts a wonderful area just outside of Potomac MD – Blockhouse including the Muddy Branch section of the park. The Blockhouse Point Conservation Park is one of the Best Natural Areas within the Montgomery County Park system. Natural features include mature upland forest, floodplain forest, palustrine wetlands, streams, river-rock outcrops, at least nine species of threatened, endangered, or watchlist plants, a diversity of wildlife and grand views of the Potomac River and C&O Canal. The park covers an area that was once used as a wartime transportation system for supplies, but never saw action. The Muddy Branch section of the park traverses varied terrain and ecosystems including rocky upland forest, streambanks and meadows, and passes by rich vernal pools.

The hike starts at the Pennyfield Lock of the C&O Canal and cuts across rolling hills in Blockhouse that offer splendid views of the C&O Canal. Along the way, we hike down a short but steep and rocky hill to the canal before continuing through Blockhouse up to River Road. From there we find our way to Muddy Branch along with its wetland trails that pass by stream banks and vernal pools. We will stop along the way for lunch on the edge of the stream, and continue the hike before turning around and following the stream back to the starting point.

Please be aware that the hike has one short but steep and rocky section, and has three easy to moderate easy stream crossings. Poles are useful, but not necessary. A few sections may be muddy, so please wear appropriate footwear.

This hike is a lollipop hike. That is, it includes a loop and an out and back section.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.240879,-76.749977

The Street address to the park is 12420 Pennyfield Lock Road Tobytown, MD 20854. Pennyfield Lock Road is about 5.5 northwest of Potomac Village on River Road. Turn left onto Pennyfield Lock Road and take it to the very end. We will meet by the Porta-Johns.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7.3 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 670 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

American Chestnut Land Trust Wildlife Management Area: 5.5 or 9.5 Miles, Your Choice

Nestled in the heart of Southern Maryland, the American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) stands as a testament to both the enduring beauty of the region’s wild spaces and the resilience of a conservation movement born from tragedy. Named in honor of the once-mighty American Chestnut tree—a species decimated by the Chestnut Blight introduced at the dawn of the twentieth century—ACLT’s story weaves together natural history, ecological stewardship, and the invigorating experience of hiking through the land it so carefully protects. ACLT once had Maryland's Champion tree, but it fell during a hurricane. Today, the ACLT plants hybrid American Chestnut trees trying to bring these trees back to the park.

The American Chestnut Land Trust is more than a memorial to a vanished tree. It is a vibrant, member-supported non-profit whose mission is to preserve the natural lands, waterways, and habitats of the Parker Creek and Governors Run watersheds. Through community engagement, scientific stewardship, and a tireless commitment to access, ACLT safeguards approximately 3,800 acres of diverse landscapes.

Our journey begins at the ACLT Parkers Creek Wildlife Management Area Parking Area 5, a gateway to serenity and discovery. Here, beneath towering oaks and chestnut saplings, hikers ready themselves for a trek that weaves through some of the most pristine wilderness in the region. One of the signature features of this hike is the crossing of Parkers Creek itself—no bridge here any longer, but a raft, tethered by sturdy wires. Hikers must pull themselves hand-over-hand across the placid water. Gloves are recommended.

Those opting for the classic 5-mile loop will continue along the trail system to the trailhead, winding through forest and wetland via the Parkers Creek Loop.

For those seeking a deeper challenge, the hike offers an extension at the North Side Trailhead and Double Oak Farm. The group will split off to the Creek and Bay Overlooks via the Horse Swamp Trail. From there, the group will continue back to the trailhead as described above.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:15 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:30

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.52690, -76.535510
The GPS coordinates and the best way to find the parking to the trailhead. Otherwise, take Parker Creek Drive off of MD-4 about 4 miles South of Prince Frederick. Follow Parker Creek Road about 4 miles to the ACLT Parkers Creek Wildlife Management Area Parking Area 5.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa: 410-610-6254 and Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate to easy side of difficult
Distance: 5.5 or 9.5 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 ft (6 miles), or 965 ft (9.5 miles)
Duration: 3 hours for short hike; 5 hours for long hike
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Portable Toilets can be found about 2.5 miles into the hike
Fees: No entrance fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.