What: Four Mile Ranger Guided History Hike from the Carousel in Glen Echo Park to the C&O Canal National Historical Park, Union Arch Bridge and the Clara Barton NHS

When: 9:30am

Starting Point: The Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812

This two and half hour, four-mile guided hike starts at the Carousel in Glen Echo Park. We will walk through the park and uncover the story of what was once Washington’s premiere amusement park. Next, we will walk a rough downhill trail and cross over the C&O Canal where we will learn about African American canal worker, George Pointer. We will then walk up-stream before crossing the canal again and ascending the hill to learn about the Union Arch Bridge, part of the Washington Aqueduct. Finally, we will stroll through the town of Glen Echo to Clara Barton National Historic Site (NHS) where we will discover the history of the house and the story of its famous resident, the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton. Clara Barton NHS is adjacent to Glen Echo Park where the hike started.

This four-mile circuit hike is for the physically fit walker. There is a substantial elevation change between MacArthur Blvd. and the C&O Canal. Some sections of unpaved trail are uneven with rocks and tree roots. No dogs or strollers please. Ample parking is available in the main Glen Echo Park parking lot off Oxford Road.

Please e-mail kevin_patti@nps.gov to register for this free program. You may also call, 301-320-1400, if you have any questions.