What we’re about
We're an adults-only group that walks and hikes in VA, DC, and MD. There are no event or membership fees.
Upcoming events
2
Shirlington and Fort Ward
Shirlington Branch Library, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA, USLet's meet at Shirlington Library and go for an urban hike to visit Fort Ward!
Fort Ward offers an excellent orientation to the Civil War Defenses of Washington DC. The historic site, about 95 percent extant, features an accurate representation of the northwest bastion. Fort Ward's original perimeter was 540 feet with emplacements for 24 guns, but it was improved and enlarged during the war to 818 yards and 36 guns. The fort was salvaged after the war for $988 (around $20K today).
❶ What we'll do:
- From in front of the Shirlington Library, we'll head east along Campbell Avenue, cross over I-395 on a footbridge, and head south through Fairlington to Braddock Road, where we'll turn back west and walk to Fort Ward Park, arriving around 11:00 am. (The museum opens at 11:00 am.)
- We'll spend about 30 minutes at Fort Ward checking out the 1865 gate, the restored northwest bastion and outbuildings, and the museum. There are restrooms in the museum parking lot for use as desired during our stop.
- After the visit we'll continue west along Braddock Road under I-395 to Stonegate Scenic Easement, where we'll turn north and walk through Shirlington neighborhoods to Walter Reed Drive. From there we'll follow Walter Reed Drive and the Four Mile Run Trail back to the Shirlington Library.
- This is a loop hike of 4.7 miles, plus a little walking around in Fort Ward and should take about 2.5 hours, including the stop at Fort Ward. The surface is paved sidewalks and gravel paths throughout, some steps here and there, and about 240 feet of elevation gain. This is an easy hike.
- Google map: https://tinyurl.com/548nbpsz
❷ How to get there:
- From I-395 S, take exit 7 toward Shirlington, merge onto S Arlington Mill Dr, and turn left onto Campbell Ave. Shirlington Library will be on your right, just before Campbell Ave bends to the left.
- From I-395 N, take the exit toward Shirlington and continue onto N Quaker Ln, and then straight onto S Shirlington Rd. Turn left onto S Arlington Mill Dr, and left again onto Campbell Ave. Shirlington Library will be on your right, just before Campbell Ave bends to the left.
- There is free garage parking in Randolph Square and Quincy garages, plus parallel parking throughout the area.
- This is not directly Metro accessible, but buses 77, 87, 87X and AT9 stop at the Shirlington Transit Center located two blocks east of the library. Visit the Dashbush website for scheduled stops.
❸ Weather: The forecast is mostly cloudy and a high of 71F, with light SSE winds and a very slight chance of showers. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/wbp58zb6
❹ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leases required).
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: Shirlington Library has restrooms and will open at 10:00 am. There are also restrooms next door at Harris Teeter (open 24/7) and at Fort Ward.
❼ Notes:
- Shirlington Library, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206, https://tinyurl.com/euvf2uc8
- Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304, https://tinyurl.com/4yykr29h
- Village at Shirlington: http://tinyurl.com/ngbu4qr
- "Mr. Lincoln's Forts: A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington," by Benjamin F. Cooling III and Walton H. Owen II
18 attendees
Halloween in Old Town
Capital Bikeshare Station, 1864 Diagonal Rd, Alexandria, va, USLet's meet at the bike rack across the street from the King Street Metro Station and enjoy a Halloween walk in Old Town! Costumes are not required, but are certainly encouraged!
NB: There is a Capital Bikeshare on Cameron St, across the street from the King St Metro, but that's NOT where we are meeting! Come to the Capital Bikeshare on Diagonal St, GPS 38.805761, -77.060619
❶ What we'll do:
- From the bike rack we'll walk south and east through the Alexandria Cemetery to Wilkes St, which we'll follow east, with a detour south and east to check out the Halloween decorations along Lee St. At Prince St we'll turn east and head for the waterfront, and then walk north along the waterfront to Queen St, where we'll turn west and walk to N Fairfax St, turn left and walk south past the Carlyle House to King St, where we'll turn right and head back to our starting point.
- The walk is about 4.2 miles and should take no more than two hours. The surface is mostly paved throughout and fairly level.
- Google map: https://tinyurl.com/y2ju54eh
❷ How to get there:
- Metro: King Street Station is on the Blue and Yellow Lines. See the WMATA Trip Planner at https://www.wmata.com/
- Driving: From I-395, take VA-7 / King Street east about 2.8 miles. Take the first right after passing under the railroad (Daingerfield Street), and an immediate right onto Diagonal Road. From US-1 / Richmond Highway, follow King Street west 0.5 miles, take a sharp left onto Daingerfield, and the first right onto Diagonal Road. There is free and metered parallel parking in the area but leave yourself a little extra time to find it!
❸ Weather: It's too early to see the forecast, but we'll keep our fingers crossed. Sunset is at 6:08 pm, and civil twilight ends about 30 minutes later. Weather updates here: https://tinyurl.com/4wj5ya56
❹ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). A light jacket and a flashlight are recommended. Of course you're welcome to don a Halloween costume!
❺ Advisories:
- 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.
- After sunset, motorists have difficulty seeing you! Watch out for vehicles, and wear light or reflective clothing.
❻ Administrative stuff: There are restrooms at several commercial establishments along our route.
62 attendees
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