State of Virginia Arboretum/Blandy Experimental Farm (Rating: D)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

5.5 miles with approximately 200 feet elevation gain.

I know it will be up to Mother Nature on this but:
Experience a 300 hundred tree Gingko grove which should be approaching peak foliage soon.

Description:
The State Arboretum of Virginia stands in the central 172 acres of Blandy Experimental Farm, and surrounds the historic Quarters building. Come explore the labelled tree and shrub collections that date back the early 1930’s from all over the world. Wandering through these remarkable plantings makes you feel as if you’re travelling through a foreign forest. Walk through the largest Conifer collection in the Southeast. Stand under our many towering Virginia State Champion trees. Browse America’s largest boxwood library and stroll down a Cedar of Lebanon Allee.
There will be plenty of opportunities for photos!

Hiking Pace:
About 2.0 mph, to take in the sights.

There are restrooms near the parking area.

Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Bring:
Water/hydration, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes.

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 8am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am.
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532

Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $3.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to State Arboretum of Virginia is about 40 minutes.

If you are driving directly to the Arboretum, please be there a few minutes before 9am so we can get everyone signed in.

Please note: The hike starts at the parking lot at the Arboretum at 9am. If you plan on carpooling from Gainesville Park & Ride, plan to leave there at 8:00am.

Parking:
If entering Blandy from Route 50, simply follow the paved road to the information kiosk and main parking area on the right. If that area is full, extra parking is available in the grassy field marked 'visitor and bus parking'. NOTE: We will not be parking near the Gingko Grove, we will walk to the Gingko Grove from the main parking area. GPS 39.06441, -78.06426
Blandy address is 400 Blandy Farm Way, Boyd, VA

Fee: No fee

Click here to get driving directions from your address to Blandy Experimental Farm.

Optional rehydration TBD.

Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.