C&O Canal Association-Seneca Aqueduct Hike

Sites visited will be Riley’s Lock, Seneca Aqueduct, Seneca Stonecutting Mill, Bull Run Culvert, mouth of Seneca Creek, Violette’s Lock, inlet lock and Dam Number 2, a historic milestone, and Seneca rapids.

The total walking distance is about 4.5 miles. Please bring a lunch or snacks and water. Please sign up in advance if you are coming on the hike. d29sempvbiB8IGhvdG1haWwgISBjb20=

Access is from River Road in Seneca by turning onto Riley’s Lock Road and following it 0.8 miles to the parking area.

The hike will begin at Lock 24 (Riley’s Lock) and Aqueduct No. 1 (Seneca Aqueduct). Both the lock and the aqueduct were completed in 1832. The lock and aqueduct are unique to the C&O Canal because they are the only combination lift lock and aqueduct along the entire length of the 184.5 miles of the canal. One of the three arches of the aqueduct collapsed in 1971 after a localized flood on Seneca Creek. The aqueduct has been stabilized by the National Park Service but not restored. Walking up the towpath passing red sandstones next to the towpath from the collapsed aqueduct arch, we will turn and visit the remains of the Seneca Stonecutting Mill. The stonecutting mill was completed in two parts. The first section was completed in 1837. That section was used to cut the stones that were used for the construction of the Smithsonian Castle. The second section was completed in 1868. Returning to the towpath, we will walk up to culvert #35 (Bull Run) and we will visit the mouth of the stream. The location may have been where river skiffs were loaded with cut sandstones for delivery to lock construction sites for the Potomac and the C&O Canal. We will then return to the towpath and walk back across the Seneca Aqueduct down to lock 23 (Violette’s Lock) and inlet lock #2. At this location is Feeder Dam 2. The locks and dam were completed in 1831. The lock house was destroyed by fire in 1921. A nearby log cabin was purchased and used by the Violette’s as the lock house. We will cross the parking lot and visit the red sandstone foundation of a historic structure. Then we will visit the historic milestone with “22 Miles to W.C” inscribed on it. The W.C. stands for Washington City. We will walk down next to a stone wall viewing the Seneca rapids in the Potomac River. We will stop at milepost 21 and return to our starting point. Along the way, we will see some historical etchings in stones as well as modern graffiti.