venture out
Roam the Reserve:
Montgomery CountyFarms, Heritage and Autumn Adventures
By sarah Rogers
n UpCounty central Ag Reserve
From Poolesville or off I-270, you can easily reach Boyds, Dickerson, Clarksburg, and the peaceful edges of Germantown and Gaithersburg. These areas are connected by scenic Rustic Roads that lead to vineyards, pick-your-own farms, Black
As summer winds down in fall, the bounty of the Agricultural Reserve is on full display. Perfect for day trips exploring the sights— morning birdwatching along the C & O Canal towpath, lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant, an afternoon stroll through an historic small town, capped off by dinner at a local vineyard or brewery. For those seeking a weekend getaway, a night at a restored canal lockhouse along the Potomac River offers an opportunity to unwind and roam the Rustic Roads( preserved historic country roads) by bike or by car, browsing antique shops, farmers markets, and autumn leaves, followed by an evening enjoying a show at a local theater.
bridges. It’ s a great spot for a fairly level hike or bike trip. The Towpath also links to several county and state parks for even more outdoor adventures.
Town of Poolesville. The heart of this rural community is its downtown National Historic District. As you enter town, you’ ll pass several vineyards and early African American churches. The town is easy to walk and showcases historic architecture from its days as a merchant center for farmers and canal trade. Around town you can follow the Civil War Trail and stop to reflect at the Peck Lynching Memorial. While there, stop in at local restaurants, museums, shops, and the arts center.
n UpCounty Western Ag Reserve
Explore the C & O Canal National Historic Park. Head north on River Road, which follows the Potomac and was once a Native American trail. Along the way, you’ ll see signs for historic sites and stops on the C & O Towpath. The Towpath features old locks and lockhouses, many named after early lock keepers, as well as warehouse ruins and
From the agricultural products grown and sold throughout the Ag Reserve to the Seneca Aqueduct near Riley’ s Lock and the historic wagon at Agricultural History Farm Park, these places reflect Montgomery County’ s enduring rural heritage.
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