Monthly Martin Luther King, MLKJ-Walk: Choose your distance via Metro Stations

After nine years of staging an annual January MLKJ-Walk we now, once monthly, offer one of our three DC MLK-J route options. With divergent detours to locales of special note: Like this month’s visit to the “social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman,” Frederic Douglass’ home and crossing his namesake bridge.

Please, always, update any RSVP status changes in a timely manner. Manageable sized/leashed dogs are permitted. As this is a largely flat trail, we’ll strive for a minimum 2.50 mph pace, depending on the current weather conditions. Faster/ longer distance walkers, will determine there own pace, of course. Especially if our very own Quicksilver is guiding them. We’ll stop for a snack-lunch midway on the west side of the loop around the Navy Yard area. There are at least three toilet opportunities. Please do inform your guide if need arises for more such stops. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Our route has several easy access points to the DC Metro system, feel free to end your walk wherever you like, ensuring that you inform your leader first, please.

Some will walk as many as 13 miles, others will walk about 8.5 miles if they choose to complete only the basic loop. The Anacostia Metro Station provides a walk distance option of no more than 6.5 miles. Your guide will not divert to any offered option and stay with those on the basic 8.5 mile loop trail.

The Smithsonian is the closest Metro stop to our start, a 10-15 minute walk to the MLKJ Monument book store where we will meet. The bookstore has a restroom and is located just across the street from the MLKJ monument. Arrive early enough to sign in and indicate where you intend to sign out. You can park free at either of two Ohio Drive/Buckeye Street lots. In the past, late arrivees have linked up with us at en route locations. Your guide can phone or message you. If requested, he will also share his Google Maps location with you.

We’ll traverse Eastward, past the Jefferson Monument and along the Wharf waterfront. Then pause at the Titanic monument for our obligatory photo op before continuing on to Nationals Park (2 miles), then along the River boardwalk where we’ll stop to eat lunch

Afterward, we’ll pass the Navy Yard and take the River Walk Trail on Northward to RFK stadium where an optional, 2 mile loop of Heritage/Kingman Islands is available. All walkers will cross the Anacostia River, going Eastward on the Ethel Kennedy Bridge, stopping at its very aesthetic viewing area. Then turn Southward to walk along Anacostia River Park and visit the Frederick Douglass home, where our esteemed Martin will provide his interpretation of this iconic gentleman. There are two approaches to Anacostia’s DC Metro station nearby en route if you decide to shorten your walk distance.

We’ll complete the main 8.5 mile loop at Nationals’ Stadium after crossing the Frederick Douglass Bridge. Then retrace our original route back to the MLK Monument. Though some may choose to end at the Smithsonian Metro Station.

There is also an MLKJ monument return afterward loop option available to visit both Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Kennedy Center Rooftop and Cafeteria with great views of the sunset over the Potomac River. This loop will also be led by your guide in addition to the basic nine-mile loop.
In keeping with the Dr. MLKJ dedicated “day of service” theme consider extending it by bringing a container for litter gathering/plogging? There will be a minimum of three restroom opportunities. Dress accordingly in “breathable layers/cotton is never recommended” and please remember that sufficiently hydrating is important in any weather.
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail on AllTrails

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/anacostia-riverwalk-trail?p=54581259

Kingman and Heritage Islands on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/kingman-and-heritage-islands?p=55182902

NPS site and start directions:
http://www.nps.gov/mlkm/planyourvisit/directions.htm

This walk trail is one of three, largely distinct, basic MLKJ-Walk routes for an, at least once monthly, event that will include detours to other locales that reflect the inspiringly progressive life led by Dr. King.
You can contribute route diversion suggestions of interest thereby deciding the route by clicking "discussions" and commenting on your preferences.

We also organize a more traditional 50-Mile Kennedy March in Indianapolis, annually each May, to recognize MLK's death and RFK's tribute speech to King, there, that same night. There may be a DC 50-Mile March this early April.

This event is free. Yet your “paying it forward,” is our fervent wish.
"Walk on," Ray