Discover the DC Boundary Stones in Virginia – Next 7 Stones

Did you know Alexandria and Arlington were once part of the District of Columbia? Join us for the second hike along a portion of the former boundary line between the nation’s capital and Virginia. Discover why this area was included in the Federal City and why it was retroceded to Virginia in 1846. See stones placed every mile along the boundary survey line in 1791; all on this hike are original stones, though 2 are only visible from a distance as they are in private backyards and a third one cannot be seen from the street (but we will show you the location). These stones are the first federal monuments in the nation’s capital. This urban hike will be mostly along sidewalks; total distance is approx. 9.5 miles with about 670 feet of total elevation gain.
We’ll meet at Southwest #7 Boundary Stone in the parking lot of Carlin Springs Elementary School, 5995 5th Road S, Arlington, VA 22204 by 9:30 AM. We’ll do a car shuttle to place most vehicles at the end point of the hike. Then we’ll hike to the Bluemont Park public restrooms and continue along the southwest line to the West cornerstone. From there, we’ll hike along the northwest line to the Northwest #3 Boundary Stone. At the end of the hike, we’ll consume our bag lunches in a park with a porta-john. Bring water, lunch or snacks, and dress for the weather. Sun protection (such as hat & sunglasses) is recommended if the weather is sunny or partly sunny. Restroom opportunities along the route are limited. All participants must sign a liability waiver at the start. SCPRO requests a voluntary donation of $2 per person to help support our all-volunteer program. Leaders are Russ Norfleet & Gary Kosciusko.