Boulder Bridge Foliage (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.
(6-ish mile fitness (and some nature) loop hike on potentially slippery, rocky, and narrow trails with up to 700 elevation gain.)
It's not New England -- but a trek through Rock Creek Park in late October is one of the most enjoyable local hikes to immerse yourself in fall's fabulous colors. We'll start at the nature center and head south, turning around at Peirce Mill by the spy-storied Art Barn. If we time it right, we hope to take a lunch break at the bee-you-tee-ful Boulder Bridge! En route, be on the lookout for mushrooms, wandering warblers (migrating south), remnants of the remnants of the Capitol building stones, salamanders, and more. Our hike speed will average about 2.5 to 3 mph excluding multiple nature stops.
MEET: 9 A.M., Rock Creek Park Nature Center (temporarily closed), 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC (Just off Military Road east of Connecticut Avenue, NW) GPS: 38.959634, -77.051865
IMPORTANT NOTES: Adults only and no pets, not even pet rocks. End time will vary depending on what we see and how long we care to linger.
WEATHER: Rain cancels or postpones. Weather update will be posted here by 5 pm on 10/24.
RESTROOMS/PORTAPOTTIES: At start, turnaround point, and at least one along the hike, depending on our exact route -- which depends on trail conditions.
BRING/WEAR: Sense of humor, sense of awe, water, snack/lunch, and fully charged cell phone. Please dress for variable fall weather and potentially *MUDDY AND SLIPPERY* trails. Optional: Binoculars and iNaturalist app on cell phone.
(Free) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE APP:
https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/get-the-app.htm
(Free) INATURALIST APP & WEBSITE:
https://www.inaturalist.org
ROCK CREEK PARK TRAIL MAP:
https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm
NATURE CENTER:
https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm
PEIRCE MILL & ART BARN / other historic:
https://www.nps.gov/places/peirce-mill.htm
https://www.nps.gov/places/000/peirce-barn.htm
BOULDER BRIDGE:
https://www.nps.gov/places/000/boulder-bridge.htm
BIRDING IN ROCK CREEK PARK:
https://birdersguidemddc.org/site/rock-creek-park/
(Free) GAIA MAP APP:
https://www.gaiagps.com