📜 Historic gold mine ruins near C&O Canal. 🔍 Active mining from 1867 to 1939, never profitable, now a hiking trail. # Why Go 🚶 Hike the Gold Mine Loop trail 🏞️ Explore abandoned mining sites ⛏️ See remains of old water tank, blacksmith shop, sealed shafts 🌲 Discover Civil War era gold discovery site 📚 Learn about Maryland's gold rush history # Why Avoid ⚠️ Structures are fenced off and in disrepair 🚫 Entering old mine shafts is extremely dangerous # Tips 🅿️ Trailhead behind Great Falls Tavern visitor center 🗺️ Gold Mine Loop is a two-mile trail 👀 Can be seen from Macarthur Blvd and Falls Road intersection 🚫 Collecting rocks and panning for gold requires permission