Blockhouse Point Park

I thoroughly enjoyed this relatively short and deserted hike. There are two nice views and lots of woodsy walking. Depending on how far you go, this makes a very nice after work hike.
I’d recommend parking off of Pettit and River. The lot is very small and is actually off River, just northwest of Pettit. There’s a little bit of signage but keep a close eye out because I missed it the first time. I recommend parking here though because it’s closer to a wider variety of trails. This entrance is also nice because you can do more of a loop than a switchback.
There are two overlooks looking over the Potomac. They are both off steep cliffs, and I wouldn’t recommend bringing dogs up there. The Blockhouse Trail is a nice view and more on the way if you’re going to complete a loop. However, if you have the time, take a moment to walk the extra quarter mile of the Paw Paw Trail. You have to turn like you’re going into the dead end Calithea Trail, but then you turn again toward the river (you’ll hear it). This is by far the better view, with two outlook posts. It’s less obscured by trees and leaves. I’d love to go back at sunset sometime as you have a direct view of the sun. I will warn that the steepest hill I encountered was coming back up from this overlook. But it’s short. You can do it.
All in all, this is an easy, delightful trail. There are a few steep hills, but nothing unmanageable. I ran into two families when I hiked after work today, that’s it, and it was a beautiful day. I think this park may be a good secret for now.
This trail is frequently walked by both man and his four-​legged friends (horses and dogs) so watch out for the poop. Gross. I said it.

Can’t say I was really impressed. It’s a small park with trails running by the neighboring farms. The blockhouse sounds cool, but is apparently long gone. When you get to the river, you can only see it through the trees. You’re on the opposite side of the canal from the towpath, kind of trapped and prevented from exploring more. Unless you live right here, you might as well go to Great Falls and the surrounding areas, which are pretty close by and get you better views closer to the water.

Trees. Lots of trees. At one point, I felt like this is a great place to get murdered, as I’m basically all alone in the woods far enough away from other people that no one would hear me scream… But that fear subsided as it was replaced by the fear that my dog would find what he’s always hunting… a horse. You see, to him horses = great big squirrels that he must growl at, chase, and conquer. So, needless to say, as I pulled into the parking area and noticed the horse trailer parked in the lot, I became a little wary. The pup easily caught the scent and we were off on the hunt.
It was a beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze. Even I smelled the horse. Luckily there were plenty of different paths to walk along. I made haste with the beast down one, and as we passed sign after sign decorated with a little white on green horse with rider, we came upon a very steep embankment that seemed to drop straight down to the river. The embankment wasn’t dangerous, as it was covered with trees, but I’m not an athlete, and I knew that if we went down it, we’d have to come back up… My hair had just been washed… I didn’t want to get all sticky and icky. So, I walked the pup in enough of a circle at this point that he didn’t realize that we had turned around. (He hates going back anywhere… Always forward!) And we started back toward the car.
Just as we were arriving, I noticed other people in these woods arriving via another path… People with walking sticks and dogs of their own. Strange dogs… Dogs that might attack mine as many of them do… I held back a bit, praying a little that as we waited for the dogs to pass that stinky horse wouldn’t suddenly show up at the same time…
Lucky for us, he didn’t. I think my dog had a different opinion as he argued with me about going back to the car. Next time, pup. You’ll get him next time.

Not like Into the Wild, but a great easy-​to-​get-​to bit of nature with easy to walk trails and great overlooks onto the Potomoc River.
Drive past the main parking lot and you’ll find a small turnoff on the left with space for a few cars. Start from there.

*disclaimer*
Address listed for this park is not the «parking lot» I used for my review. Additional info below.”
*end dislclaimer*
While I have been to Blockhouse Point Park previously, it had been a number of years. This past weekend I decide to take the trip with my gf and our dog. The actual place in which we parked was about half a mile further (than the address listed for this park) on the left. There is space for about 6 cars, and the large lot, about 25 cars.
The trail which we took was the Blockhouse Trail. It was quite easy with only a little bit of incline/​decline throughout. Signs clearly mark the trail, which is about 2.5−3 miles round trip. Various other trails intersect and a short detour can be taken.
The blockhouse trail leads to two awesome Potomac river overlooks. It was summer, so obviously there are lots of leaves on the trees. Even so, the views were spectacular. You are right above the Canal and have a nice view of VA and the river.
If you are looking for something fun for a few hours that is off the beaten track and has great scenic views, this is the place for you.