Alexandria Area Walking & Hiking Group

• From the old ship's rudder under Wilson Bridge we'll walk south to the Jones Point Lighthouse, then east and north along the Mount Vernon Trail and the Alexandria waterfront to the Torpedo Factory, with a short jag to the west to walk through Wilkes Street Tunnel. After a short break at the Torpedo Factory (if needed) we will continue upstream along the Potomac to Orocono St, walk west to St Asaph St, and then make our way south back to our starting point in Jones Point Park.
• This is a 4-mile loop hike and should take no more than two hours at a moderate pace. The surface is fairly level and paved throughout, except for brief stretches of pebbled paths in parks along the way.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/fdes83n9

❷ 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.

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). An umbrella or rain jacket/poncho is recommended.

❹ Weather: The forecast is mostly cloudy and a high of 62F, with a 50% chance of showers during our walk. WSW winds at 11 mph. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z

❺ 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.

❻ Administrative stuff:

• There are restrooms at Jones Point Park, the Torpedo Factory, the Ramsay Visitor Center, and at commercial establishments along our way.
• Parking at Jones Point Park is free and there is room for around 100 cars. DO NOT park along S Royal St at the entrance to the park! You may be towed!!

❼ Notes:

• Jones Point Park, Jones Point Dr, Alexandria, VA 23242. http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733

• From the Fall Hill/Normandy Ave parking lot, we'll hike northwest and upstream past the Virginia Outdoor Center along the Embrey Dam Trail, Quarry Road, and the Beach Trail to the USGS Water Gauge and return.
• The total hike is 4.2 miles, with 125 feet of elevation gain, and should take no more than 2 hours. The surface is gravel road and dirt trails, a little rocky and uneven in places but relatively flat. This is an easy hike.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/3et6e5sp

❷ How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway, follow I-95 S for 36.5 miles and take Exit 133A right to US-17 BUS S/Warrenton Rd. Follow US-17 BUS S/Warrenton Rd for 4.2 miles and turn right onto US-1 S/US-17 BUS S/Cambridge St. Follow US-1 S/US-17 BUS S/Cambridge St for 0.7 miles and turn right onto Fall Hill Ave. Follow Fall Hill Ave for almost 0.6 miles. The parking lot will be on your left, just past Normandy Ave and before the canal bridge. There are only 9 spaces in the parking lot, so if it is full, you can parallel park along Normandy or Linden Avenues. See https://maps.app.goo.gl/nnNpnc8Ge2TvfSVa8

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. (Leashes, please.)

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 50F, with 8-12 mph W winds and a 19% chance of showers at start, falling off. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/fc3mjxew

❺ 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.

❻ Administrative stuff: There is a restroom (porta-john) at the parking lot. For a more civilized pit stop near the trailhead, see notes below.

❼ Notes:

• FredTrails Fredericksburg Quarry trail map: https://fredtrails.org/trails/fredericksburg-quarry/
• The Story of the Rappahannock Canal: https://tinyurl.com/39z8x5uj
• McDonald's, 1212 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Giant Food, 1245 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Fas Mart, 501 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401