Join Virginia Tech researcher and Geologist Specialist with the C&O Canal NHP, Amy Hagen and C&O Canal Trust staff for a guided four-mile roundtrip hike along the C&O Canal towpath. The hike will begin at Four Locks with a short history of the C&O Canal and a quick look at the rocks used to build Lock 47. We will head east along the towpath toward Dam #5, observing millions of years of Earth’s history preserved in the cliffs along the way. Amy and Ben will guide us through interesting features and topics like regional geology, the specific kinds of rocks preserved at C&O Canal, and the discoveries they have made over the past 4 years of scientific research. Neither attendance at the virtual geology presentation on November 19 nor a knowledge of rocks is required: everyone is welcome to join us for an exciting afternoon of local geology!
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Four Locks Boat Ramp Parking Lot (map link here). We will meet in the Four Locks day use (picnic) area, located just downstream from the parking lot.
Parking: Onsite near boat ramp
Restrooms: Park restrooms are available and onsite
Accessibility: This program involves standing and the ability to walk four consecutive miles on a mostly flat path. The walk may be wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Photo by NPS
Photo by NPS
Suggested Packing List:
Weather-appropriate layers, including hats and gloves
Warm sturdy shoes or boots
Water and snacks as desired
Sunglasses, chapstick, etc.
Trekking poles (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Your own geology books, guides, etc. as desired
Weather:
In the event of a schedule change or cancellation due to inclement weather or conditions, we will contact you via email. If you need to cancel or have other questions, please contact Aidan Barnes, C&O Canal Trust Director of Programs & Partnerships, at [email protected].
Registration
Pre-registration is required, though the event is free. Please fill out the online form, one per person. (No pets or unaccompanied youth, please.) We will send you a more detailed informational email within 1-2 days before the hike.
Additional Questions:
Isn’t the park doing construction at Four Locks? Yes, they are (more information here), but the tunnel closure will be intermittent, and they will pause staging work for our event. The parking lot will be fully accessible for the hike.
Isn’t Dam #5 also closed? Yes, it is (more information here). We will not be able to go all the way to Dam #5 due to construction, but we will be able to visit the rocks and cliffs nearby. The parking lot at Dam #5 is also closed at this time.
Can we see Lockhouse 49 while we’re there? No, unfortunately, Lockhouse 49 will not be open for tours at that time, nor will parking be available there. Please visit the house’s page on our Canal Quarters website for more information about it, including how to book an overnight stay. We’ll let everyone know when it is open for tours!
Please direct any other inquiries to Aidan Barnes at [email protected].
Top Image by Russel Wilson
