Nature Hike in the Potomac Gorge at Carderock, Maryland — Smithsonian Associates

Join author and naturalist Melanie Choukas-Bradley for an autumn nature hike in the scenic Potomac Gorge at Carderock, Maryland, and learn how to forest bathe. Hike on the Billy Goat Trail, section C, starting at the Carderock climbing area.

The trail offers dramatic river vistas and passes through a mature forest of oaks, hickories, maples, beeches, black walnuts, and sycamores. Stop along the route to admire trees with their autumn foliage and fruit, notice birds and other wildlife, and see wildflowers. Midway in the walk, enjoy a few moments of forest bathing, quietly appreciating the splendor of the surroundings. The hike returns to the Carderock climbing area parking lot on the C&O Canal towpath.

Choukas-Bradley is the author of City of Trees, The Joy of Forest Bathing, and several other nature books.

Know Before You Go

• Tour participants meet at Billy Goat Trail C, North Parking Lot.
• Bring water, a snack, and comfortable, sturdy shoes. You must be in good physical condition for this hike.
• The trail covers some ups and downs and traverses rocks and tree roots. The hike is approximately 2 miles round trip.
• Additional information will be emailed the week before the tour.

Additional Date Options for this Tour

• October 25
• October 26

Book Sales Information

• Purchase your copy of City of Trees by Melanie Choukas-Bradley here.
• Purchase your copy of A Year in Rock Creek Park by Melanie Choukas-Bradley here.
• Purchase your copy of Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island by Melanie Choukas-Bradley here.
• SPECIAL NOTE: Politics and Prose is offering a 10% discount to Smithsonian Associates ticket-holders. To claim your discount, enter the code SPECIAL10 (no space between letters and numbers) in the “Coupon discount” or “Comments” section on Politics and Prose’s check-out page.

General Information

• Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Monday, October 23, 2023.
• Smithsonian is a mask-friendly environment. Masks are strongly recommended to be worn on buses at all times and may also be required at various indoor sites.
• For additional tour information:
  • Study Tour Policies
  • Refund/Cancellation Policy