Pimmit Run, Potomac Heritage, & Gulf Branch Trails (Rating: C)
Details
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.
Tip o' the fedora to Willem Jansen for pioneering this route. This is a 7 mile lollipop hike with about 650' of elevation gain. Our route will take us through McLean and Arlington as we explore two tributary streams of the Potomac, and the remains of two Civil War era fortifications defending the Chain Bridge approach to Washington.
From the Marie Butler Leven Preserve parking, we'll descend to Little Pimmit Run, merging into Pimmit Run. We'll take a short out-and-back side trail up to Fort Marcy before continuing on the Potomac Heritage trail to Chain Bridge. Upon reaching Gulf Branch, we'll follow that trail to the Gulf Branch Nature Center where we'll pause for a short snack break. We'll ascend to Glebe Road where we'll pass through the second Civil War fortification, Fort Ethan Allen, before returning to the Pimmit Run trail and back to the trailhead parking.
Most of the hike is relatively flat, but includes a couple of short, steep, uphill sections. The natural surface portions of the route are narrow in spots and have many roots, and a few stream crossings. Poles may be useful.
The parking lot at the starting point accommodates 12 cars. If it is full when you arrive, don’t park on Kirby Road, but in the Potomac Hills neighborhood, along Loch Raven Drive or Colleen Drive. No restrooms at the starting point; there is a porta potty at the rest stop.
Pace: 2½ mph when moving.
Leader: Steve Wiley, 571-345-6441
Rating: C
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy Please contact me if you plan to bring your dog.
Trailhead: See at the Marie Butler Leven Preserve, GPS coordinates 38.929789, -77.146651. Meet at 9:15. We hike at 9:30. You may also find it in your navigator by inputting 1501 Kirby Road, McLean.
Map for hike: downloadable AllTrails route Leven Preserve - Fort Marcy - Gulf Branch
and a Printable pdf of route