Leader: Stephanie Mason Enjoy one or more of these leisurely late-summer through late-fall strolls on relatively close-in portions of the C&O Canal’s historic towpath which see less foot and bicycle traffic on weekdays than weekends. The focus of these naturalist-led walks will be the rich natural history of the varied habitats long the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe and enjoy seasonal plant and animal life, including birds, fall wildflowers, fruits, and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles – and whatever else we might find. The towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven. Access to the towpath at Riley’s Lock includes stairs or a steeply-inclined foot trail.