Belle Haven Park to River Farm

Let's meet at Belle Haven Park and go for a hike to George Washington's River Farm!

River Farm is the northernmost part of George Washington's extensive property in Virginia. Today it is home to the American Horticultural Society. The estate house has been restored and expanded, and it is surrounded by natural and formal garden areas. The estate's Kentucky coffee trees are descendants of those Washington introduced to Virginia when he returned from surveying the Ohio River Valley. The estate's oldest tree is a large Osage Orange, believed to be the largest in the United States.

❶ What we'll do:

• From in front of the drinking fountain in Belle Haven Park, we'll walk south 3 miles to River Farm along Mount Vernon Trail, Southdown Rd, and Kent Rd. After a half-hour break to enjoy the gardens and the view of the Potomac River, we'll retrace our steps to Belle Haven Park.
• The total hike is 6 to 7 miles and should take at least 2.5 hours. The surface is paved and relatively flat throughout, with a couple of stretches of boardwalk.
• Google map: http://tinyurl.com/ybd7whwv

❷ How to get there: The entrance to Belle Haven Park is located along the George Washington Pkwy, just south of the Belle Haven Country Club golf course. There isn't an exact street address, so have a good look at the directions.

• Coming from Old Town Alexandria along George Washington Pkwy, it is the first exit on the left after passing a Shell station south of the golf course. See https://goo.gl/maps/ThvZDmcR2Wq
• Coming from the south along George Washington Pkwy, it is the first exit north of the intersection with Belle View Blvd. See https://goo.gl/maps/az1cuCbN5BA2
• After exiting George Washington Pkwy, make an immediate left and park in one of the two parking lots. Please do not park in the marina.

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). The layered look is recommended.

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 73F, with 6-8 mph NNW winds and a 6-7% chance of showers. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/y6dglh7w

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 Belle Haven Park and at River Farm.

❼ Notes:

• Belle Haven Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Alexandria, VA 22307
• River Farm, 7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria, VA 22308, (703) 768-5700: http://tinyurl.com/yaewbc7p