Thaiss Park: A shady stroll along Accotink Creek
Details
Sometimes a flat, shady trail is just what you need on a summer day. Let's get in some quality time along Accotink Creek, starting from Thaiss Park.
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The route: From the north side of the Thaiss Park parking lot, we’ll follow Accotink Creek downstream along the Cross County Trail to King Arthur Road and return.
This is an out and back walk, 3 miles each way, for a total of 6 miles of smiles. There are three streets to cross along our way: Barkley Dr, Prosperity Ave, and Woodburn Rd. Otherwise it’s an uninterrupted surfaced/fine gravel woodland path, flat and easy going. We should be finished in around 2 hours.
Google map: http://tinyurl.com/nykjk49
How to get there: From the I-495 beltway (either direction), take exit 50 A-B for US-50 toward Arlington Blvd/Arlington/Fairfax. Take exit 50 A to merge onto US-50 W/Arlington Blvd toward Fairfax. Drive 2.8 miles west along US-50 W/Arlington Blvd and turn left onto VA-237 W/Pickett Rd, and then take the next left into Thaiss Park parking lot.
What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended. There’s a chance of rain in the forecast, so an umbrella is a good idea just in case. As a reminder, this is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.
Administrative stuff: There are restrooms at Thaiss Park and at Eakin Park, slightly off the trail along our route. Unfortunately, both are of the portable variety, so you may consider stopping at the nearby Dunkin' Donuts or McDonald's on your way to the hike. For those desiring a mid-hike comfort break, it’s pretty easy to detour to Eakin Park on the way out, and either catch up or rejoin the group when it passes by on the return route.
After the walk: For those who would like a bite after the hike, Artie’s is a half mile to the west; Matchbox Merrifield is 3 miles to the east.
Notes:
• Cross County Trail Map (pdf): http://tinyurl.com/njqd34q
• TopoQuest area map: http://tinyurl.com/qx83jny
• Artie's, 3260 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030, (703) 273-7600, http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/arties/
• Matchbox Merrifield, 2911 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031,
(571) 395-4869
• McDonald's, 3195 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030
• Dunkin' Donuts, 9550 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22031