Pimmit Run

The Pimmit Run Trail follows the stream valley of its name from Olney Park, near the Dulles Toll Road, downstream to where the stream empties into the Potomac at Chain Bridge Road. Let's hike a slice of the upstream portion and get an early start to stay cool.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/5/a/2/600_440597826.jpeg

The route: From the parking lot at the McLean Little League ball field, we’ll cross the bridge over Pimmit Run, enter the trail and hike upstream to the I-66 overpass and return, then downstream to Old Dominion Drive and return.

The hike is in two out-and-back sections. The upstream section is about 1.5 miles, and the downstream section is about 2.75 miles, for a total of 4.25 miles of smiles.

The surface is mostly narrow dirt trail through woods and scrub. It's a little overgrown here and there, and features footbridges and stepping stone stream crossings, and crosswalks across Old Chesterbrook Rd and Great Falls St. Plan for about a two hour hike.

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/pawbjr5

How to get there: From the I-495 Beltway take the 47A-B/​VA-7 E/​Leesburg Pike/​Falls Church exit and follow signs for 47B/VA-7 E/Leesburg Pike towards Falls Church. Continue east VA-7 W/Leesburg Pike for 1 mile and turn left onto VA-695/Idylwood Rd. Follow Idlywood Rd for 1.2 miles, through right and left curves and under VA-66. Idlywood Rd becomes Kirby Rd at the intersection with Great Falls St; continue following Kirby Rd another 0.6 miles to Westmorland St. Take a sharp left turn onto Westmoreland St, drive 0.3 miles and the McLean Little League ball field will be on your left, at the intersection with Somerville Dr.

Sorry, the metro buses to the location (15K/L) do not run on weekends.

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. The trails are narrow and overgrown in places! I was fine in shorts on Wednesday's visit, but consider long pants or high socks if that’s your bag, man, yeah...

Weather: The forecast is sunny, with a high temperature of 83 degrees. (It will be about 68 degrees as we start.) Updates here: http://tinyurl.com/nwpc5vy

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 in this group.

Administrative stuff: There are no restrooms or drinking fountains at the McLean Little League ball field! Make sure to make a pit stop as needed on your way to the hike. A couple of commercial establishments along Leesburg Pike nearby are listed below, as well as Mylo’s Grill, a recommended lunch spot for after the hike.

Notes:

• Starbucks, Idylwood Plaza, 7501 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043

• McDonald's, 7101 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043

• Starbucks, Falls Plaza Shopping Center, 1218 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046

• Mylo’s Grill, Chesterbrook Shopping Center, 6238 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22101, 703-533-5880, http://tinyurl.com/ow9wpkj