Winter walk around Lake Accotink

Whoa, a high of 55 degrees on Sunday? Who cares if it's cloudy with a chance of rain, let's chase off the cabin fever with a walk around Lake Accotink!

The route: Starting from the railroad trestle at the foot of the dam, we'll walk clockwise around the lake. The trail is a mix of fine gravel and paved paths through woods, with a short stretch on sidewalks halfway through the walk. Aside from an initial hill, it's pretty flat.

The total distance around the lake is only 4 miles, so we'll take a side excursion along our route to stretch it out to 5 miles of smiles. The walk should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace.

Here is a Google map of the route: http://tinyurl.com/pqj5bpt

How to get there: From I-95, take Old Keene Mill Road west. (If you are coming from Franconia, note that Franconia Road becomes Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield.) Turn right on Hanover Avenue and drive north about a mile. Turn left onto Highland Street and drive west about a quarter of a mile to a slight right turn onto Accotink Park Road. Follow Accotink Park Road and watch for the entrance to the park on the left; then follow the road through the woods to the parking lot by the railroad trestle at the foot of the dam.

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. As a reminder, this is a kid-free zone, no one under 18 please.

Administrative stuff: There are public restrooms and drinking fountains at Lake Accotink, open at 9:00 am.