Howell Cave and Rope Swing

Mile 88.28 - This cave is easily spotted because of the drain pipe that sticks out on the Potomac side of the canal and drains the underground stream that surfaces here.  You can climb up to a comfortable ledge near this cave.  When I was there, there was a chair on the ledge!

Take a close look in these branches and you'll see three or four rope swings.  A good rope swing spot is not easy to find--it needs to be over deep water but easily accessible from the bank.  Judging from the sophistication and number of these swings, this spot is a real gem.

This tree (and many nearby) sports a stairway.  You can use it to climb up to the rope or take the direct approach and just jump off the limb.  It takes a certain derring-do for this and is irresistible to certain young boys.