Piscataway Park and the National Colonial Farm

Ever wonder what's on the other side of the Potomac River from Mount Vernon? Piscataway Park, in Accokeek, MD, was founded to preserve the natural view of the Potomac River from Mount Vernon, and it's also home to the National Colonial Farm. Let's go check it out!

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/6/0/0/600_441586592.jpeg

‎The route: From the parking lot, we’ll walk a short distance to trail junction next to the Visitor Center. From there we’ll hike a big counter-clockwise circuit of the park and the Colonial Farm along the Riverview, Bluebird, Paw Paw, Blackberry, and Pumpkin Ash trails, with a couple of short stints along the park road that connects the trails, before arriving back at the Visitor Center. Along the way we'll take a few side trips to check out views of Mount Vernon across the Potomac, the Colonial Farm, and the Ecosystem Farm.

But wait, there’s more! After the main hike, those wanting a little something extra can pile back into their cars and on the way out of the park, after the intersection with Cactus Hill Rd, turn left at the NPS-signed entrance we passed on the drive into the park. It's at approximately 2613-2687 Bryan Point Rd, Accokeek, MD 20607, GPS = 38.690096, -77.058628. Follow the gravel road to the parking lot at the end and park. Once the group has reassembled, we’ll follow the boardwalk trail over the marsh along the shoreline to the “First People of the Potomac” marker and return.

The main route is only about 2.5 to 3 miles on the map, but distance and time will vary considerably depending on how many detours we take to look at and photograph things. Plan for about 2 hours. The second hike is a little over half a mile and should take another 30 minutes or so. The surfaces are dirt and closely mown paths, with a few stretches of boardwalk. With the exception of some hills and narrow trails along the Paw Paw Trail, it's mostly level and wide trails and easy going.

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/po4s9tq

How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway, take exit 3 (3A from the outer loop) for MD-210 S toward Indian Head and follow signs for MD-210 S. Once on MD-210 S, continue south about 8.9 miles and take the exit for Bryan Point Rd. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Hickory Knoll Rd and follow it to a T-junction with Bryan Point Rd. Turn right onto Bryan Point Rd and follow it for 3.5 miles. You will see a NPS sign on your right for Piscataway Park: don’t turn! Just file that for future reference and keep going to an intersection with Cactus Hill Rd. Turn right to stay on Bryant Point Rd. Shortly after the turn, turn right at the next fork to enter the parking lot. The Education Center is on your left, and the Visitor Center is directly ahead along a short trail through the woods.

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. (Leashes, please. NB: Pets are not allowed inside the colonial farm exhibit area.) Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

Weather: The forecast is sunny and a high temperature of 84 degrees. Updates here: http://tinyurl.com/o5nkqsj

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 allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

Administrative stuff: There are restrooms at the Visitor Center, open 10 am to 4 pm. The park is open during daylight hours.

Notes:

• Accokeek Foundation: http://tinyurl.com/ndnec9j

• Park map: http://tinyurl.com/owtcsh3

• Piscataway Park (NPS): http://tinyurl.com/y7g9egx