Piscataway Park: An Easy 4.9 Miles With Optional Farm Visit and Post Hike Meal

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Piscataway Park: An Easy and Newbie Friendly 4.9 Miles

"Piscataway Park is home to bald eagles, beavers, deer, foxes, ospreys, and many other species. To complement the surroundings, the park has, in addition to a public fishing pier and two boardwalks over fresh water tidal wetlands, a variety of nature trails, meadows, and woodland areas. The Park is also home to National Colonial Farm." from the NPS website.

This hike is an easy hike that includes both loops and an out and back segment. It explores the Potomac shore in areas maintained by the National Park Service, Accokeek Foundation and Alice Ferguson Foundation. The park, established to preserve the view from Mount Vernon which is direction across the river. It features a picturesque colonial farm, a boardwalk and viewing platform over marsh at the mouth of Accokeek Creek, an Indian burial ground, and views of the Potomac River, Piscataway Creek, and Mount Vernon.

From wooded trails to colonial era farms to an eco-farm, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Hike Pace
This hike will be led at a moderate pace of about 2.5mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. (most common pace).

Trail Information

Nearby City: Accokeek
Length: 4.9 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Loop and a section of out and back
Skill Level: Easy and Newbie Friendly
Season: Year-round
Trail Surface: Dirt footpaths

Facilities: Restroom and Small Store at Visitor Center: Visitor center open Tuesday through Sunday 10am-4pm.

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Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click Here (http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Accokeek+MD+USMD0006:1:US) to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.

Park Fee
None.

Carpool InformationBaltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Carpool_Directions_for_Savage_Station/) to Savage Station.

VA East Area Carpool (Fairfax Area METRO)
People can also arrange to meet at the Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station. Click here for directions (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/pages/Directions_to_Vienna-Fairfax_Metro_Station/) to Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station.

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

Directions to the Trailhead

Click Here for Directions (https://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/pages/Directions%3A_Piscataway_Park) to Where We Meet for This Hike

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Hike is at 9:00 a.m.

Carpool meetup time from Savage Park and Ride is 8:00 a.m.

Fairfax Carpool meetup time is 8:15 a.m.

Gear Information
Click here for suggestions (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Gear_Information_and_What_to_Bring/) for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Hiking_and_Trail_Etiquette/). We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which helps ensure that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Leave_No_Trace_Hiking/) outdoor ethics.

Fido is Welcome on This Hike

Toby: 703.899.6549