Rock Creek Park - Western Ridge Trail, Northwest DC

Hey Super Troopers!!!

Our walk will take place shortly after St. Patrick’s Day. So to all our Irish friends…Happy St. Patrick’s Day! –and ladies, don’t forget to kiss me, I’m Irish!

We’ll be going back to beautiful and lovely Rock Creek Park! This time we’ll be happily hiking, dancing, and flirting our way through the woods along the Western Ridge Trail. Here, we’ll experience spring returning to the forest; listen to happy birds singing, hear the gentle, warm winds whispering, and soak in the sweet sounds of water flowing over rocks. It’ll be absolutely intoxicating! ...and maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to see Bambi, Thumper, and Flower!!!

From our start point, we’ll descend into the valley and head north along Beach Drive for about a mile or so until we reach the Pinehurst Branch Tributary, here we’ll venture onto the Western Ridge Trail. We’ll then make our way south and pit stop at the Nature Center and Planetarium (https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/naturecenter.htm)--which is meant primarily for youngsters, but we’re all young at heart (so let’s be 6 again!). We’ll continue on to the southerly section of the park until we stumble upon and traverse Boulder Bridge, which will mark the start of our return route along Beach Drive. (You can find a map on the Rock Creek Park (https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm) home page)

As usual, the walk/hike will be two hours (5 miles) on both paved and unpaved trails. The Western Ridge Trail is rated moderate, but I think it’s more on the easy side; in addition, our route will be mostly downhill, so it’ll be literally a walk in the park--even for you John M!

Where to meet: In the parking lot on the far side of the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center (by the Serve Monument) near the cross-streets 16th and Kennedy Streets in Northwest DC. Don't Get Lost! (https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=38.95614,-77.03778&geocode=FWxsUgIdLH9o-w&hl=en&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=15&sll=38.956572,-77.033987&sspn=0.01762,0.038495&ie=UTF8&z=15) You’ll see me in the meadow chasing butterflies. (Oh to be 6 again!)

And ladies…all kidding aside, I know there’s been troubles in Rock Creek in the past, but don’t worry, you’re with me…you’ll be fine. The park is relatively safe and as always, my chivalrous nature and big muscles are here for you should the need ever arises.

What to bring: yourself, water, comfy hiking shoes, and cool sunglasses. If you're taking Metro, the easiest way there is to take the Yellow or Green Line, get off at the Columbia Heights station, head towards the bus stop at the corner of 16th & Irving Streets and hop on the S2 or S4 northbound metro bus and get off at the 16th & Buchanan Streets, then walk 10 minutes up to the stadium. As always, if you have questions, going to be late, would like a ride, or just want to say hello, my number is (301) 712-5880.

Hope you’ll come to the dance!

-albert