Troop 349. Biking Campout down the. 55 miles on the C&O Canal Towpath

Transcription

1 Troop 349 Biking Campout down the 55 miles on the C&O Canal Towpath Harper s Ferry, WV to Washington, DC Sat & Sun, May 21-22, 2011 Deadline for permission slip & payment: Tuesday, May 17 1

2 Discription: Before you start this epic journey, prepare yourself with some shorter trips. The towpath is not paved - the surface is clay and crushed stone and is a bit rough. The mile-long Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, located along the north bank of the Potomac River, runs from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD. The canal was built between 1828 and 1850, and it operated until In 1971 the canal became a National Historic Park. Today, much of the canal has been drained of water and reclaimed by the forest. However, the canal's towpath remains a favorite of hikers, joggers, and bicyclists. Hikerbiker campsites contain a water pump and jiffy john. Campsites are chosen on a first come, first-serve basis. C&O Canal Bicycling Guide Mile 40 thru 50 This section contains the beautiful Monocacy Aqueduct, a 500 foot, seven arch, stone bridge used to carry the canal over the Monocacy River. The aqueduct took 4 years to build and was completed in Next to the tunnel at Paw-Paw (mile 155), is this probably the second most impressive structure on the canal. In the 1970s, the Park service erected temporary exoskeleton supports around the aqueduct due to damage caused by repeated flooding. In 2005, aqueduct repairs were finally completed, and so the exo-skeleton has been removed. The only other point of interest that you "might" see in this section is the Dickerson power plant (mile 41). In 1992, a training course was built in the power plant's warm water discharge spillway for the US Olympic Kayak Team. You might be able to see it through the chain-link gate at the south side of the complex. Trail conditions are historically poor in the mile or two prior to the town of Point-of- Rocks, Maryland. Expect to navigate around many mud holes in this section. The rest of the path is typically in good shape. Access to the town of Point-of-Rocks is by way of a small, wooden, one-lane bridge over the canal bed. The town is mainly a collection of run down homes. However, there are two stores/deli's about a block off the towpath. This makes the town a good lunch/re-supply stop. 2

3 Just after the wooden bridge, the C&O Canal passes through the Catoctin Mountain Range. During the canal construction, the B&O Railroad mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge for the narrow right-of-way through this pass. As a result, the railroad was forced to tunnel through the mountain. After the canal failed, the railroad built a second track in the abandoned canal bed. However, the towpath is still intact through the pass. Access Points from westbound Route 28: 39.6: Dickerson Regional Park - make left turn onto Martinsburg Rdat yellow flashing light. Park is on the right after about 2 miles (at bottom of long hill) 42.1: Monocacy Aqueduct - make left turn onto Mouth of Monocacy Rd (about 1 mile past Dickerson, MD). 44.6: Nolands Ferry - (near Tuscarora, MD). Easy access from Route 28 via Noland Road or New Design Road. Access Points from Route 15: 48.2: Point of Rocks, MD - located right on the north side of the Potomac River Bridge, at the intersection with Route 28. After turning off Route 15, make immediate right turn and follow short road behind homes to the canal. 3

4 Mile Name Info 39.8 Dickerson Access from Martinsburg Rd. Conservation Park 41.6 Dickerson Power Plant US Olympic Kayak Team trains in spillway next to towpath Monocacy Aqueduct An Endangered US Historic Site 42.4 Indian Flats H/B 0.3 miles from vehicle access at mile Nolands Ferry Boat Ramp and Picnic Area. Access from New Design Road Calico Rocks H/B 0.8 miles from vehicle access at mile 48.2 Located near busy railroad. Subject to noise Point of Rocks, MD Route 15 Bridge ahead provides bike access to Virginia 48.2 B & S Minimart Located 0.1 miles away from river, just downstream from Route 15 bridge. Serves fried chicken, subs, hot dogs, ice cream Bald Eagle Island H/B 0.5 miles from vehicle access at mile 50.8Located near busy railroad. Subject to noise Lock 29 Access from Lander Road 4

5 C&O Canal Bicycling Guide Mile 25 thru 40 Once you pass the Seneca Creek Aqueduct, the conditions change radically. The canal bed here is no longer watered and thus has been completely reclaimed by forest growth. This makes the towpath quite shady, which is great during the summer months, but it does greatly limit the scenery. Also, the wide towpath you had enjoyed eventually changes into a dual track trail Expect to see a bunch of wildlife, including towpath favorites such as deer, rabbits, and the occasional fox. The first hiker-biker campsites also begin in this section. Each site contains a water pump and jiffy john. Campsites are chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis. The major point of interest in this section is Whites Ferry, the only working ferry on the Potomac. You can use the ferry to cross over to Leesburg, Va ($1 for bikes, $3 for cars) where lodging is available. Leesburg is about 4 miles from White's Ferry via Business Route 15. Route 15 is a very busy highway, however there are now paved shoulders along the busiest section. Access Points from River Road: 27.2: Mckee-Beshers Wildlife Area - after passing Hughes Rd, make the first left onto Sycamore Landing Rd. A parking area is located about 0.75 miles down this gravel road. Access Points from Poolesvile, MD: 30.8: Edwards Ferry - take Whites Ferry Road (Route 107) west for about 1 mile. Turn left on Edwards Ferry Road. Follow to end (about 4.5 miles). 35.5: Whites Ferry - take Whites Ferry Road west (Route 107) for about 6 miles. 39.6: Dickerson Regional Park - take Whites Ferry Road (Route 107) west for about 1 mile. Turn right on Wasche Rd. After another mile, make the first left onto Martinsburg Rd. The park is on the right at the bottom of the long hill Route between Whites Ferry and Leesburg Use Caution on Route 15! 5

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7 Mile Name Info 26.0 Horsepen Branch H/B (map) 1.2 miles from vehicle access at mile 27.2 Troop 349 backup camp site Mckee-Beshers Wildlife Area Access via Sycamore Landing Rd, 0.75 miles from River Rd Chisel Branch H/B (map) 0.3 miles from vehicle access at mile 30.8 Troop 349 primary choice for camping 30.8 Edward Ferry Boat Ramp Troop 349 vehicles should expect to park here 31.9 Broad Run Trunk Aqueduct (Ruins) 34.5 Turtle Run H/B 1.0 miles from vehicle access at mile Whites Ferry : Food/Store (May-Oct only) - Bike/auto access to Leesburg, VA via Ferry (Fee) Norris House Inn : Leesburg: 108 Loudoun St SW. Accessible via Ferry and Business Route 15. Shuttle Available 38.1 Marble Quarry H/B 1.5 miles from vehicle access at mile Dickerson Conservation Park Access from Martinsburg Rd. 7

8 C&O Canal Bicycling Guide Mile 10 thru 25 This is probably the most heavily used section of the canal. Generally, the towpath here is in excellent condition, and the canal basin still contains water. In April 2006, after more than 30 years, the Widewater towpath breach (between mile 12.6 and 13.7) was finally repaired (much rejoicing!). As a result, you no longer need to carry your bike up and down the stairs to use the Berma Rd detour (although this is still a nice alternative route). The major point of interest in this section is Great Falls, located at mile 14. During nice weather, this area is crawling with folks out to enjoy hiking on the challenging Billy Goat Trail, rock climbing in Mather Gorge, kayaking in the Potomac rapids below Great Falls, or just enjoying a stroll along the towpath. Use caution and be courteous around the pedestrians. Once you pass Great Falls, the towpath quickly becomes less crowded. Swain's Lock is a nice place to stop for a break. At mile 22.8 are the remains of the Seneca Creek Aqueduct. This three arch aqueduct is the first of eleven such structures along the canal. The western most arch was destroyed by a local thunderstorm flood on Sept 11, Access from the Capital Beltway: Take exit 41 (on Maryland Side of American Legion Bridge). Follow Clara Barton Parkway towards Carderock. The following areas are accessible: 10.4: Carderock - about 1 mile from beltway. Follow signs to recreation area. 12.6: Old Angler's Inn - follow Clara Barton Pkwy to end (at tee) Make left on to MaCarthur Blvd. Parking available about 1 mile ahead on left, across the street from the Inn. 14.3: Great Falls (fee area) - continue about 1 mile past Old Angler's Inn. Park entrance is at the top of the hill. Access from River Road: If you wish to avoid the crowds, try one of these access point west of Potomac Village along River Road: 16.6: Swains Lock - left turn about a quarter mile west of the Piney Meetinghouse Rd intersection. Look for Swains Lock mailbox. 19.6: Pennyfield Lock - left turn about 100 yards past the Travilah Rd intersection. 22.1: Violettes Lock - left turn about a quarter mile prior to the Seneca Rd intersection. (at bottom of a small valley) 22.8: Rileys Lock/Seneca Aqueduct - left turn about a mile after the Seneca Rd intersection. (at bottom of long hill) 8

9 Mile Name Info 10.4 Carderock Recreational Area Picnic, rest rooms, water. Very easy access from I Footbridge Water on opposite side of canal. Access to MaCarthur, 0.1 mile west of Brickyard Rd. Loading only - No Parking Marsden Tract Campground : PERMIT REQUIRED - reserved for civic/scout organizations only. $20/night 12.3 Old Angler's Inn Popular free parking area across from Old 9

10 Bill Goat Hiking Trail Widewater Stop Lock Bill Goat Hiking Trail Angler's Inn on MaCarthur Blvd. VERY Crowded. Access to optional Berma Rd route. South Entrance: Excellent 1.7 mile hiking trail along Mather Gorge. Rejoins towpath at Milepost 13.8 Recommended if you have time, but strenuous. No Bikes. This structure is used to prevent flood damage downstream. Provides access to Berma Rd, via stairs. North Entrance: Excellent 1.7 mile hiking trail along Mather Gorge. Rejoins towpath at Milepost 12.8 Recommended if you have time, but strenuous. No Bikes Mary's Wall 75 foot wall down to river. Provides overlook to Mather Gorge. During big floods, the river rises about 10 over the towpath at this point! 14.0 Great Falls Overlook Follow Footbridges out to overlook - No Bikes 14.3 Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center : National Park Visitor Center. Operational Lock #20 located here. Paid parking available MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD Great Falls Snack Bar Hotdogs and burgers. Located in large parking area Swain's Lock #21 Five Campsites - nearby vehicle access 17.5 Montgomery Co Pumping Station 19.7 Pennyfield Lock Parking Lot - Access to River Road at 10

11 #22 Esworthy Rd 21.0 Blockhouse Point cliffs 22.1 Violettes Lock #23 This lock also marks the end of the watered canal basin. With a few exceptions, the canal basin is mostly abandoned upstream from this location Rileys Lock #24 Parking and access to River Road Seneca Creek Aqueduct Horsepen Branch H/B (Ruins) North arch was destroyed in 1973 by a thunderstorm flash flood. 1.2 miles from vehicle access at mile 27.2 C&O Canal Bicycling Guide Mile 0 thru 10 The towpath begins in the Georgetown, at the edge of the Rock Creek Parkway, between Pennsylvania Ave. and the Whitehurst Freeway. This roughly marks the inland most point of the navigable Potomac River. Directly south of the trail head, in the rock creek stream bed, lies the remains of the canal's "watergate" (from where the nearby infamous hotel complex gets its name). The watergate was used to transfer canal boats between the Potomac and the canal. This is where you will find the original Mile 0 marker (right next to Thompson's Boat Center). The canal's first few hundred yards is lined with shops and a series of lift locks. Barge rides are also available here during the summer months. The towpath begins as a red brick walkway along the north side of the canal bed. After a few blocks, the towpath's gravel/clay towpath surface begins. The path is very narrow here, and considering all the pedestrian traffic, makes it very difficult to navigate by bike. The towpath crosses over to the south side of the canal just prior to Key Bridge. We will end our ride at Fletcher's Boathouse (mile 3.1) has a snack bar, boat, and bicycle rentals. 11

12 By mile 5, the towpath traffic reduces significantly. Between miles 8 and 10 is the area known as seven locks (since there are seven lift-locks here). The canal passes under the Capital Beltway at mile 9.3 and you enter the area known as Carderock. The half-mile long building to the north is the David Taylor Model Basin where the Navy tests models of new ships. 12

13 0.3 Start of Towpath Just south of the Pennsylvania Ave and Rock Creek Pkwy intersection. Continue downstream via the Rock Creek Bicycle Trail. 0.5 Georgetown Visitor Center : National Park Visitor Center. Canal boat rides available Thomas Jefferson St, NW, Washington, DC Key Bridge Easy bicycle access to Rosslyn, VA, the Mount Vernon Trail, and Reagan National Airport. Many inexpensive hotels. 1.6 Georgetown University Access via tunnel underneath the Canal. Near intersection of Canal and Foxhall Roads. 3.1 Fletcher's Cove : Snack Bar. Bike and boat rentals. Nice area for a picnic. Parking available. Troop 349 finish point, ETA 2 PM 3.6 Capital Crescent Trail Trestle This former railroad trestle now carries a very popular paved trail to downtown Bethesda, MD. Easier access point at mile 3.1. It is about 4 miles uphill to Bethesda. 4.0 Chain Bridge Last bicycle river crossing to Virginia until Milepost Maryland State Line 5.0 Lock #5 Modern footbridge over parkway to Ridge Drive near the corner 61st Street. 5.3 Lock #6 Parking area along Clara Barton Parkway 5.4 Lockhouse 6 New lodging option. Stay overnight in a real lock house. 5.8 Little Falls Pumping Stations 7.0 Lock #7 Parking area along Clara Barton Parkway 13

14 7.5 Cabin John Bridge Free standing stone arch bridge, located about 0.25 mile away from river (via footbridge). Access to MaCarthur Blvd, but difficult with bicycle. 8.4 Lock #8 / Cabin John Cabin John Shopping Center (at MaCarthur and 79th St) located about 0.5 mile away from river (deli / store). Cross lock and follow wide path to left. Becomes paved Riverside Ave. Follow thru tunnel and continue 79th St. 8.7 Lock #10 Parking area along Clara Barton Parkway Capital Beltway (I-495) Carderock Recreational Area Picnic, rest rooms, water. Very easy access from I

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16 Saturday, May 21 Time Event POC Remarks Alvin Only if weather questionable 0800 Meet at American Legion Scoutmaster All hands load trailer Pack all bikes & gear Quartermaster Class B uniform 0900 Parent drivers dep w/bikes, riders Alvin To Harper s Ferry, WV 0900 Trailer & non-riders depart Jeff E Chisel Branch campgrnd, C&O mi Parent drivers d/o bikes, riders Alvin F C&O Canal Towpath, Harper s Ferry 1030 Trailer & non-riders arrive Jeff E Chisel Branch campgrnd, C&O mi Non-riders set up their camp Jeff E Riders unload Alvin F C&O Canal Towpath, mi Fast riders depart Alvin F 27 mile ride to Chisel Branch campgrd 1100 Moderate-speed riders depart Jim C Troop rendezvous SM Chisel Branch Campground Riders unload & set up camp QM/SPL Priorities: Troop, Patrol, Personal gear Set up camp sites PLs By patrols Supper By Patrols Sunset 2019, End twilight 2049, 3rd qtr moon Troop Campfire SPL Moon: waning (smaller) with 35% visible PLC & snack ASM Review, reorganize, planning 2200 Lights out SM Sunday, May 22 Time Event POC Remarks 0700 Wake-up SM Begin twilight Breakfast, clean-up, break camp By Patrols Sunrise Agree on who cleans what gear Qrtrmstr (i.e., post-campout) Load gear in trailer Qrtrmstr 0900 Riders depart (stay together, today) Alvin F Class B uniform 1000 Non-riders depart for American Legion Jeff E Class B uniform 1100 Non-riders & trailer arr Am Legion Jeff E Take troop gear to clean 1330 ETA, Fletcher s Boat House Alvin F Parent drivers pick up riders & bikes 1415 Riders arrive American Legion SM Take troop gear to clean Weather: Mid-May typical high: 73 F Typical low: 54 F Avg wind: 10 mph 16

17 Directions for parents driving the riders: Harper s Ferry, 64 miles, allow 1+30 hr We will start the ride at the pedestrian (former railroad) bridge crossing the river 1. Start out going SOUTHWEST on N OAK ST toward FULTON AVE. 0.2 mi 2. Turn RIGHT onto W BROAD ST/VA-7. Continue to follow VA-7 W. 2.4 mi 3. Merge onto I-495 N/CAPITAL BELTWAY/I-495 INNERLOOP toward ROCKVILLE/BALTIMORE (Crossing into MARYLAND). 8.5 mi 4. Keep LEFT to take I-270-SPUR N via EIT 38 toward ROCKVILLE/FREDERICK. 2.0 mi 5. I-270-SPUR N becomes I-270 N mi 6. Merge onto I-70 W via EIT 32 toward HAGERSTOWN. 1.3 mi 7. Merge onto US-340 W via EIT 52 toward CHARLES TOWN/LEESBURG (Passing through VIRGINIA, then crossing into WEST VIRGINIA) mi 8. Turn RIGHT onto SHENANDOAH ST. o SHENANDOAH ST is 0.7 miles past CHESTNUT HILL RD 0.8 mi 9. Take the 2nd LEFT onto S POTOMAC ST mi 10. POTOMAC ST & HOG ALY, Harper s Ferry, WV Directions for parents driving the non-riders to Chisel Branch Campground Distance to camp site: 32 miles, allow 1 hr 1. Start out going SOUTHWEST on N OAK ST toward FULTON AVE. 0.2 mi 2. Turn RIGHT onto W BROAD ST/VA-7. Continue to follow VA-7 W. 2.4 mi 3. Merge onto I-495 N/CAPITAL BELTWAY/I-495 INNERLOOP toward ROCKVILLE/BALTIMORE (Crossing into MARYLAND). 6.6 mi 17

18 4. Take the MD-190/RIVER RD exit, EIT 39, toward WASHINGTON/POTOMAC. 0.4 mi 5. Merge onto MD-190 W/RIVER RD via EIT 39A on the LEFT toward POTOMAC. Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 11.8 mi 6. Turn LEFT onto RIVER RD. Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 6.6 mi 7. RIVER RD becomes MT NEBO RD. Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 1.6 mi 8. MT NEBO RD becomes W OFFUTT RD. Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 0.8 mi 9. Turn LEFT onto EDWARDS FERRY RD. Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 1.1 mi 10. EDWARDS FERRY RD & RIVER RD. Walk-in/bike-in to campground (0.3 miles south) from vehicle access at Edwards Ferry boat ramp (intersection of Edwards Ferry Road and River Road, Poolesville, MD) C&O Canal Towpath Website: 24 hr emergency care: Georgetown University Hospital 3800 Reservoir Road Northwest Washington D.C., DC Phone: 911 Until our next adventure 18

19 Boy Scout Troop 349 Falls Church, Virginia Summer Bicycle Camping Packing Check List Clothes to Wear 1 Wicking T-shirt 2 Padded Shorts Underwear Belt Acrylic/wool socks Cycling or Comfortable Shoes Watch Sunglasses Helmet Cycling Gloves In Pockets Pocket knife Pen Wallet Cash Cell phone Clothes to Pack 3 Backpack Bandanas 1 extra wick T-shirt 1 extra shorts 1 extra socks 1 extra underwear Long sleeve mid-layer Long underwear bottom Rain coat & pants Watch cap Light gloves Camp shoes Swim suit When cooler wx: add a light wt puffy jacket For Eating Water Bottles, 2 filled Camel Back, optional Food Bowl, cup, spoon, fork Miscellaneous Headlight Extra batteries Mosquito head net 1 Hiking will keep you warm during the day - & your bag will in camp. 2 Items in blue font are essential. Items in black font are optional. 3 Avoid cotton clothes. Leave electronics at home. Scout Handbook Maps Compass Notebook Bag to hang food 20 clothes line 2-4 Clothes pins Saw Extra plastic bag Book Cards Camera Personal Emergency Items 4 Space blanket Signal mirror Whistle Lighter Matches Fire starter Notebook & pencil Telephone numbers Surveyor s tape Extra eye glasses For Sleeping Tent, poles, stakes Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Personal Items Biodegradable soap Toothbrush Toothpaste Dental floss Comb Nail clipper Shampoo Deodorant Foot lotion Shaving cream/razor Trowel Toilet paper Insect repellent Sunscreen Lip balm w/sunscreen Wash cloth & small towel Prescription medication 5 4 Store these emergency items in a separate Emergency Bag. 5 Scouts taking prescription meds need a permission slip. SunShower Shared Items 100 cord to hang food* Stove* Fuel* Nesting cook kit* Kitchen utensils* Water filter or Steri-pen* Camping/fire permits* Itinerary, incl # of nearest ranger station. Leave a copy with someone at home* Repair kit Extra Tubes Cycling Multi Tool Patch Kit Sewing kit* Wire* Duct tape* Safety pins* Thermorest repair kit* Tie wraps* Sleeve for broken tent pole* Nuts & bolts (for pack)* First Aid Kit * Latex gloves Moleskin Cloth tape (1 x10 yd) Ibuprofen Irrigation device Antibiotic ointment Butadiene ACE bandage SAM splint 2nd Skin Band-Aids Tweezers w/a sharp tip Imodium Decongestant Hot/humid: antifungal cream Hand sanitizer * Denotes shared items

20 TROOP 349 Permission Slip Falls Church, VA Event: Location: Biking camp out C & O Canal Towpath; Harper s Ferry, WV to DC As the parent or legal guardian of: Date: May 21-22, 2011 I give my permission for him to participate in this outing with Troop 349. I will provide transportation. Out Back Both Ways My vehicle accommodates people & bicycles. Name(s) of Parent(s) planning to attend: Parent cell #: My Scout understands: Travel is in Class B uniform for this trip ONLY No electronics permitted (ipod, MP3, cell phone, etc) Funds attached: $ ($30.00/Scout covers food, mileage, site fees; $20 adults) I give permission to the leaders of Troop 349 to render first aid. In the event of emergency, I give permission to the physician selected by the adult leader-in-charge, to hospitalize, order anesthesia, order injection, or secure other medical treatment, as s/he determines to be appropriate. I further agree to hold Troop 349 and its leaders blameless for any mishaps that may occur during this outing, except for clear acts of negligence or non-adherence to BSA policies and guidelines. In case of emergency, I can be reached by phone at: If I cannot be reached, contact: Medical Insurance company: or: Phone: Policy number: My son: Has the following medical condition(s) that adult leaders must be aware:. Has no medical condition. Requires the following medication(s) that adult leaders must supervise and assist in administering (also provide time & quantity):. Takes no medication Signed: Date: (Parent or Guardian) Submit this form and payment to Julie Custer NLT Tuesday, May 9, 2011 Scouting fun with a purpose