>* C&O National Historical Park. See Great Falls, visit the tavern, ride the barge, pat the mules. Great Falls Tavern: 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac. Call 301-767-3714 or visit http://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
* Come inside the Great Falls Tavern and enjoy the new displays in the visitor center. The displays are interactive and great for children.
* Billy Goat Trail Geology Hikes. Join National Park Service Volunteers for an exciting and educational geology hike of the Billy Goat Trail.
Call the Great Falls Tavern for dates and times at 301-767-3714.
* Canal Boat Rides. Mule-drawn canal boat rides aboard the Charles F. Mercer take place daily in summer. Contact the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center at 301-767-3714 for additional information and other programs.
* Hikes, Bikes, Walks. Saturdays through October. Join a park Ranger to explore the Great Falls area in greater depth. Topics include geology, mining, history, and the Great Falls itself. Length varies from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Inquire at the visitor center for more information.
* Did You Know? There are several gold mines in the Great Falls area. The largest of these is the Maryland Mine located at the intersection of Falls Road and MacArthur Boulevard near Potomac. Gold was first discovered here by a Union soldier from Pennsylvania during the Civil War.
* Visit the Potomac Conservancy River Center, Lock 8
http://www.potomac.org/site/discover-rclh8/
* River Center Activities. The River Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from May 1 through October, from 10 a.m. 'til 2 p.m. Stop in for a tour, to browse educational exhibits, and to speak with friendly volunteer docents. Visit the River Center on select Sundays for Voices of the River to learn more about the history, ecology, and diversity of the Potomac River, as told by storytellers, musicians, and scientists. Throughout the season, the Conservancy also hosts a variety of hands-on appreciation and restoration activities at the River Center. All activities are free and open to the public.
For more information about River Center events, contact Potomac Conservancy’s River Center Coordinator, Deanna Tricarico, at tricarico@potomac.org or 301.608.1188, x204, or go to www.potomac.org.
* July Canal Stewards Cleanup
Sunday, July 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Help the Conservancy clean up and beautify the land and water surrounding Lock 8, and along miles 8 and 9 of the C&O Canal towpath. This monthly clean-up day is open to all ages, and is part of the Canal Steward Program, engaging volunteers in a long-term relationship in which they become the caretakers of a designated site within the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
* Voices of the River: Journey Down the Potomac
Sunday, July 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Come to an art opening, featuring the work of local photographer, Jonathan Weiner. Washington native and photographic artist Jonathan Weiner grew up fishing, boating and exploring the Potomac River. After completing a BFA in Leicester England, Jonathan embarked on a three year long project to document the length of the Potomac River. Refreshments are provided. Please RSVP to tricarico@potomac.org by July 8. Admission is free.
* Riley’s Lock, visit the lockhouse, see the aqueduct
Other places to get on the towpath in Potomac: Swains Lock and Pennyfield Lock.
Violette’s Lock, turn left and walk for one mile to see Blockhouse Point.