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Trip Reports

Great Falls 19 January
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Four of us, Kathleen, Peter, Wayne, and John took the dry route at Great Falls Virginia side today. From the boaters lot we walked up to the overlooks to look over, then down the river trail along the rim of Mather Gorge, river right. We were much braver and more skilled in picking lines from 90' up than we've ever been on the water.


The falls was spectacular and there were surfable waves at Rocky Island. A brave lone kayaker demonstrated the attainment at Wet Bottom Chute at 3.93', doing a two step eddy hop from river left to get behind the island, then ferrying back to river left to continue upstream along the shore.


After the rocky, treacherous river trail we returned via the Carriage road through beautiful upland forest. Total trip, about 4 miles, 2:30 with generous time for gawking at the river. I had forgotten what a wonderful walk this is and the way that seeing a stream from above informs paddling trips.


I did a great walk at Harper's Ferry a few weeks ago with Tony and Ed and today was a fine day at Great Falls. I'd like to continue these river-linked hikes through the winter on days that are too cold for most to paddle. Please drop me a note if you have suggestions on places to go or would like to be on the email list. It's a great way to get some fresh air down by the river.


John Snitzer

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