Arboretum Azaleas Ramble

(This sturdy perennial on the Adventuring calendar is one major part of the legacy left us by Damon Miller, who passed away in 2018 after decades of active participation and leadership. Accordingly, this trip is officially known as the Damon Miller Memorial Hike. Here is the trip description, based on Damon's own words.)

Cherry blossoms? Schmerry blossoms! The cherry trees get all the hype (and the crowds), but the azaleas at the National Arboretum provide the best underrated springtime display in D.C. as they blanket the hillside of Mount Hamilton at the National Arboretum. Threatened with destruction a few years ago by alleged budget constraints, public outrage and private philanthropy saved the azaleas, and they continue their springtime display.

We will take an easy hike around the hilly terrain of the Arboretum, a 446-acre hidden gem in the middle of Northeast D.C. We will visit not only the azaleas but also other seasonal displays (including dogwood, daffodils, magnolias, forsythias, Japanese quince and andromeda, early crabapples, flowering cherries, camellias, redbuds, and arisaemas). For good measure we'll also take in the Asian Gardens, meadows, forested areas, and the famous original National Capitol Columns. We'll lunch on the banks of the Anacostia River. After we officially wind up in the early afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to visit the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum near the Visitor Center.

Total length of this easy stroll is about 5 miles, most of it on paved roads and pathways. Bring beverages, lunch, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and the $5 Adventuring trip fee (cash or Venmo). Restrooms are available along the way.

Since the Arboretum is not Metro-accessible, we'll carpool at 9 a.m. next Saturday morning from the Rhode Island Avenue/Brentwood Metro Station. Unlike earlier years, both the R Street Gate and the New York Avenue Gate are open this spring. If you come in by the NY Avenue entrance, follow signs to the R Street parking lot.

We will all rendezvous at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Visitor Center near the R Street gate. PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTIONS MEETUP WILL ASK YOU WHEN YOU SIGN UP SO WE CAN ORGANIZE CARPOOLS FROM THE RHODE ISLAND METRO.

NEW! Please click here to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Everyone must RSVP on their own behalf.