Reaching New Heights at Carderock

Local military families teamed up with National Park Trust and the National Military Family Association for a day of rock climbing at Carderock in C&O Canal National Historical Park, Maryland.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, National Park Trust brought local military families from across the DMV for an adventurous day of rock climbing at Carderock, a popular rock climbing destination within C&O Canal National Historical Park, Maryland. For a few of the families, it was their first time rock climbing, but it was everyone’s first time climbing at Carderock.

The day began with families gearing up in climbing shoes, helmets, and harnesses before meeting a ranger from C&O Canal National Historical Park. The ranger welcomed the group and introduced families to the area, sharing the history of Carderock, the surrounding landscape, and the boundaries of the historic park, with the C&O towpath stretching 184.5 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Georgetown, D.C.

After a safety briefing from East Outdoors, our professional climbing guides, families took a short hike to the climbing area, where they learned the basics of climbing and how to tie the figure-eight knot. Soon, families were making their way up the rock face and challenging themselves on more than eight different climbing routes, each offering a range of difficulty levels.

While the climbing was the main attraction, there was another seasonal treat waiting just beyond the climbing wall. The routes were tucked beneath a canopy of pawpaw trees, which were filled with ripe fruit. Families taking a break from the wall had the chance to search for these unique native fruits — adding a sweet surprise to an already memorable day outdoors.

From reaching the top of a challenging climb to trying something completely new, the day was filled with adventure, encouragement, and plenty of opportunities for families to connect with one another. And, of course, the experience came with the unmistakable sweet smell of fresh pawpaws!

National Park Trust is incredibly grateful to the National Military Family Association for helping us connect with these incredible military families and create opportunities for them to explore their public lands together.

We are already looking forward to our next adventure: a backstage tour and nature painting at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts!

What Are National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs?

National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs connect service members, veterans, and their families to the parks, public lands, and waters they have helped protect. Outings like this Carderock climbing day give military families the chance to build community, try something new, and experience the physical and mental benefits of time outdoors together.

In 2025 alone, National Park Trust partnered with military installations and military-focused nonprofits like the National Military Family Association to connect over 1,200 individuals from 350 families through 50 outdoor outings nationwide.

Learn more about our Military Family Programs.

How Can You Support National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs?

National Park Trust believes parks have the power to bring people together. Your support helps fund outdoor experiences like this one, giving military families the chance to build lasting memories and connect with the lands they’ve served to protect.

Learn about ways to support our mission.

About National Park Trust

National Park Trust is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has protected national park land since 1983, acquiring missing pieces of our national parks and benefiting 58 national park sites nationwide. Our mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow.

Our youth education and family initiatives — Buddy Bison School Programs, College Ambassador Program, and Military Family Programs, along with National Kids to Parks Day — connect tens of thousands of people to the outdoors each year.

We believe public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed, and preserved by all, for current and future generations. Learn more at parktrust.org.