Hains Point-Tidal Basin: Cherry Blossoms Galore! (Rate: C)

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.

Join us for an approximately 7 mile hike around Hains Point along the Tidal Basin and over the Memorial Bridge. There is no elevation to speak of. Most of the hike is on pavement.

Description
The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. runs from March 20 to April 12 with peak bloom predicted between March 29 and April 5, 2026.

Hains Point, located at the southern tip of East Potomac Park, is a popular spot to see Cherry Blossoms, offering a less crowded alternative to the Tidal Basin.

It offers a 4-mile loop trail ideal for walking (and biking), is lined with cherry trees and as the point of convergence of the Potomac River, Washington Channel and Anacostia River, it provides a panoramic view of the area.

Emerging from the Haines point, we will head along the Tidal Basin towards Memorial Bridge and then back to the Marina.

Facilities: Columbia Island Marina and at Hains Point.

Where to meet?
We will begin at Columbia Island Marina (Lady Byrd Johnson Park, GW Parkway, Arlington, VA; Note that the only entrance to the Marina is from the GW Parkway Southbound. GPS Coordinates: 38.876366, -77.049883

Arrival Time: Please arrive by 9 am so that we can get all checked in and leave on time at 9:30 am.
What to bring?

Bring: Be sure and wear sturdy walking shoes; dress in layers; and have adequate hydration. We will stop for lunch/snack along the way.

Hiking Pace: We will hike at a pace of 2.5-2.7 mph while moving.
You must have experience with hikes of this distance and pace.
Elevation Gain: N/A

Dogs are not permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy

Weather: the weather for this location can be found HERE.

Rehydration: It might be fun to have a snack at Island Time Bar/Grill on the water at Columbia Island Marina upon completion of our hike

Leader: Dawn Keeler 703 533 9231. I will be in a Honda Hatchback, with the hatchback open.