THEODORE ROOSEVELT ISLAND, WASHINGTON, D.C.

GETTING THERE The parking area is accessible only from the northbound George Washington
Memorial Parkway south of Key Bridge. From there, walk across the footbridge. Free.

MORE INFO nps.gov/this
CATIE DREW
Several short, mellow trails lace Theodore Roosevelt Island, near Rosslyn, Virginia (it’s
actually in Washington, D.C.) — the perfect go-to for all ages. Let the kids run free on
the Woods and Upland Trails, home to red and gray fox and white-tailed deer. The most
interesting trail is the Swamp Trail, a 1.5-mile loop, on the island’s eastern edge, a habitat of
marsh wrens, red-winged blackbirds, turtles and frogs. For those into history, look for the
statue of the island’s namesake. The best thing about the island? It’s impossible to get lost!
The shores of Clopper Lake, in the heart of Seneca Creek State Park’s timbered hills, might
look crowded at first glance. But slip onto the 3.7-mile Lake Shore Trail that loops the lake,
and you’ll find a quiet realm where the kids should keep their eyes open for cottontail
rabbits, wild turkeys and groundhogs. Along the way, the lake plays peek-a-boo between the
trees; scan the skies above for bald eagles. The park has several shorter family-friendly trails,
including the Long Draught Trail, the Great Seneca Trail and the Mink Hollow Trail, which
connects the Lake Shore and Long Draught Trails for a longer 1.5-mile hike.

GETTING THERE Take I-270 north to exit 10/Clopper Road in Gaithersburg and go 2 miles west.

The park entrance fee is $3 per person for Maryland residents; $5 per person for nonresidents.

MORE INFO dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/seneca.aspx
COURTESY MARYLAND.GOV
SENECA CREEK STATE PARK, GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND
For families looking to stretch their legs, the Maryland side of Great Falls offers primo
hiking. The 0.2-mile stroller-accessible towpath crosses several boardwalks over
wildflower-dotted isles to the Great Falls Overlook, where the crashing waters of the
Potomac River mesmerize visitors. The aptly named Billy Goat Trail, a 3.7-mile loop, is for
more intrepid hikers who enjoy clambering over large boulders, climbing angled rocks and
teetering beside steep cliffs along the Potomac River. Then there’s the easy 3-mile Gold
Mine Trail loop in the wooded uplands behind the falls, which makes for a fun treasure
hunt for the gold-mine ruins that remain from a 19th-century boom.

GETTING THERE The Great Falls section of the C&O Canal National Historic Park is located off
MacArthur Boulevard in Potomac, Maryland. The car entrance fee is $20.

MORE INFO nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm
COURTESY NPS.GOV
GREAT FALLS, POTOMAC, MARYLAND
GETTING THERE The park is at 2845 Marcey Road in Arlington. Free.

MORE INFO novaparks.com/parks/potomac-overlook-regional-park
HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK, FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Huntley Meadows, in the heart of suburban Alexandria, offers an easy flat trail with three
different sections: Cedar Trail, Deer Trail and Heron Trail. A boardwalk that hovers over
marshy water, the Heron Trail — with its belching toads, cackling geese and statuesque herons
— is popular with little ones. An observation tower along the way gives a bird’s-eye view over a
400-foot-long beaver dam. The nature center has lots of info on the area’s wildlife and geology.

GETTING THERE The park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria. Free.

MORE INFO fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows n
COURTESY NOVAPARKS.COM
Sorry, but this leafy sanctuary, tucked away in an Arlington neighborhood, doesn’t really
live up to its name. You won’t find a sweeping river overlook. That said, it’s a lovely
sanctuary of oaks, hickories and tulip poplars, laced with novice hiking trails. Families can
make an easy 1.2-mile trek on the Overlook, Red Maple and Heritage Loops Trails and
White Oak Way. Take a longer hike by connecting with the Potomac National Heritage
Scenic Trail in adjacent Donaldson Run Park. A little nature center near the park entrance
has info and free maps, plus interactive exhibits on local wildlife and natural history.

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POTOMAC OVERLOOK REGIONAL PARK
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
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