Glover-Archbold loop hike (9.1 miles, 750 ft elevation) - metro accessible
Details
Let’s enjoy another public-transportation-friendly hike in DC!
This is a 9.1-mile loop traversing the Glover-Archbold Trail, the Palisades Trail, and Battery Kemble Park. We’ll hike through shaded woodlands, a stretch of grassy clearing that was once the path of a DC streetcar line, and a quiet Civil War-era park with hills and some majestic trees. We’ll break for lunch at shaded picnic tables a little more than halfway through the hike.
This is a moderately challenging hike due to its length, though there is not much elevation gain. We’ll move at a steady 2–3 mph pace, with additional breaks as needed. Water and bathrooms are available at the start. Please bring at least 2 liters of water, as there are no easy refill points along the hike route.
Start location and time:
We’ll meet at 9:30 am outside the Panera Bread next to the Tenleytown–AU metro station:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TAUt5kfpfeEmcG2w7
I'll have a large blue hiking backpack.
Note: We plan to start hiking promptly after our meeting time, but I'll allow a grace period of up to 10 minutes for late arrivals.
Route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-72af7f4
(except we'll be doing the loop portion of the hike clockwise, rather than counterclockwise)
Transportation Options:
The hike starts near the Tenleytown–AU Metro Station, which is on the Red Line. You can reach the station by Metrorail, Metrobus, bike, or rideshare. Please check WMATA’s Trip Planner for the best route from your location and for any weekend service changes.
In addition, we encourage those with cars driving in from outside DC to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great!
If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time
As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.
We look forward to hiking with you!
Background Info About LMH:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.
Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0)