PATC Hikes & Events

Gold Mine and Ford Mine, a 6.3 or 9 Moderate Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."

This hike features the remnants of a quirky gold mine and the classic overlook of Great Falls. An optional extension of 2.7 miles takes us to an area near a lesser known mine, Ford Mine.

The Gold Mine was established by a Union soldier who was stationed along the Maryland side of the Potomac River near Great Falls during the Civil War. He noticed a glint of gold and after the war, he returned to the area, bought some farmland, and started mining for gold. Eventually, 30 small mines were opened by various prospectors. One of the largest mines was the Maryland “Gold Mine.” Today, little remains of these mines, but there is a loop trail that passes by one of them. The hike starts at the Great Falls MARYLAND (The C&O Canal National Historic Park) Visitor’s Center. From there we hike to Gold Mine, then to overlooks above the canal and river, then down to the classic Great Falls Overlook. We return to the visitor’s center.

For those who want more, we take a 2.7 mile hike through the area near the Ford Mine. While the mine is no longer visible, the terrain is a pleasant ramble through words and rolling hills.

The 6.3-mile hike will end around 12:30 PM. The 9-mile hike will end around 2:15 PM.

Bring a snack or lunch which we will enjoy between the hikes.

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

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.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.001617, -77.247334
The Street address is 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot.

NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass.

Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6.3 miles (Gold Mine Loop) or 9 miles (Gold Mine and Ford Mine Loops)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 520 feet (Gold Mine) or 680 (Gold and Ford Mine)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead
Fees: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass.

A leashed, well-behaved Fido is allowed on this hike

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.

Prince William Forest, A 7.5 Mile Moderate Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."

Nestled in the rolling woodlands of northern Virginia, Prince William Forest Park offers a trove of winding trails, hidden streams, and quiet moments beneath the towering canopy. For those seeking a hike that captures both the tranquility and the diversity of terrain, this hike is a wonderful adventure. The hike stills shows subtle remnants of a bygone area when tobacco farmers and pyrite miners labored there.

The hike begins at the Visitor Center and follows along the South Quantico Creek and rises into the hardwood forest on Turkey Run Ridge Trail to the Turkey Run Ridge area. From there we take the Mary Bird Branch and Quantico Cascades Trail down to the Cascades along North Quantico stream, which we then follow on the North and South Valley Trail past remnants of a pyrite mine. Finally returning to the Visitor Center on the Laurel Trail Loop.

Please note: There is limited reception in many areas of the park, including the trailhead.

Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group.

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 38.55995, -77.34711

The Street address is 5475 Turkey Run Rd, Triangle, VA 22172. The Visitor center is about half a mile from the park entrance.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa: 410-610-6254. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 450 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: $20.00 entrance fee, or free with National Park Pass.

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.