Head to Blockhouse Point Park for a variety of outdoor activities. 

Just past Potomac (and 30 minutes from DC) on River Road, you’ll find an easy pull-off and parking lot leading to numerous hiking trails. Don’t let Blockhouse Point Park’s proximity to the road fool you – this park is a gem when it comes to hiking (and biking and horse riding!) trails. It’s no-frills – there’s one slightly dilapidated picnic table that overlooks the road and no bathrooms, but the trails are serene and a fun level of challenge for little hikers. Leashed dogs are welcome. And bikes can only be taken on the Muddy Branch trail. The park is fitted with useful signage too.

We started down Muddy Branch Trail, which is open to all activities – hiking, biking, and horseback riding – but during our weekday, lunchtime visit, the trail was empty save for chipmunks, squirrels, and birds making a ruckus. There are some dips and hills, but nothing too challenging for young hikers. Muddy Branch is very wooded, the path covered in fallen leaves, and the trail itself gets narrow at points. You definitely feel lost in the woods here, which makes it an extra perfect hiking spot for October. (According to one AllTrails.com poster, this area is where parts of The Blair Witch Project was filmed and we can confirm: it’s a little spooky!)

Canyon Trail, on the other hand, is much more open with views of the sky and trees – during fall’s changing colors it’s absolutely breath-taking. Though called a trail, it certainly feels like you’re walking on a fire road for emergency and government vehicles, which makes it much more spacious. (You can walk next to, not behind, your companions!) It’s gravel, though some spots are overgrown with grass, and – in theory – you could take a stroller on this route, but be warned, you’re gradually walking downhill on the way out, which means a gradual, uphill climb on the way back. While Muddy Branch sounds like all kinds of small wildlife, Canyon Trail’s soundtrack (at least after recent rain) is a babbling creek. 

For those looking for more hiking options, Muddy Branch Trail actually continues on the other side of River Road, but from what we saw the trail initially hugs close to the road. Though wooded and very pretty, I’m not sure it’s worth the River Road dash with kids – we'll let you decide on that one.

The park contains 630 acres of forest, wetlands, streams, river-rock outcrops, and views of both the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. Within the park, you'll also find ruins from the Civil War.

Grab a coffee or treats on your way at Vie De France Bakery and Cafe, also on River Road in Potomac. This park is a great place to get some exercise on the way back from Poolesville for a visit to Homestead Farm or Rockland's Farm Winery.