National Mall & West Potomac Park

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).

Washington Monument reflecting on the Tidal Basin

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

Share/Save/Bookmark