Search

The Potomac Conservancy's favorite C&O spot, the River Center at Lockhouse 8, plays host to a National Trails Day event. Register here with REI Bailey's Crossroads.Towpath treasures await...

Forget triathlons, how about an adventure quintathlon on the C&O Canal? It's not a stretch - we count no less than five outdoor activities favored by park users: jogging/running, biking, kayaking/canoeing, rock climbing, and fishing (yes, we're counting fishing as a sport). The Georgetown to Anglers Inn Canal corridor is a multi-sport athlete's paradise.

And to think, fifty years ago, our favorite 19th century waterway almost got paved over.

View C&O Canal Towpath - Georgetown to Angler's Inn Images on Flickr

Trail Profile

The C&O Canal Towpath runs 184.5 miles, but for brevity, we'll focus on the Georgetown (mile 0) to Angler's Inn (12.6) section. Continuing west from Anglers Inn, you enter the Great Falls Park area, which features additional natural surface hiking trails (like Billy Goat Section A), and of course, the Falls itself.

This map highlights the Palisades District of the C&O Canal which includes the Georgetown to Angler's Inn section.

Georgetown

If you've set foot in Georgetown within the last 180 years or so you're probably familiar with its unique setting on the Canal. Running parallel to M Street, the Georgetown section of the Canal starts (or ends) at Rock Creek.

Note: Don't plan on racing against the clock through Georgetown. The trail is narrow, heavily used, and crosses several roads.

Highlights: The Georgetown canal boat; Georgetown Visitor Center; views of Key Bridge and Rosslyn 

Fletcher's Boathouse

The crowds can be thick between Georgetown and Fletcher's Boathouse (mile 3.1), a DC landmark and a bustling hub of activity. Many visitors use Fletcher's as the launching point for their hike/bike/paddle/fishing adventure. The Capital Crescent Trail more or less converges with the Towpath near the Boathouse.

Highlights: Kayak/canoe rentals at Fletcher's Boathouse; access to the Capital Crescent Trail

Chain Bridge / Little Falls

Beyond the Capital Crescent Trail trestle (mile 3.6), trail activity quiets down. Wildlife activity, meanwhile, perks up. The Great Blue Heron is a mainstay, but also keep an eye out for box turtles and toads.

Lockhouse 6 (mile 5.4), near the Little Falls Dam, isn't just your everyday run-of-the-mill historic structure. This lockhouse is open for overnight guests thanks to the hard work of the C&O Canal Trust.

Highlights: Chain Bridge bike/ped access; Lockhouse 6 (parking and lodging); Little Falls Dam; Lock 7 (parking); Sycamore Island 

Seven Locks

The Seven Locks section references Locks 8-14, all of which are located within a mile-long stretch of the Canal (mile 8.5-9.5). Engineer-types can spend a day here marveling at the feats of their early 19th century colleagues.

Highlights: Potomac Conservancy River Center at Lock 8; Lock 10 (parking); Lockhouse 11

Carderock

For rock climbers, Carderock (mile 10.4) is your final destination. Some of the best top roping in the DC area is just steps away from the parking lot. Carderock also features large picnic areas and the Billy Goat Trail Section C (not quite as spectacular as Section A but still a hoot).

Highlights: Access to Carderock (parking, restrooms, and water)

Angler's Inn

The Angler's Inn area (mile 12.6) is named for the local cantina / pricey restaurant located directly across MacArthur Boulevard from the main parking lot. This lot is favored by many park users - notably, whitewater kayakers. Our friends at Potomac Paddlesports meet there for lessons 3-4 times a week. Angler's is also a prime base for tackling the Billy Goat Trail Section A. Access to the eastern end of the trail is less than half a mile from the lot.

Highlights: River access / kayak launch; Billy Goat Trail Section A; Old Angler's Inn (restaurant)

Trail Stewardship

The National Park Service provides numerous opportunities to give back to the park that is loved by millions year after year. The stewardship team at C&O Canal National Historical Park even have their own dedicated website: http://www.chohvip.org/

Two programs, in particular, may catch your eye:

Canal Stewards: This relatively new program offers organizations, businesses, or individuals a chance to "adopt" a section of the park. Your job is then to maintain and enhance that particular area - taking your cue from the Park Service. The North Face, the Potomac Conservancy, and several Brookmont neighbors are already signed up - if you'd like to get involved, contact Rebecca Jameson (Rebecca_Jameson[at]nps.gov).

Bike Patrol: The Bike Patrol is just as it sounds - you cycle along the Towpath providing information for users and first aid when necessary. The Bike Patrol is always looking for new volunteers - Norman Liebow (liebow[at]comcast.net) coordinates the team in the Palisades District of the Canal.

Another good resource for volunteer opportunities is our friends at the C&O Canal Trust. Canal Pride Days (May-June) attracts hundreds of dedicated volunteers each and every year.

Whether you hike, bike, run, climb, kayak, or fish, the C&O Canal Towpath serves as your human-powered highway to local outdoor adventure.

Location / Directions: Georgetown (mile 0)Trail Distance: 12.6 miles, Georgetown to Angler's InnSurface / Difficulty: Hard-packed dirt/gravel; EasyTrail Map: C&O Canal National Historical Park - Palisades District MapAdministration: National Park ServiceSocial Media: Facebook, Twitter

There's someone I'd like you to meet...join Rails-to-Trails, WABA, Phoenix Bikes, and more for National Trail Day on the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The Little Trail That Could

Over 20 years removed from its original conception, the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) and its ardent supporters have finally cut the ribbon. Since much ink has been spilled over this Washington DC trail (see WashCycle) - let us be brief with this introduction: the Met Branch Trail is a game-changing accomplishment.

View the Metropolitan Branch Trail Slideshow on Flickr

Trail Profile

The trail extends from Union Station (south) to Silver Spring (north) passing through some of Northeast DC's most vibrant and diverse communities. Not familiar with NoMa, Eckington, Brookland, and the like? The MBT is your chance to change that.

Open this map and browse through the trail images on the MBT home page as you follow along with our trail profile.

Union Station to L St.

Trail Description: Wide sidewalk; steps leading up to trail from L StreetMetro Access: Union StationNeighborhood(s): Capitol HillAttractions/Food: Bikestation Washington DC (video); Ebeneezer Coffee House

L St. NE to Franklin St. NE

Trail Description: Continuous off-road trail (no at-grade road crossings) adjacent to Metro/CSX tracks; solar-powered LED lightingMetro Access: New York Ave-Florida Ave-Galludet University; Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood (future bicycle/pedestrian bridge from trail)Neighborhood(s): NoMa > Eckington > EdgewoodAttractions/Food: View of the Capitol Building (Image); Pound Coffee; Pocket park at 4th St. NE / S St. NE; "From Edgewood to the End of the World" mural (Image); DC Prep Academy urban garden (future)

Franklin St. NE to Fort Totten Dr.

Trail Description: On-road (8th St. NE) with busy crossing at Monroe St.; at Brookland-CUA metro station, wide sidewalk trail adjacent to John McCormack Dr.; hill climb to Fort Totten Dr.Metro Access: Brookland-CUANeighborhood(s): BrooklandAttractions/Food: Dance Place and future ArtSpace complex; Colonel Brooks' Tavern; Catholic University Basilica (Image)

Fort Totten Dr. to Takoma Metro Station

Trail Description: On-road - busy city streets lacking bike lanes (Fort Totten Dr., Gallatin St. NW); dedicated bike lane on 3rd St. NWMetro Access: Fort Totten (via path connecting to 1st Pl. NE); TakomaNeighborhood(s): Fort Totten > TakomaAttractions/Food: Fort Totten Park (part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington); Andrene's Caribbean & Soul Food; Takoma Recreation Center

Takoma Metro Station to Silver Spring

Trail Description: Off-road trail along Takoma Ave.; current trail ends at Fenton St. / Route 410 intersectionMetro Access: Takoma Park; Silver Spring (future trail extension)Neighborhoods: Takoma Park > Silver SpringAttractions/Food: Takoma Park Historic District; The Organic Falafel Stand; Jesup Blair Park (pedestrian bridge links to trail) 

Trail Future

While much has been accomplished, significant work lies ahead. Until several key components can fall into place, the "bicycle beltway" remains a vision rather than a reality.

Here's what lies ahead for the Metropolitan Branch Trail:

Montgomery County extension of the trail to Silver Spring Transit CenterConnection with future Capital Crescent Trail - best chronicled by Silver Spring TrailsPrince George's County Connector Trail to the Northwest Branch Trail (part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System)Fort Totten metro station access

As Rails-to-Trails notes, trail construction is just one part of the equation: "Although construction on this section of trail is nearing completion, the work is just beginning for many who live in the surrounding neighborhoods..."

Trail Stewardship

The brand new MBT resembles a blank slate - the surrounding communities and Washington DC trail users at large have the opportunity to nurture and mold this one-time neglected graffiti corridor into something trans-formative. That process is happening now.

6/5/10 - Meet the Met: While many bike commuters may already be familiar with the trail, this National Trails Day event is designed to give the local community a chance to learn about the trail and celebrate it. Subscribe to the Met Branch email list for updates.Adopt-the-Trail: While not a formal program, Rails-to-Trails is in the process of forging stewardship partnerships with local organizations. Contact Kelly Pack (kellyp[at]railstotrails.org) for more information.Tree Plantings and Urban Gardening: To make the trail corridor more inviting, Casey Trees and the DC Prep Edgewood campus are moving forward with plans to plant trail-side trees and create an urban garden. Both initiatives will need volunteers - again, the RTC Blog is your best source for volunteer announcements.

Allow us now to return to our original thesis - how exactly is the Met Branch Trail a game-changer? In several key aspects, the MBT changes our ingrained concept of a trail:

It's a trail with rail. Convenient metro access was (and still is) a driving principle.It serves a neglected urban community. Well-maintained trails should no longer be for wealthy neighborhoods only.It provides a transportation option. Yes, we realize that this fact is not unique to the MBT. However, in our opinion, this trail makes the region's strongest case yet for Active Community Transportation Act proponents.

Whether you agree or disagree with our conclusions, the MBT is certainly worth a ride.

Location / Directions: Union Station, Washington DCTrail Distance: 8.25 miles, Union Station to Silver SpringSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyTrail Map: Metropolitan Branch Trail MapAdministration: District Department of TransportationSocial Media: Facebook, Twitter

Image Credit: Met Branch Trail Cyclist image courtesy East Coast Greenway

Not familiar with the trail? No problem. Contact Dan Fitzgerald, MORE Trail Liaison, to join one of his weekly Wednesday rides. The Nature of Forts

During a recent ride on the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail, Dan Fitzgerald, a Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) trail liaison, was approached by a group of neighborhood youngsters excited and awed by his fancy mountain bike.

Kids: "Hey man, where are you going?"Dan: "On the trail in the woods."Kids: "You go in there?"

While the value of natural forest settings may be a no-brainer to most of us, the kids' reaction outlines a fundamentally different perspective. Many organizations are working to change that perspective and at the center of the renaissance is the Fort Circle Hiker-Biker Trail, a 7-8 mile linear trail extending through several of Washington DC's "east of the river" communities. Fort Circle offers pleasant natural surprises and depressing urban-neglect reminders wrapped up into one unique trail experience.

View the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail Slideshow on Flickr      

Trail & Terrain

For the purposes of this article, the Fort Circle Trail is divided into north and south sections starting from the Ridge Road / Fort Davis Drive intersection in the northern portion of Fort Dupont Park. To reach the intersection from the Fort Dupont Activity Center, take Fort Dupont Drive or the partially paved trail adjacent to the stage. If you only have time for one direction, we recommend the Southern Section.

Southern Section

Fort Davis Drive to Massachusetts Avenue: This is the longest, cleanest, flowy-est, and all-around finest cross-section of the entire trail. You'll pass a steep, rutted trail (stay right to avoid it) leading to ruins of the earthworks fort that gives the park its name.

Massachusetts Avenue to Branch Avenue: Deep stream valleys and ridge riding remind you that yeah, DC can be hilly. The best hill climbs are yet to come, though. his section is Fort Davis Park and features a wetland area near 28th Street.

Branch Avenue to Naylor Road: The trail entrance is on the right after a short stretch on Park Avenue. Enjoy the sketchy downhills! After crossing 28th Street, drop in and pedal hard to build up speed for "Gumball Alley." Good luck with the ascent (you'll need it).

Naylor Road to Anacostia Community Museum: Cruise downhill to Good Hope Road, cross it, and meander through the stream valley over some quaint wooden bridges. The meandering ends abruptly with a steep hill climb leading to the Anacostia Community Museum and Fort Stanton.

Northern Section

Ridge Road to East Capitol Street: The trail is fast and smooth but the roadside refuse erodes your enjoyment. The trash issue improves after crossing C Street into Fort Chaplin Park, where the fort's earthworks are in relatively good condition.

East Capitol Street to Fort Mahan: You'll need to cross busy Benning Road to get there, but the Fort Mahan trail section offers both a fun interpretative loop and a treasured trail connection to the 1.6 mile Marvin Gaye / Watts Branch Park trail.

Trail & Neighborhood Characteristics

By now, we've mentioned "road crossing," "trash," and "urban-neglect" enough times for you to probably realize that this isn't Schaeffer Farm. Mountain bike purists with easy access to the suburbs may want to look elsewhere for fresh singletrack. However, many others will enjoy Fort Circle for what it is. Here's a look at the pros and cons of the trail from a mountain biker's point of view:

Pros

This is the only legal mountain bike trail in the District. That fact alone makes this trail a worthy addition to the city slicker's repertoire. There are enough steep hills to keep your lungs interested.Generous tree shade makes this a decent choice for summer rides.

Cons

Your personal safety comfort level on this trail depends on your individual nature, but MORE recommends always riding it with a buddy.Road crossings are numerous and some crossings (Pennsylvania, Benning, Naylor, etc.) can be a major pain during rush hour.  The Park Service works hard to keep the trail in good shape but downed trees seem to be a constant issue.The Fort Circle Trail is to poison ivy as the Tidal Basin is to cherry blossoms. Get your Technu ready.    MORE Stewardship

Without MORE's steady support for this high-potential but often-neglected trail destination, the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail would suffer. The Fort Circle community of riders is led by Dan Fitzgerald (email: dbfitzgerald[at]yahoo.com). Dan schedules weekly Wednesday rides and occasional trail work days - stay tuned to the MORE website or contact Dan directly for updates.

Future of the Trail

Over the years, the Fort Circle corridor has been threatened by many ill-advised development plans. For the most part, the city now recognizes its value as a natural and recreational resource for a neglected, but vibrant, community clinging to few remaining green spaces.

The CapitalSpace Initiative planners and the National Park Service have expressed their shared intentions to connect the Fort Circle parks which, as the name indicates, form a partial circle of Civil War defenses around Washington DC. In the case of this article's featured trail, Union Army soldiers once walked the same sacred ground that mountain bikers and hikers now prowl.

Do you think they appreciated the lung-busting climbs?    

Location / Directions: SE Washington, DC; Metro - Benning Road (Blue)Trail Distance: 7-8 milesSurface / Difficulty: Mostly natural or crushed gravel; ModerateTrail Map: Fort Circle Hiker-Biker Trail MapAdministration: National Park Service - National Capital Parks-EastSocial Media: Twitter

No longer Awakening, but still very much Awake

In February 2008, a 27 year struggle came to an end. The struggling giant that is The Awakening emerged from his Hains Point perch only to be carted off and reburied in suburban Prince George's County. For many Washingtonians, it was the end of an era for East Potomac Park and Hains Point.

The Awakening will be missed, but East Potomac Park Park (EPP) should not be. With its riverside, tree-lined setting devoid of the bumper-to-bumper traffic mere meters away, EPP is exactly the kind of outdoors escape we all need.

View the East Potomac Park Slideshow on Flickr

Geography

While many people refer to East Potomac Park as a "peninsula," the park is actually an island (look closely at the Satellite map), which was man-made in the late 1800's from Potomac River dredging material. Other noteworthy geographic facts include:

The Jefferson Memorial anchors the northern tip of the island and Hains Point the southernThe island is bordered by the Tidal Basin (north), Washington Channel (east), and Potomac River (west)Hains Point is referenced as the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia RiverOutdoor Activities

By all accounts, the dominate feature of the 328 acre park is the golf course - or rather three golf courses (18-hole par 4, 9-hole Executive, and 9-hole short course). We can only imagine how valuable East Potomac Park is to downtown cubicle-dwellers who dream of donning a green jacket. Alas, this isn't a golf website so our Links analysis ends there.

For walkers, runners, and cyclists, EPP is an outdoor playground that can be as pleasant, or painful, as you make it. There are two main recreational components of the park:

Paved Walkway - The narrow, paved walkway, which is in varying degrees of disrepair, lines up against the seawall. On weekends, it's a fishermen hot spot, but does anything ever bite? Ohio Drive Loop - Without a doubt, the loop is a local favorite for cyclists and runners. It measures 3.2 miles - an almost perfect 5K distance - and cars are few and far between.

Visit East Potomac Park on any sun-drenched weekend and you're bound to see a whole host of characters - from the speed-racer cyclist riding time-trail laps (Mayor Fenty style) to the stroller-pushing mom out for a visit to the playground.

Cherry Blossoms

Fifty weeks a year, East Potomac Park enjoys a serenity not found in its monument-wielding neighbor, the National Mall. Cherry Blossom Festival time, however, is somewhat of an exception. The park features 1,681 cherry blossom trees, many of which are the Kanzan varietal. Kanzan trees bloom about two weeks later than the Yoshino trees that dominate the Tidal Basin. Assuming the Kanzan blossoms last beyond the two-week window of festival madness, visit EPP and perhaps your DC Blossom experience can be one of peace and quiet.

Although East Potomac Park lost its favorite (aluminum) son, the park has certainly not lost its allure to Washington DC locals, and the occasional Cherry Blossom tourist, alike. 

Location / Directions: Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DCPark Size / Trail Distance: 328 acres; 3.2 mile loopSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyAdministration: National Park Service

Tales from the Trail

Every trail has a story to tell. For some, it's a story of the past - from Native American settlements to Civil War garrisons. For other trails, the story begins and ends with the environment - the degradation caused by our damaging habits and what we can do to buck the trend. Last but not least, the drama queen trails tell the story of political and administrative struggles - different user groups with different priorities.

Only in DC can the story of a trail span history, environment, and politics. Such is the story of the Rock Creek Park Trail.

View the Rock Creek Park Trail Slideshow on Flickr

Paved Trail

The setting is Rock Creek Park, Washington DC's most popular green space not named the National Mall. The park hosts approximately 2 million visitors per year - many of whom tread on the paved Rock Creek Park Trail.

The 6.5 mile paved trail is is divided into sections detailed below (mileage markers in parentheses). The official southern terminus of the trail is just south of the Tidal Basin, parallel to Ohio Drive.

Tidal Basin to Georgetown/C&O Canal (2.1 miles): Part trail and part large sidewalk, this section is adjacent to the National Mall and the Kennedy Center. The C&O Canal intersection is your best Georgetown access point.  Georgetown/C&O Canal to P Street Bridge (0.5): The P Street bridge is your last chances to exit the trail (safely, at least) until Connecticut Avenue. The bridge is just four blocks west of Dupont Circle.P Street Bridge to Connecticut Avenue Bridge (1.3): The grandest of Rock Creek's bridges is Connecticut Avenue. This area features a very popular large grassy area at Shoreham Drive.National Zoological Park (1.0): This section includes a 0.5 mile detour that avoids the Parkway tunnel, but it's only open from dawn to dusk. Zoo access is available at National Zoo Drive.Zoo to Broad Branch Road (1.7): After winding 1.7 miles passed the Zoo, the paved trail ends at Broad Branch Drive.Beach Drive

Six and change miles of trail may be great for a jogger, but most cyclists will be itching for more. Riding on a weekend? You're in luck. Beach Drive, north of Broad Branch Road, is, in The WashCycle's words, DC's very own "ciclovia." On weekends, from 7 AM Saturday to 7 PM Sunday, this section of Beach Drive is closed to cars. For 36 straight hours every week, one of the region's most scenic roads is a two-wheeled and two-feet wonderland.

Beach Drive's car-free section lends itself to a two-part breakdown.

Broad Branch Road to Joyce Road/Military Road (1.6 miles): The crossing at Joyce Road provides trail access to the Nature Center. Military Road to Maryland/DC border (2.7): The most remote-feeling section, the DC/Maryland border is the northern terminus of Rock Creek Park.

To view the full 10.8 mile excursion (Rock Creek Park Trail plus Beach Drive), check out this map featuring Google's new Bicycling map layer.

Trail Highlights

Several features and characteristics of the route make it a classic Washington DC outdoor adventure.

Bridge Architecture: This is not an architecture website, but even a casual observer is awed by the massive concrete bridges crossing Rock Creek. The Connectict Avenue bridge is the largest, but Trail Voice's favorite is the tiny Boulder Bridge on Beach Drive.19th Century History: Pierce Mill is the featured attraction, but we also like Mt. Zion Cemetery, a reminder of the vibrant history of free blacks in the District. Trail Connections: Rock Creek Park, in and of itself, features a vast network of natural surface trails. Cyclists and joggers/hikers can also take advantage of the following trail connections: National Mall, C&O Canal, Melvin C. Haven/Glover-Archbold Park, and Montgomery County's extension of the Rock Creek Trail.Trail Future

No stranger to the DC political scene, Rock Creek Park was a favorite getaway for Teddy Roosevelt and his unsuspecting foreign guests. Lately, it's been the scene of a different kind of politics. Loved to death by walkers, joggers, and stroller-pushers, the narrow, winding paved trail has long been a point of contention with cyclists; but that may change. After several years of WABA advocacy efforts, DDOT and the National Park Service have decided to widen the trail and improve the surface.

Park & Trail Volunteering

For the stewards among us, Rock Creek Park provides a full slate of volunteer opportunities including Bike Patrol, Pierce Mill guiding, and Nature Center programs. The busiest day of the Rock Creek spring volunteering season is April 10th in conjunction with the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. Visit our dedicated event page to learn more about joining the Trail Voice/Friends of Rock Creek's Environment team and thousands of other volunteers.

No other DC trail offers urbanites an experience quite like the Rock Creek Park Trail. Whether you visit to stretch your legs or take in the history, we think you'll enjoy the story.

Location / Directions: NW Washington, DCTrail Distance: 10.8 miles total; Rock Creek Park Trail - 6.5 miles, Beach Drive - 4.3 milesSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyTrail Map: Map of Rock Creek ParkAdministration: National Park ServiceSocial Media: Facebook, Twitter

Once a prison, now a (mountain bike) playground

Without much fanfare, Lorton Reformatory closed its doors in 2002. The guard tower that once watched over hundreds of inmates now looks out to an 18-hole golf course and ten miles of Laurel Hill Park singletrack.

Luckily for the northern Virginia mountain bike community, Fairfax County, in partnership with MORE, built the Laurel Hill Park trail system the right way (i.e. the sustainable way). The open meadow trail sections are fortified with 4-6 inches of compacted stone material. What does this mean for your riding? During the winter rainy season, or any season for that matter, Laurel Hill will be dry and rideable long before its local counterparts.

Trail System

The trail system is basically divided into two sections connected by the Greenway, also known as the Laurel Hill Park component of the Cross County Trail (CCT). Most visitors park at the Giles Run entrance, but the Barrett House lot off of Furnace Road also offers parking.

Detailed below are approximate mileage measurements and descriptions for each trail.

Giles Run Meadow Trail (1.7)The warm-up run for many two-wheeled visitors, this natural surface trail swoops along the forested ridges of Giles Run, an Occoquan tributary. This area also plays host to Laurel Hill's disc golf course. Accessed via the Giles Run parking lot and the CCT. 

Workhouse Trail (1.5) If you 'work it good' on the Workhouse Trail, speed and fun are guaranteed. Accessed via the CCT after crossing Lorton Road.

Slaughterhouse Loop (0.6)Switchbacks are your friends on this short, but steep, natural surface loop. Don't miss making a run through the figure-eight skills section featuring a 10 foot log skinny. Accessed via the Workhouse Trail.

Dairy Barn Loop (1.4)Circling the future site of the Equestrian Center, this loop features rolling meadow terrain with a dose of oak and hickory forest. Connections to Workhouse Trail and Pasture Loop.

Pasture Loop (1.1) Mountain bikers now ride where cows once grazed. The terrain is open and the views are worth the trip. Connections to Dairy Barn Loop, Power Station Loop, and Apple Orchard Loop.

Power Station Loop (0.6)This forested loop is fast and flowy. MORE recommends riding the loop clockwise to catch some air (see minute 4:00 of this video). Accessed via the Pasture Loop.

Apple Orchard Loop (1.8): The sign post reads, "Brake for Snakes", but you may need to brake for sharp corners as well. We recommend riding in a clockwise direction because the uphill sections are slightly less demanding on tired legs. Accessed via the Pasture Loop (across Furnace Road).

The trail terrain at Laurel Hill Park is generally tame and beginner-friendly - especially when compared to Fountainhead Regional Park, it's southern Fairfax County neighbor. The exceptions are Laurel Hill's two bike-focused trails, Slaughterhouse and Power Station.

Future Development

It's been nearly eight years (2002) since Laurel Hill was re-gifted to Fairfax County Park Authority and mountain bikers are among the first of the user groups to enjoy its spoils (golfers beat us to it). With that said, the Laurel Hill Park planning and development process is still in its infancy and the trail system will eventually see some changes. Notably, horses are scheduled to join two-wheelers and hikers on Workhouse, Dairy Barn, and Pasture trails. Fairfax County hopes Laurel Hill can be a shining example of a multi-use trail system.

For now, however, mountain bikers rule the roost on Laurel Hill's trail system. Winter, spring, summer, or fall...Laurel Hill Park always promises a good time. Ride on!

Location / Directions: Lorton, VirginiaPark Size / Trail Distance: 1,200 acres; 10+ milesSurface / Difficulty: Mix of natural surface and stone dust; trails vary in difficultyTrail Map: Laurel Hill Park Trail Map

This trail's namesake stream flows cold and clear...but for how much longer?

The spawning-season swim upstream may not be as smooth as a paved trail, but Paint Branch watershed's brown trout don't seem to mind because at least they're alive. Their DC metro area cousins have not been as lucky. Paint Branch, due to its cold water temperature and low pollution level, is home to the last self-sustaining brown trout population in the region. Or at least it is for now.

The Trail

Recession notwithstanding, compared to the brown trout, times aren't nearly as tough for joggers and cyclists zipping along eastern Montgomery County, Maryland's Paint Branch Stream Valley Park Trail. This 3 mile paved trail near Colesville parallels Paint Branch between Fairland Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park. Featuring stream valley flora and the photogenic ripples of Paint Branch, trail users emerge in droves on sunny weekend days. If you're out for more than just a workout, here's what to see:

Historic Mills - Four different mills, including the Valley Mill, churned the water of Paint Branch between the late 18th century until the 1930's.Pilgrim Hill Nature Trail - If you're traveling south from Randolph Road, this half mile natural surface trail detour starts just beyond the Pilgrim Hill Local Park ball field.Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park

Prior to Paint Branch's intersection with Columbia Pike (Rte. 29), the trail extends westward into Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park. Designed as an "Active" park - which means it's highly developed for recreational uses - MLK Jr. Park offers its own set of paved trails to complement your Paint Branch experience. The system is a series of three separate paved loops varying in distance:

Pond Loop (0.4 miles)Heart Smart Trail (0.8 miles)Perimeter Trail (1.2 miles)

Check out the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational  Park Trail Map to get your bearings.

Paint Branch & the ICC

The ICC footprint does not directly interfere with the trail itself - the east-west route of the future highway is a short distance north of Fairland Road. However, as watershed ecologists can attest, negative impacts upstream tend to be magnified downstream. The scope and expenditure of the ICC Compensatory Mitigation and Environmental Stewardship program is unprecedented for a highway project. With this monetary investment and the engagement of environmental organizations, it is our hope that Paint Branch will continue to flow cold and clear for generations to come.

Location / Directions: Colesville, MarylandTrail Distance: 3 milesSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyTrail Map: Paint Branch Trail Map

The Maryland Sierra Club lost the Paint Branch fight, but the Mattawoman Creek tussle is just starting to heat up...and they need your help.

Wildlife reigns supreme at Maryland's other bay

During a recent "Wilderness in Washington" segment of the Kojo Nnamdi Show, outdoor gurus Candy Thompson and Paul Elliott gushed about Jug Bay Natural Area, a Patuxent River Park property in eastern Prince George's County, Maryland.

Candy Thompson: "Fabulous...You can paddle there, you can hike there, you can fish there..."

Paul Elliott:"One of the remarkable things about Jug Bay is that you can stand there looking out over the river, and it's very hard to determine what century you're in. It's a timeless landscape."

Not yet convinced of the merits of Jug Bay Natural Area? Perhaps, these additional accolades will help... Recognized as a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area locationComponent of Maryland's National Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research ReservePart of the Chesapeake story as told by the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network"Two thumbs up!" - Siskel & EbertRecreation and Nature on the Land

Jug Bay Natural Area attracts two main types of outdoor enthusiasts: aquatic paddlers and terra firma hikers. This article is geared towards landlubbers, but check back with us in the future - we'll test the Patuxent River waters (literally) during the warmer months.

Featuring 8+ miles of natural surface trails, Jug Bay's hiking network is understandably overshadowed by the park's namesake tidal wetland. With that said, motivated hikers can easily make a day out of it. Trail highlights include:

Brown Trail (Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area): Directly accessible from the Visitor Center, this hiking trail network (not open to bicyclists) includes a half mile boardwalk through marshes and wetlands.Green Trail: Connecting to Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area, the Green Trail follows the ridge offering excellent Jug Bay views once the leaves have fallen.Red Trail: The park's longest trail, the Red Trail accesses historic Croom Airport, now a large, open field, and the starting point of Chesapeake Critical Area Tour.

Featuring colorful underbrush, towering hardwoods, wetland amphibians, and melodic songbirds, this Patuxent River Park location is a naturalistic feast for the senses. Birders in the know should check out the Patuxent River Bird Checklist brochure available in the Jug Bay Natural Area Visitor Center. Naturalists, amateur or otherwise, are invited to join a Park Ranger on guided woodland hikes, which are scheduled for Saturday afternoons several times a month.

Blessed as it is with natural beauty and recreational opportunity, Jug Bay goes one step further in an effort to lure inquisitive history buffs. Tucked into a wooded clearing just a few hundred yards from the Visitor Center, Patuxent Rural Life Museums is a collection of buildings and exhibits designed to represent Prince George's County living during a less complicated time. Visit on weekend afternoons (1-4 PM) for the guided tours and demonstrations.

Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour is a four-mile dirt roadway hugging the Patuxent River shoreline. Open to walkers, bicyclists, and cars (only on Sundays), the main draw of the tour is the 1,000 foot wooden boardwalk bridge connecting Jug Bay Natural Area to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. Overlooking the Mattoponi Creek marshlands, the bridge sports a tower ideal for bird watchers.

Jug Bay 10K/5K Run for Wildlife and 3K Fun Walk

A paddling and wildlife-viewing haven like Jug Bay Natural Area forces visitors to slow down their busy lives and appreciate nature. But on Jug Bay 10K/5K Run for Wildlife race day,  scheduled for 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2009, the slow down concept need not apply. Expected to attract about 300 participants, event organizers welcome runners and walkers (either pre-registered or walk-ins), spectators, and volunteers. As Kyle Lowe, Park Ranger and Run for Wildlife creator, states, "The race location sells itself."

Spotting Blue-winged Teals (a migratory type of duck) may not be on the minds of oxygen-starved runners, but race day funds have been a boon to the Jug Bay wildlife. All event proceeds go towards conservation/environmental projects like osprey nesting tower construction, Sora Rail tracking research, and the expansion of outdoors education. 

With ecosystem preservation a top priority, it's clear that Prince George's County Parks and its partners recognize the real stars of Jug Bay.

Location / Directions: Upper Marlboro, MarylandPark Size / Trail Distance: 2,000 acres; 8+ milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural; EasyTrail Map: Jug Bay Natural AreaMore Information: For events and programs, visit Jug Bay Natural Area online

Jug Bay is just one of the many Prince George's County Parks offering frequent volunteer opportunities. Learn more about how to get involved.

- Osprey image courtesy Flickr user Renee Belisle

Meadowood celebrates another year of National Trails Day with a full day of action: nature hikes, light trail maintenance, and new trail construction.New to the Mason Neck Peninsula neighborhood, Meadowood Recreation Area is making a splash in the Northern Virginia outdoor community - and that's despite its landlocked location! About eight years ago (in 2001), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acquired the Meadowood property from a private landowner. Wasting no time in its new digs, the BLM set up an office - officially called the Lower Potomac Field Station - and published an Integrated Activity Management Plan. The Plan outlined their vision of Meadowood as an outdoor recreation destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Developing the trail potential of the western portion of the park, also known as "Meadowood West," is a key component of this vision. Meadowood West Trails - Now

The original farm access road to Meadowood West still exists on the property and is now branded as the Meadowood Trail. Recognizing the preferences of hiking and biking types for a narrower and more sustainable trail, the BLM team created a much-improved alternate Meadowood Trail running roughly parallel to the original. This new incarnation of the Meadowood Trail conveniently links to three other recently developed trails: Holly Ridge, Sapling, and Red Fox. Though lacking in serious mileage, this trio of well-marked forested trails offer a peaceful hiking experience with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. As of now, the Meadowood West trails are not open to mountain bikers, but that policy is set to change.

Meadowood West Trails - Future

With trail building experts joining the staff, the future is bright for Meadowood as a Fairfax County outdoor recreation hot spot. The work agenda includes building a three mile perimeter trail that will effectively double the trail mileage of Meadowood West. Local hiking and mountain biking organizations (including MORE and the PATC) are working with the Meadowood staff to design and develop the new trails.

Although not as well-known as its more established neighbors (Pohick Bay Regional Park, Mason Neck State Park, and Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge), Meadowood Recreation Area is clearly a recreation destination on-the-rise.

Park & Trail Stats: Approximately 800 acres (total), 350 acres (Meadowood West); three miles of natural surface trails (Meadowood West)Trail Map: http://ow.ly/nR24How to Get Here: MapAdministration: Bureau of Land Management - Lower Potomac Field Station

Located two miles and change from the Annapolis City Dock, the aptly-named Quiet Waters Park (map) offers the summer tourist (and local) a welcomed respite from the crowded city streets. The "Waters" part of Quiet Waters Park references the South River, the park's southern boundary, and Harness Creek, its tributary. The "Quiet" designation is a relative term. Most visitors to the park, including families and dog walkers, head straight to the South River Promenade with its impressive Chesapeake Bay vista. However, for the active type, six miles of trail and some "quiet water" paddling beckon.

The entrance to the park is off Hillsmere Drive, which as mentioned earlier is a little over two miles from downtown Annapolis. If bicycling is your preferred mode of transportation, the ride to the park is a straight shot down Bay Ridge Avenue after crossing the 6th Street bridge. Inside the park, the main trail loop, known as the Bike Path (open to walkers and joggers as well), connects to the entrance road. Taking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction, the paved path will meander leisurely through the leafy forest towards Harness Creek. For a multi-sport adventure, stop by Paddle or Pedal, accessible via the Harness Creek Trail. Rent a kayak (they also rent bikes) and explore the nooks and crannies of Harness Creek. Back on the bike (or your two feet), continue the loop, with a required detour to the Kodak-worthy South River Promenade. The return trip also passes the summer concert site and the native plant meadow - two examples of ongoing (and very different) projects organized by Friends of Quiet Waters Park.

Park Stats: 340 acres; approximately six miles of paved trail - multi-usePark Map: http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/quietwaters/map.cfmAdministration: Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks

The Accotink Creek Trail, also known as section two of the Fairfax Cross-County Trail, extends south from Lake Accotink Park (map) - Springfield, Virginia's recreation hotspot. If you have hiked or biked this section of trail in the past, you may notice something different about it now: 2.3 miles of trail, from the main parking lot in Lake Accotink Park to Hunter Village Drive, have been re-routed, paved, and adorned with three steel bridges that cross the creek along the way. In many ways, it's a striking change from the natural surface trail that existed prior to the construction of the paved trail. But was it change for better or for worse? Therein lies the dilemma.

Trail Voice believes that the key to protecting the outdoors is first to get people outdoors. Offering a recreational option in the form of a paved trail through the forest has the potential to draw individuals who otherwise would not be interacting with the natural environment. As Fairfax County contends, pavement stabilizes the trail and opens it to all users (including users with disabilities). However, in the over-stressed Accotink Creek watershed, the consequences of paving (i.e. tree cutting, increased impervious surface area, and wildlife habitat disruption) draws the ire of local environmental organizations like Friends of Accotink Creek and Lands and Waters. These organizations are concerned with the health of the stream - a concern at odds with the concept of pavement.

As the Accotink Creek Trail illustrates, balancing the need for recreation facilities with natural environment protection can be a tricky endeavor - in some cases, with no obvious answer.

Trail Stats: 2.3 miles - Lake Accotink Dam to Hunter Village DriveTrail Type: Paved surface (8 ft wide); multi-useTrail Map: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cct/downloads/cct2.pdfAdministration: Fairfax County Park Authority

After a rough winter, MORE's Thursdays @ Schaeffer rides are back with a vengeance. Riding groups encompass all skill levels so don't be bashful if you're a newbie.Soybean sprouts and mountain bikers mix it up

When you think of legendary singletrack mountain bike trails, a few locales may come to mind: Moab, Utah; Crested Butte, Colorado; Lake Tahoe, California; Germantown, Maryland...wait, did you say Germantown, Maryland? The Schaeffer Farm Trail System in suburban Montgomery County may not feature gravity-defying sandstone obstacles (Moab), 9,000 ft. mountain climbs (Crested Butte), or bucolic High Sierra lake views (Lake Tahoe). However, in an east-coast, rolling-hills, singletrack kind-of-way, Schaeffer Farm has few peers.

As you enter the parking lot gate of the Schaeffer Farm Trail System, one thing is clear: this trail is popular. Novices and experts alike flock to Schaeffer Farm and very few leave disappointed. The parking lot connects directly to the white blazed trail loop (3.5 miles). Ride it counter-clockwise (or clockwise - both directions are allowed) to the yellow blazed trail (5.9 miles) which cuts through the woods - loosely following the Great Seneca Creek stream valley as it winds its way to the western portion of the park. Ride the outer loop of the yellow blazed trail, dodging in and out of forest and farmland, and return to the lot via the blue blazed trail (0.9 miles) or by retracing your revolutions on the yellow blazed trail.

Schaeffer Farm devotees will tell you that it's the "flow" of the trail that puts the smile on their faces. "Flow" does not come naturally - trail builders from Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) are to thank for bringing their unique brand of it to the Washington DC area. Does this "flow" we speak of qualify the Schaeffer Farm Trail System as legendary? Depends on who you ask, but one thing is certain...you'll enjoy the ride!

Location / Directions: Boyds, MD (near Germantown, MD)Trail Distance: Approximately fifteen milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural - Singletrack; ModerateTrail Map: Trail Map of Schaeffer FarmAdministration: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Cars sit in trafficI pedal, cadence steady Carbon-free commute- Haiku by Trail Voice

When it comes to how you get to work, most people have a choice. There's the car - a game-changing 20th century transportation innovation. Or the bicycle - a human-powered throwback to a time without highways. In today's society of pollution-spewing traffic jams, skyrocketing obesity rates, and global warming concerns, that choice - car or bike - is becoming increasingly clear to many Washingtonians.

As evidenced by the seven thousand plus Bike to Work Day 2009 registrants, the bicycle commuter community in Washington DC is stronger now more than ever. There are many reasons why DC area residents are embracing the two-wheeled commute - its cheaper, its better for the environment, and it helps one stay in shape. Also, Washington DC is making strides to cater to this community with new and improved trails like the Four Mile Run Trail; the aggressive expansion of bike sharing programs; the bicycle-friendly enhancements to metro stations; and the most striking example (architecturally), the construction of the Union Station Bicycle Transit Center. Much work still needs to be done, but bicycle advocacy organizations like WABA keep their goals within reach. One less car. One more bicycle commuter.

- Image courtesy of WABA

Matthew Henson blazed a trail to the North Pole. Montgomery County's new trail bearing his name is not quite as extreme, but worthy, nonetheless.

Give a hearty Trail Voice welcome to the newest thoroughbred in the Montgomery County Parks stable - the Matthew Henson Trail. Eight years in the making, the trail is not without its detractors (best chronicled in the WashCycle blog) and it has flaws (several sketchy road crossings and a limited tree canopy). However, when all is said and done, the completion of this trail represents a crowning achievement for the Montgomery County Department of Parks, its citizens, and trail advocates across the DC area.

The TrailSo what should you expect from the "new guy" in the Montgomery County trail system? How's 4.5 miles of smooth-rolling, stream-flowing, neighborhood-connecting greenway sound? Starting in Winding Creek Park, the Matthew Henson Trail branches east from DC/Maryland's popular Rock Creek Trail. The trail follows Turkey Branch Stream as it winds its way east across Viers Mill Rd. (a detour is in place to cross at Parkland Dr.) and under Connecticut Ave. Tall oaks line the path which is, in most places, no more than thirty yards from the suburban backyards of Wheaton and Silver Spring. After crossing busy Georgia Ave, the trail returns to the greenway where two unique aspects may catch your eye: Tree plantings (and lots of them) line the path. Montgomery Parks planted close to thirty tree species to replace the loss of tree coverage from trail construction.A series of boardwalk paths (0.6 total miles), designed to minimize the environmental impact of the trail, hover above the forest carpet.Meanwhile, the trail continues across Layhill Rd and about a mile beyond it, ending in a "T" at Alderton Rd in Silver Spring.But is that really the end of the Matthew Henson Trail? Proponents envision it to eventually be the elusive Rock Creek/Sligo Creek trail connection, but that's a discussion for another day. For now, let's lay out the welcome mat for Mr. Matthew Henson - Arctic explorer and trailblazer.Trail Stats: 4.5 miles - Winding Creek Park in Wheaton (map) to Alderton Rd, Silver Spring (map)Trail Type: Paved, 8 ft. wide Trail Map: Matthew Henson Trail MapAdministration: Montgomery County Department of Parks

Fairfax County's Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail meanders along its namesake stream for 3.4 miles. Sandwiched in the middle of the bustling "Chantilly triangle" (Route 50 and I-66 as the north/south borders, respectively), this multi-use double-track trail offers a welcoming wooded respite from suburbia. Trail users enjoy a generous oak canopy, but that canopy is at-risk from a sunlight-hoarding, water-hogging, invasive plant species known as garlic mustard. Luckily, the Fairfax County Park Authority Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program is on the scene. With consistent volunteer help and special events like Invasive Plant Removal Day, garlic mustard is trembling in its roots.From the western edge of the trail in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Walney Rd., the trail enters the woods and never looks back (except to cross a few streets). For the two miles, from Walney Rd. to Stringfellow Rd., rocks, boulders, and fallen trees line the stream bank. East of Stringfellow, backyards converge to narrow the greenway, but Rocky Run manages to keep its wooded groove. As the rough gravel trail climbs the slope back to reality (i.e. Fairfax County Parkway - its eastern terminus), you'll be sad to see it go.Trail Stats: 3.4 miles from Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (map) to Fairfax County Parkway (west to east)Trail Type: Mostly coarse gravel and paved in partsAdministration: Fairfax County Park Authority

The grand opening of the I-395 underpass section of the Four Mile Run Trail, originally scheduled for May 2nd but now pushed back to May 30th, marks the beginning of a new era for Arlington County's Four Mile Run Trail. The goal of this two-year, $4.5 million project was to create a safe and direct connection from the South Shirlington Road intersection (which is where the W&OD trail terminates) to the path along S. Glebe Road About 3000 feet of new trail development later, trail "regulars" like Colin Dixon of Phoenix Bikes will tell you: mission accomplished. Bicycle commuters can enjoy the (potentially) ten minutes of extra rest in the morning and families can finally feel safe taking the kids for a ride into DC. We can thank local government and bicycle/pedestrian advocacy groups for their hard work and dedication in making this happen.As for the remaining section of the trail between the underpass (mile marker 5.5) and the trail terminus (7.5), it may not be gorgeous (except in a post-modern, industrial kind of way), but it gets the job done. The trail parallels the north side of Four Mile Run, which at this point is a broad river developed with flood-control measures and multi-purposed as an electricity power line corridor. After a series of bridge underpasses, the trail merges into the Mt. Vernon Trail near the south end of Reagan National Airport. If DC is your final destination, head just a little over two miles north to the 14th St. bridge trail.Trail Stats: About two miles from S. Shirlington Rd. (map) to the terminusTrail Type: Paved, multi-useAdministration: Arlington County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources

George Washington and his Pawtomack Company buddies came up with the idea for a canal along the Potomac River. However, hikers and bikers actually have the ill-fated Chesapeake and Ohio Company to thank for the canal towpath trail. GW built his version of the canal on the Virginia side of the river - you can visit Great Falls Park in Virginia to see the remains. As for the Chesapeake and Ohio Company, their early 19th century business venture on the Maryland side of the Potomac failed, but the company's unintended contribution to society was the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP).

The Trail

The canal and its accompanying towpath trail extend 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. Perhaps the most popular section of the park, and rightfully so, is the four miles between Angler's Inn (mile marker 12.6) and Swain's Lock (16.6). The highlights are numerous: Great Falls Overlook (14.0), Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (14.3), Billy Goat Trail Section A access points (12.9 and 13.8), and last but not least, seven canal locks (locks 15 through 21). The towpath trail itself is hard-packed dirt and generally wide enough for users to walk side-by-side (cyclists however should ride single-file when passing). If you visit this Saturday (April 18th), say hello to the 250+ volunteers participating in the Great Falls kick-off to C&O Canal Pride Days hosted by the C&O Canal Trust. Or better yet, join them!

Trail Stats: 184.5 miles - Georgetown to Cumberland, MDTrail Type: Hard-pack natural surface, bicyclists permitted Administration: National Park Service - C&O Canal NHP Palisades District

About eight meandering miles upriver of Hains Point - the geographic convergence of the Anacostia River and the Potomac River - sits a small recreational oasis known as Bladensburg Waterfront Park. On Saturday, April 18th, the park will see a flurry of activity as a cleanup and celebration site for the Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup & Celebration sponsored by the Anacostia Watershed Society. On an average day, this Prince George's County park serves as host to children enjoying the playground, fishermen casting their lines, and families out for a Sunday stroll. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts, however, flock to the park for a different reason - its strategic location as the gateway to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System (ATTS). From the park, cross the pedestrian bridge to the west side of the river and point your legs (or tires) north for some serious trail mileage. The paved multi-use orange-blazed Anacostia River Trail follows the flow of its namesake river for a little more than a half mile, at which point you reach a fork in the road: To the left - the Northwest Branch Trail: Stroll through Hyattsville (metro-accessible!) and venture into Montgomery County on the connecting Sligo Creek Trail. To the right - the (equally creatively named) Northeast Branch Trail: College Park and Lake Artemesia are just a short three miles away.

Wait, did you think this article was over? The tale of Bladensburg Waterfront Park (and in turn, the ATTS), is about to get a bit more interesting. Bladensburg Waterfront Park is destined to be the northern terminus of the planned Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, which is a major component of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. This story will continue to unfold so be sure to check back!

Monuments in the moonlight - need we say more? Full moon hikes are on for May (Sierra Club PRO) and June (MD.DC.VA Hiking Meetup Group).

The Cherry Blossom Festival welcomes nearly a million people to "our nation's front yard" - the National Mall & Memorial Parks (map). What more really can be said about this iconic national park that has not already been expressed by Presidents and Statesmen? It's a symbol of our country, a mecca of free speech, and a darn good place to go for a jog. D.C. locals and tourists alike enjoy miles of trails and acres of urban open-space in this park. There is really no one way to experience the outdoor recreation opportunities of the National Mall & Memorial Parks, but Trail Voice recommends two feet or two wheels. National Mall Park Rangers seem to agree - check out the schedule of events for Ranger-led walks and bike tours (which start up again this weekend after a winter hibernation). If you're visiting at some point during the next few weeks, you might also want to see what that cherry blossom fuss is all about.

Park Stats: 146 acres encompassing the National Mall (U.S. Capitol to Washington Monument), West Potomac Park (south of the Reflecting Pool including the Tidal Basin), and Constitution Gardens (north of the Reflecting Pool up to Constitution Ave.)Trail Stats: No official mileage. Multiple connections to other Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia trails.Administration: National Park Service - National Mall & Memorial Parks