May 21, 10 AM ~ Jefferson Park to City Hall Observation Deck
Details
This 3.0 mile hike begins at Jefferson Park on Union Hill. It's an urban hike so there'll be no stream crossings, no gullies, no billy goat trails, no poison ivy, no spiders n snakes, no out of control bicyclers! It's a hike over developed urban pavement and sidewalks where the only hazards are automobile traffic, panhandlers, loose bricks and the occasional uneven crack in the sidewalk!
After we leave Jefferson Park we'll pass the C & O Railroad Tunnel, visit the African Burial Ground and stop by Main Street Station. Then we'll take a turn around the State Capitol of Virginia grounds where we'll see the Zero Milestone, The Virginia Women's Monument, the Virginia Civil Rights Monument and the Virginia Washington Monument. Then we'll continue on to City Hall where we'll take the elevator to the Observation Deck (be sure to pack your ID) on the 18th Floor and take in the 360° views of the city below. We'll pass by the Valentine Museum, take the Leigh Street Viaduct back to Union Hill and still have time to visit Fat Rabbit Bakery on Venable Street!
This hike will begin at the posted time, not five or ten minutes later. If you need help on directions, click on the inset map at "How to Find Us" to display a larger interactive map. When you select "Directions" (left) the best route from your location to the Meet Up rendezvous spot will be calculated for you.
Participants should be able to maintain a pace of 2.5 miles per hour but the ability to negotiate rocks, roots, low hanging branches, uncertain footing on hills, bridges and toxic plants in season will be waived for this downtown excursion. Just be careful with the uneven sidewalks and cobble stone streets!
There is ample parking available curbside on the streets around Jefferson Park. Give yourself sufficient time to locate a spot.
• What to bring
Water bottle, clothing appropriate for the season, aspirin, practical footwear, band aids, a cap, visor or bonnet, a valid ID, sunblock and dry clothes for after hike activities.
• Important to know
There are restroom facilities at Main Street Station & City Hall . Manage your coffee consumption wisely.