The main draw, however, is being able to watch planes take off and/or land from Reagan National Airport, which is adjacent to Gravelly Point Park. You’ll also find picnic tables and port-a-potties. There is a wide open field that’s often used for pick-up soccer games on weekends.
This is one of my favorite green spaces along the Potomac River. Gravelly Point ParkĪt the 2.4-mile mark, you will enter Gravelly Point Park. It’s a narrow passage, so you may need to walk your bike if you are cycling the trail. You’ll then cross under I-395 and the Rochambeau Bridge. From here, you can also enjoy views of the Jefferson Memorial across the river. The large sculpture depicts seven gulls soaring over the crest of a wave. This monument honoring sailors who lost their lives at sea during World War I is located in Lady Bird Johnson Park. Stay left for National Airport, Alexandria and Mount Vernon.Īssuming Theodore Roosevelt Island is mile marker 0 (instead of 18), you’ll reach the Navy Merchant Marine Memorial at the 1.9-mile mark. Shortly, you’ll cross a wooden boardwalk, which splits nearly right away. Once you’ve finished exploring Theodore Roosevelt Island, which is managed by the National Park Service, proceed south along the Mount Vernon Trail. There is a moat and fountains at the plaza, too. You’ll also see four 21-foot-tall granite tablets, each inscribed with Roosevelt’s most famous quotations. In the center of the island is a large oval-shaped plaza and a 17-foot-tall bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26 th President of the United States. Each trail is named for a habitat present on the island.
There are three short trails on the island: Swamp Trail, Woods Trail and Upland Trail. It’s an easy 1.9-mile loop around the small island. Be sure to keep this in mind.īefore you begin, I suggest a walk around the perimeter of 89-acre Theodore Roosevelt Island. There are many, many parking spaces, but on fair-weather weekends, this parking area can quickly fill to capacity. Park in the large lot for Theodore Roosevelt Island, which is located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It’s also nice to be able to break for lunch or a snack at Mount Vernon in the restaurant or food court at the mid-way point. This helps since there are several connections that are not completely obvious.
In my opinion, the north-to-south route is better marked. While the path technically starts in Mount Vernon, I recommend completing this trail in reverse, starting at the parking lot at Theodore Roosevelt Island.
#Belle haven park full
I have biked and hiked several small sections of the trail, but a few weeks ago I opted to bike the full length, then bike all the way back to my car.Īt 36 miles, it was a good distance, but I was eager to see every mile and then share with you the best stretches of the Mount Vernon Trail. There is a trail kiosk, a bench and a water fountain.
The Mount Vernon Trail starts at Mount Vernon, at mile marker 0. From end to end you’ll pass city parks, marinas, memorials, even a Starbucks. This scenic multi-use trail is a great choice for walking, running and biking. The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved trail that runs along the Potomac River from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
0 kommentar(er)
