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U.S. National Arboretum (Metro Accessible)
An Easy 3.5 or 7.3 Mile Sneaker Hike!
Join us for this sneaker hike and see the area most botanically diverse hiking venue!
We visit the arboretum once per season to enjoy the great biodiversy that is offered.
This hike consists of two wiggly loops totaling 7.3 miles. We will start with the flatter of the two, the 3.7 mile loop and finish with a 3.6 loop. Neither are very hilly and the pace will be one meant for us to take our time enjoying the sites and not about speed. We will be wandering around the gardens as a group and taking in what nature has to offer. Please do not come on this hike if you are worried about maintaining a certain pace.
What's Blooming While We Visit (We Visit Once Per Season)
Peaking in Mid July (approximate):
Early July: Water-lilies, hibiscus ,crapemyrtles, conifers, daylilies, boxwood, herbs, annuals, sweet pepperbush, pepper collection, meadow and prairie wildflowers, hostas, hydrangeas
Year-Round Interest
Asian Valley in the Asian Collections, Friendship Garden, National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, National Boxwood Collection, Gotelli Dwarf and Slow-Growing Conifer Collection, Knot Garden in the National Herb Garden, Morrison Garden in the Azalea Collections, Holly and Magnolia Collections
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Washington
Distance: 7.3 miles with shorter options available so there is something for everyone. There is a loop that is 3.6 and a loop that is 3.7 in a figure eight so we will be right where we park between the two loops for anyone wanting a shorter hike!
Difficulty:Easy-Moderate depending on wether you go on the 3.6 or 7.3 loop only due to distance and one long hill on the second loop.
Scenery: Woodlands, open spaces, exotic plants, and odd structures
Trail Surface: Mostly paved; some dirt, gravel, concrete, grass, mulch
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours (allowing for lingering to take in the sights)
Facilities: Toilets, water at administration building; toilets at Arbor House and (warm weather months only) near National Grove of State Trees and in Asian Collections.
Configuration: Modified Loop
Trail Type: Loop
Season: Year-round
Local Maps:USGS Washington East
Carpool Information
There are 3 carpools for this hike!
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
Annapolis Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Annapolis area , meetup at the Harbour Center Mall Starbucks. Click here for Annapolis carpool directions for getting to the carpool location.
VA East Area Carpool (Fairfax Area METRO)
People can also arrange to meet at the Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station. Click here for directions to Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click here for directions to the Arboretum and where we meet once you arrive including METRO directions.
Hike Meetup Time is at 9:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time at Savage Station is 8:00 a.m.
Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station 7:45 a.m.
Carpoool Time for Annapolis Area is 8:00 a.m.
Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which helps ensure that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Let's have good times and see you on the trail!
Mike H: [masked]
Kellie Carlisle: [masked]
Justin C.: [masked]
Ted M:
I led the fast paced group and had a lot of fun meeting new people and making new friends. Also always great to catch up with those I already know. This was a perfect day for this hike and there was a lot to see. Thanks for coming out and see you next time!
July 31
This was the best summer season hike we have had at the Arboretum. We hike it once per season and usually spring and fall are the real winners. But it was amazing how much was blooming. Also, the group who came out today were a lot of fun and I made several new friends. See you next time.
July 20
This was my first meetup and my first hike (it was also my birthday!). The venue was gorgeous, and the group was layed back and relaxed. Shmuel, thanks for uploading such great pictures. Lexi (the dog) and I thank everyone for a great start to our day.
July 16
A beautiful oasis in the city with suprises like the Capitol columns. Weather cooperated and people are great.
July 15
Looks like ya'll had a great time! I'm so bummed I wimped out now since the rain never did show up. :(
July 14
Thank you, Melody - will call as soon as i get there, and will jog a bit to catch up with you!
July 14
If you are running late call one of these numbers ( note, kellie does not have her cell on her):
Mike H: [masked]
Kellie Carlisle: [masked]
Justin C.: [masked]
July 14
Rachel, Kaikai would like to know your progress in joining us this morning. When you get here fell free to call my cell [masked] so we can have you meet up with us
July 14
Nevermind - got it!
July 14
Thank you! can you send me Mike's number?
July 14
Hi folks - again, please let me know your route, if you've already started out - hopefully I can catch up!
July 14
Hi everyone - I'm running a bit late - can someone post a comment when you start the hike, and let me know the route you'll be taking? Hopefully, I can run and catch up with you if I know where you're headed...
July 14
Omg, it was a short lane closure. Full speed ahead. Gos still shows only 10 min late. Only about 100 yards of one lane traffic cost 30 min...
July 14
We, all 3 leaders, are stuck in stop and go traffic on inbound 295. Been like this for 10 min. We were due to be there at 10 till. Gps shows 10 after at this time. Yay for no rain and see you soon!
July 14
Sorry ya'll, I"m going to wimp out of this one because I don't want to risk getting caught in the rain today. Hope to see you on a hike soon!
July 14
Just comfirming the hike is still on. Just looked at weather.com for DC and it shows a nice break in the rain during our hike and nothing with lightning and/or thunder. Plus, nothing like a hike in the rain in the summer:) See everyone there soon!
1 · July 14
Hi Adelayda. I'll take you up on the offer for a ride. What's the best way to contact you? Of course, I'll help with the gas.
July 13
I am planning to leave from mclean. Let me know if anyone needs a ride
Adelayda
July 13
Asha - no problem. I expect leave around 8:20-8:30 am. Call me this afternoon at [masked] for details. I may be in meetings all afternoon but can call back this evening.
July 13
Anne - could I grab a ride with you from Dupont? What time did you want to leave? Thanks so much!
July 13
I plan to drive from SE. Near Eastern Market. If you need a ride please call [masked]. I can take 3 or 4 folks.
July 13
I can take rachel, rita and claire from ft totten, but no more. I have a silver civic. PM me with your numbers.
July 12
Is anyone coming from southern PA such as York?
July 12
Sanjida - do you have space for one more? I can be at Ft Totten at 8:30, too. Thank you!!!
July 12
Hi Sandija, a pick up from Fort Totten would be great, if you don't mind! What time do you think would work best?
July 10
@rachel I am driving from 5th and K NW and can probably give you a ride. Where are you?
July 8
I'd appreciate a ride if anyone is driving from NW DC as the public transit route takes quite a while. Please let me know - thanks so much!!
July 8
Refunds offered if:
Additional notes: Refund only if requested PRIOR to 48 hours of hike start time.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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