Historic Vienna and the W&OD Trail
Details
Let's visit some historic sites along the W&OD Trail in Vienna! It looks like we may be in for some rain, so let's get an early start and hopefully finish before it arrives. (We'll also stay on the pavement to keep our feet dry!)
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/4/a/6/600_205829862.jpeg
The route: From the Vienna Community Center, we’ll set out northwest on the W&OD Trail about 2.5 miles to the “Terror on the Tracks” historical marker, where we’ll turn around and retrace our steps, in some places along the W&OD Regional Park Trail, until we get to the intersection of Mill St NE. At Mill St NE we’ll turn right and then left along Center St N, passing by the remains of a Civil War Star Fort. Continuing along Center St N, Ayr Ave, and Lawyers Rd, we’ll visit the site of Salsbury Spring, which once provided drinking water and cooled the milk for a 250-acre dairy farm. From there we’ll work our way back along side streets to the W&OD Trail, where we’ll retrace our steps to the Community Center.
This is an easy modified out-and-back hike, 5.5 miles of smiles, and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace. The surface is paved and fairly level throughout.
Google map here: http://tinyurl.com/lp2es48
*** NB: WATCH OUT FOR BICYCLISTS ON THE W&OD TRAIL! ***
How to get there: Take I-66 West to Exit 62. Merge onto VA-243 N/Nutley Street SW. Go 0.7 miles and turn right onto Courthouse Rd SW. Go 0.6 miles, then take a slight right onto Locust St SW. Turn right onto Center St S. Then the 1st left onto Cherry St SE.
What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. The layered look is fashionable for changing temperatures, and you will almost certainly need an umbrella. A camera might be a handy accessory.
Weather: The forecast is overcast with a high of 50 degrees. There’s a 30-35% chance of rain early, jumping to a 95% probability at about 11:00 am.
Updates here: http://tinyurl.com/k7rea4k
Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is permitted.
Administrative stuff: The Vienna Community Center has restrooms and drinking fountains. There are also a couple of nearby coffee shops marked on the map for a pit stop before the hike.