Alexandria Area Walking & Hiking Group

 
 
 

Let's go for a hike at Mason Neck State Park!

❶ What we'll do:

• From the meetup point, after a brief out-and-back walk along Beach Trail, we'll do modified clockwise loop around the park. Starting east along Kane's Creek Trail, we'll connect to Eagle Spur Trail and hike out to the bird blind on Kane's Creek and see if any eagles or herons are out and about. From there we'll retrace our steps to Kane's Creek Trail, connect to Wilson's Spring Trail and head southwest to cross the road that enters the park. Turning right, we'll follow the multi-use trail up to the south parking lot, playground and picnic area. (There are restrooms and an opportunity to cut it short at this point.) From there we'll head southwest for a 1-mile loop around Bayview Trail, then continue northeast along the shoreline to the Visitor Center to complete the hike.
• The hike is about 5 miles and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace. The surface is mostly gravel and dirt trails, occasionally a little rooty, with gently rolling hills and a few boardwalked dry creek crossings on Eagle Spur Trail. The trails along shoreline of Belmont Bay have steps and boardwalks here and there. Overall, this is a pretty easy hike, with a bailout point along the way.
• Google map: http://tinyurl.com/nbplnjb

❷ How to get there:

• The park is about 20 miles south of Washington DC, and just east of US-1/Richmond Hwy. From US-1/Richmond Hwy (either direction), take VA-242 E/VA-600 E/Gunston Rd and drive east for 4.4 miles. Make a slight right onto High Point Rd and drive another 2.4 miles. Take another slight right and drive 0.4 miles to the parking lots in front of the Visitor Center. See https://goo.gl/maps/8DjjosdiL8A2
• This is not a Metro-accessible hike.

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

❹ Cost: $10 per vehicle, payable to the park rangers. See https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parking-fees

❺ Weather: The forecast is mostly sunny and a high of 83F. A slight chance of showers and very light winds from the WNW. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/uc4wampa

❻ 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.

❼ Administrative stuff: There are restrooms at the Visitor Center and near the south parking lot and picnic area.

❽ Notes:

• Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd, (703)[masked]. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck
• Park trail guide (pdf): https://tinyurl.com/yb6eje5s

 
 
 

Let's take a walk Saturday around Adams Morgan neighborhood and visit Meridian Hill Park! John originally led this hike and his map includes a motherlode of historical highlights and other details on our route (which will include the "Hinckley Hilton"). This is a good jaunt to explore a swath of D.C. that many folks may not know. I led this hike a couple months ago; I will tweak the route this time around.

Woodley Park is suffering mightily since both the Dunkin Donuts & McDonald's closed down. But there are other restaurants & venues there.

❶ What we'll do:

• Starting from the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station on Connecticut Ave., we'll follow a big counter-clockwise route around the Adams Morgan neighborhood in Washington DC, with a visit to Meridian Hill Park.
• Total distance is a little over 4.5 miles and should take about 2 hours, depending on breaks. The surface is paved throughout, with steps here and there. There are some hills, but overall this is a moderately easy walk.
• Google map: http://tinyurl.com/ycu74jg7

❷ How to get there:

• Metro (recommended): The Woodley Park Zoo Metro Station is on the Red Line. For planning and alerts, see the WMATA Trip Planner at https://www.wmata.com/
• Driving: If you drive, the Woodley Park Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station street address is 2700 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008. There is limited parallel parking in the area, but mind the street signs and leave plenty of time to find a spot!

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunglasses are a good idea.

❹ Weather: The forecast is mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/ycxedy5v

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.

❻Administrative stuff: There are restrooms near the meetup point at the Shoreham Hotel, and in Meridian Hill Park about halfway through the walk.

❼ Notes:

• Meridian Hill Park, 16th St NW &, W St NW, Washington, DC 20009, https://www.nps.gov/places/meridian-hill-park.htm
• McDonald's, 2616 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008