Jones Point to Dyke Marsh and other things
Details
NB: DO NOT PARK IN JONES POINT PARK! It closes at 10 pm, so you may get locked in, ticketed, and maybe even towed! Instead, parallel park along the south ends of Royal, Fairfax, or Lee Streets.
There's a hidden agenda to this walk, and it's the fireworks display put on by the Belle Haven Country Club, starting at 9:15.
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/8/c/8/600_383259112.jpeg
The route: From the old ship’s rudder under Wilson Bridge we'll walk south to Mount Vernon Trail, turn right, and follow the trail south past Belle Haven Park Picnic Area, where we'll slide over onto Dyke Marsh Trail and continue south to the boardwalk overlook at the end. From there we'll retrace our steps to arrive at an optimal point along the Mount Vernon Trail just north of Belle Haven Picnic Area to watch fireworks at 9:15, and then return to our cars.
This is an out and back walk, 2.5 miles each way, for a total of 5 miles, and should take about two hours at a moderate pace. The surface is fairly level and paved in Jones Point Park and along Mount Vernon Trail, and pebble paths along Dyke Marsh Trail. Keep an eye out for bicyclists along Mount Vernon Trail.
A Google map is here: http://tinyurl.com/bxlm498
How to get there: The park entrance is at the south end of South Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. From Highway 1 (either direction), take Franklin Street east to Royal Street, turn right and drive south 3 blocks until the street ends in front of Wilson Bridge. The park entrance is on your left. The street address is 100 Jones Point Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314. As a reminder, don't park in Jones Point Park! S. Royal Street leads into the park, and there's a nice footpath from the end of Lee Street that also leads south into the park.
What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and a flashlight for the return leg. (Sunset is at 8:36.) I do not recommend bringing your furry friend because of the fireworks. Please remember, this is a kid-free zone, no one under 18 please.
Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and water fountains at Jones Point Park and at Belle Haven Park along the route.
Notes:
Jones Point Park: http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733