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Take your dog off the beaten path of the C&O Canal in DC
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Fall is here. The air is comfortably crisp. The reds and golds of the trees stand in striking contrast to the blue sky. It’s a great time of year to explore our area with your canine companion.
Head for one of our prettiest national parks: the C&O Canal. Do you automatically think of Georgetown or Great Falls? Both are great places to walk your dog on the towpath, but they can be crowded with walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
If you’d prefer a less congested spot, try the towpath at the Monocacy Aqueduct near Dickerson, Md. According to the National Park Service, the canal had a total of 11 aqueducts that carried the canal over tributaries that flow into the Potomac River. The Monocacy Aqueduct, built from stone quarried at nearby Sugarloaf Mountain, was the largest of the 11 and has recently been renovated.
Most visitors walk across the aqueduct and head north along the towpath so turn south toward Lock 27. You’ll have a bit more solitude, and your pup can do more exploring without your constantly having to move him out of the way of passersby. Even so, your dog should know how to walk politely on a leash and how to properly greet people and other dogs. You want to walk with your dog, not have him drag you down the path. A basic obedience class with a positive reinforcement trainer can help Fido improve his manners if needed.
Get to the Monocacy Aqueduct via Route 28 through Montgomery County to Dickerson. Just after you pass under the railroad track, turn left onto Mouth of Monocacy Road, and follow the signs to the park’s small parking lot. Restrooms are available for you, but you’ll need to carry potty bags for your pooch. Be sure to take water along, too. Even on a day that feels comfortable to you, your canine pal will need water to stay cool.
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