F2GJOY2PUS2 Introduction

This park master plan provides a policy rationale for balancing stewardship of natural and cultural
resources with recreation in Blockhouse Point Conservation Park. Goals of the plan are as follows:
Preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources.
Provide opportunities for recreation.
Provide connections to adjacent parks and regional trail systems.
Interpret natural and cultural history.

Blockhouse Point Conservation Park is located at 14750 River Road, Darnestown, MD and
encompasses approximately 630 acres (fig. 1, page 2). It lies between the C&O Canal to the south and
Esworthy Road to the north and is bisected by MD Route 190, River Road. Muddy Branch stream
valley defines the park's eastern boundary. Callithea Farm, a 97 acre, equestrian facility, lies adjacent to
the park on its southwestern side. Pennyfield Lock Neighborhood Conservation Area, a 1.9 acre com-
munity-use park, lies just east of the C&O Canal National Historic Park on Blockhouse Point’s south-
eastern corner. Pursuant to recommendations in the Potomac Master Plan (M-NCPPC, 2002),
Callithea Farm is being acquired as public parkland.
The park contains a variety of exceptional resources. Natural features include mature upland for-
est, floodplain forest, palustrine wetlands, streams, river-rock outcrops, at least 9 species of threatened,
endangered, or watchlist plants, a diversity of wildlife and grand views of the Potomac River and C&O
Canal. In addition to its rich natural history, Blockhouse Point Conservation Park also contains some
important remnants of American history. The 19th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry built
three blockhouses in 1862 to guard Violette's Lock and Pennyfield Lock on the C&O Canal. The
earthen rampart remains of one of the blockhouses are located in the park. In fact, the original Greek
Cross design of the blockhouse is discernable to the careful observer.
Based on the exceptionally high quality of its natural and cultural resources, its intrinsic natural
beauty - especially the breath-taking views of the Potomac River, and its size, staff consider Blockhouse
Point Conservation Park one of the top five conservation parks in the County Park System. Others
include Rachel Carson, Hoyles Mill, the Potomac Serpentine Barrens, and the River Road Shale
Barrens.

above: The changing seasons along the Potomac River

viewed from the Blockhouse Point Scenic Overlooks.

B l o c k h o u s e Po i n t C o n s e r v a t i o n Pa r k M a s t e r P l a n 3
4 Figure 2. The Plan Map B l o c k h o u s e Po i n t C o n s e r v a t i o n Pa r k M a s t e r P l a n