Blockhouse Point Park is a large park in Potomac, Maryland. There's a small parking lot with signs that explain its connection to the Civil War. Nearby are trails through the forest, some that lead to hills. There's also a wide dirt path that leads straight to the C&O Canal (without a place to cross to the actual trail). read more

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*disclaimer* Address listed for this park is not the "parking lot" I used for my review. Additional info below." *end dislclaimer* While I have been to Blockhouse Point Park previously, it had been a number of years. This past weekend I decide to take the trip with my gf and our dog. The actual place in which we parked was about half a mile further (than the address listed for this park) on the left. There is space for about 6 cars, and the large lot, about 25 cars. The trail which we took was the Blockhouse Trail. It was quite easy with only a little bit of incline/decline throughout. Signs clearly mark the trail, which is about 2.5-3 miles round trip. Various other trails intersect and a short detour can be taken. The blockhouse trail leads to two awesome Potomac river overlooks. It was summer, so obviously there are lots of leaves on the trees. Even so, the views were spectacular. You are right above the Canal and have a nice view of VA and the river. If you are looking for something fun for a few hours that is off the beaten track and has great scenic views, this is the place for you. read more

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It's a bit off the beaten path. I think many people thought that the trail with blue markers lead down to the river. Turns out that the Canyon Trail is the fastest way to get to the water from the main parking lot. However, the Canyon Trail is poorly marked, you're better off looking for the open space between the trees with a gate and gravel. It also has signage for petroleum lines. (I'll post photos) Blue marked Trail is the Muddy Branch Greenway Trail and it goes through the trees for the most part. The best map of the trails to use is the one on Montgomeryparks.org read more

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Trees. Lots of trees. At one point, I felt like this is a great place to get murdered, as I'm basically all alone in the woods far enough away from other people that no one would hear me scream... But that fear subsided as it was replaced by the fear that my dog would find what he's always hunting... a horse. You see, to him horses = great big squirrels that he must growl at, chase, and conquer. So, needless to say, as I pulled into the parking area and noticed the horse trailer parked in the lot, I became a little wary. The pup easily caught the scent and we were off on the hunt. It was a beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze. Even I smelled the horse. Luckily there were plenty of different paths to walk along. I made haste with the beast down one, and as we passed sign after sign decorated with a little white on green horse with rider, we came upon a very steep embankment that seemed to drop straight down to the river. The embankment wasn't dangerous, as it was covered with trees, but I'm not an athlete, and I knew that if we went down it, we'd have to come back up... My hair had just been washed... I didn't want to get all sticky and icky. So, I walked the pup in enough of a circle at this point that he didn't realize that we had turned around. (He hates going back anywhere... Always forward!) And we started back toward the car. Just as we were arriving, I noticed other people in these woods arriving via another path... People with walking sticks and dogs of their own. Strange dogs... Dogs that might attack mine as many of them do... I held back a bit, praying a little that as we waited for the dogs to pass that stinky horse wouldn't suddenly show up at the same time... Lucky for us, he didn't. I think my dog had a different opinion as he argued with me about going back to the car. Next time, pup. You'll get him next time. read more

Can't say I was really impressed. It's a small park with trails running by the neighboring farms. The blockhouse sounds cool, but is apparently long gone. When you get to the river, you can only see it through the trees. You're on the opposite side of the canal from the towpath, kind of trapped and prevented from exploring more. Unless you live right here, you might as well go to Great Falls and the surrounding areas, which are pretty close by and get you better views closer to the water. read more

I was looking for a little adventure today and love to hike with the puppy. This park was very nice, the trails were clear and marked quite well. there was a nice elevation change, not tremendous, but enough to get the heart rate up. I ended up going from the small parking lot down to the view of the Potomac, and then meandering on another trail for some more elevation change and then back to the car. I easily hiked 4.2 miles within the park. It is well maintained, no trash and the paths are cleared of any fallen trees. I like this park and will come back to check out other parts of the park. I also stopped off to take a look at Lockhouse #22 located right along the C&O Canal. I love checking out the history of the area. I recommend this part for anyone out to enjoy the weather and history. read more

Over the years, I have hiked the many trails at Blockhouse Point, and during all four seasons. I usually park in the small parking lot across from Petit Way. As you go through the fence line, look to your left and you will see the remains of the original River Road. The trail follows a stream, and there is a small foot bridge at the bottom of the trail that can be a bit slippery in wet weather. Follow the trail up the hill, and turn left. The Blockhouse Trail will take you to two beautiful river overlooks. One of these is an easy hike, the other has a short, but steep walk. The Paw Paw Trail will take you to another overlook. I feel that all three trails give you some of the most beautiful vistas of the Potomac River year round. For a map of the Park trails you can go to montgomeryparks.org and click on trails. This is well worth a visit if you would like get away from the crowds at Great Falls and along the towpath, and it's fairly close in to the city. So bring the family and the dogs. read more

Not like Into the Wild, but a great easy-to-get-to bit of nature with easy to walk trails and great overlooks onto the Potomoc River. Drive past the main parking lot and you'll find a small turnoff on the left with space for a few cars. Start from there. read more