United States National Arboretum Hike, About 6 miles

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United States National Arboretum Hike

If the Billy Goat Trail Section A hike was a little too technically difficult for you, here's a hike that is at the other extreme technically but isn't far behind if at all when it comes to beautiful things to look at. My favorite is the National Bonsai Musem with trees that are hundreds of years old. We had an especially good time on this hike last year.

We will shove off from the parking area near the Visitors Information Center promptly at 10:30 AM for a very easy paced 6-7 mile hike around the Arboretum grounds including the National Bonsai Museum. This will be a very leisurely paced hike, taking stops to read about and study exhibits as we go along. Pack a lunch or a snack for a break at the midpoint and plan on being back to the parking area around 3:00ish.

The address listed above is the address for the National Arboretum but there is no entrance from west bound New York Avenue so I've included the following directions for those coming from the north and east.

From the Maryland suburbs- Take the Capital Beltway (I 495/I 95) to exit 22B (Baltimore Washington Parkway) towards Washington. Follow the Baltimore Washington Parkway approximately 7 miles to Route 50 West (New York Avenue). Once on Route 50 get in your left lane. You will approach the intersection of Bladensburg Road where only the two left lanes turn onto Bladensburg Road. Make the left onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.

Learn More about the National Arboretum here

http://www.usna.usda.gov/