Areas Near Hiking or Running Trails
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
We are moving to the DC area and I haven't had a chance to explore MD or NOVA yet. DH is going to work in DC so we need to live close enough for his commute (McPherson Sq. Metro area, but he may drive in).
Currently, I hike for about an hour or jog trails for 30 min. right after I drop my kids off at school about 4x a week. The kids sometimes hike and run with us on the weekends as well. I'm hoping to narrow down our possible living places to areas that are close to hiking/jogging trails. After looking at the post about Four Mile Trail, I guess I'd like to also add that I'm interested in trails that are a bit safer than others for jogging alone, if there are any! And if anyone can recommend a map with trails or a website, that would be great as well! Thank you in advance for any advice! |
Anonymous
| Shirlington and Rosslyn (both in Arlington) have access to tons of trails. Rosslyn is on the metro line, Shirlington has a bunch of buses that run to the Pentagon metro. Both are close to the city. |
Anonymous
| You might check out WABA (washington area bike assn) because I think a lot of the bike trails would be good for running (Capital Crescent, Metropolitan Branch, Rock Creek Park, etc.). That said you'd have to talk to people about their comfort level jogging alone on any of them. |
Anonymous
|
I run all the time alone without any problem. Well, the one problem I have is the cyclists who speed by too close.
My favorite place to start a run is Georgetown because you can go up the Capital Crescent Trail, or take the paved path by the Kennedy Center to the monuments, or go on the C & O Canal, or go over Key Bridge to the Mt. Vernon Trail. All safe, though I wouldn't run alone at night. I don't live in Georgetown, but in Woodley Park (where we have quick access to the Rock Creek Trail which leads to all of the above) but I sometimes drive to Georgetown to start my run there. |
Anonymous
| I live in CC MD and spend a lot of time on the paved and unpacked trails in Rock Creek Park. There are tons of trails up and down the park. I also love near the Capital Crescent trail which is great for running and biking. |
Anonymous
|
Georgetown, Glover Park, or Palisades for easy access to the Capital Crescent Trail, C&O canal trail, Glover Archbold woods, and Rock Creek Park.
Or any of the neighborhoods near Rock Creek Park, including Chevy Chase (DC or MD). |
Anonymous
+1 We're in Silver Spring, just up the hill from the Mormon Temple and have very easy access to Rock Creek. I always see plenty of other walkers/runners/bikers, and there are many different places to go from there. |
Anonymous
| There are a lot of places near trails. Sligo Creek Park in Montgomery County MD hasn't been mentioned yet. Maybe give us a sense of what you're able to afford? Will your kids be going to public schools? |
Anonymous
| I like the Mount Vernon Trail south of old town. |
Anonymous
| Fairfax County also has tons of trails. The Cross County Trail is a big one, but there are lots more between neighborhoods and around lakes. Burke Lake, Lake Mercer. In general, the Fairfax County parks are amazing! |
Anonymous
|
OP here. First, thank you all!
Second, answering one PP's question, we are planning to rent because DH's job is for a couple years only; then we're coming back home. We're looking at Catholic schools, in part because they go K-8 so one DD won't have to transfer from elem. to middle while we are here--thinking that three school transfers total is better than four. So I think we're looking at Chevy Chase or Arlington or McLean (but we still have to come and drive the area; so hoping you guys could help narrow us down). We are looking for suburbia (detached house and yard). Also as a tangent but should mention because it's the Sports and Fitness board, that we're looking for good places for the kids to play basketball. My DH is originally from Virginia and he gets wistful at the thought of moving back to VA, so at first I was only looking at VA and circling around Arlington/McLean. But folks keep telling us about Chevy Chase so we've got MD on the table now. And I'm not ruling anything out; just trying to feel my way a bit until I can visit and rent a car and explore it! So I'm just wondering where to...drop the kids off at school, drive a few minutes to a trail, take that (safe) jog... |
Anonymous
| Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington is exactly what you're looking for. We live close to it and go about 5 times a week. Surrounded by single family houses and a short commute to McPherson. |
Anonymous
| We live in Cleveland Park and use Rock Creek Park a lot. Also you can jog at the zoo early mornings - they open at 6 or 7 am. |
Anonymous
| Cleve park poster again - if you are renting, try Connecticut Ave or Wisconsin Ave close to a metro - then get to know the neighborhoods. |
Anonymous
|
Old Town Alexandria!
The Mount Vernon trail is long and lovely to run/walk/bike. I'm so appreciative of having access to the trail just a couple blocks away. Plus you have easy access to GW parkway, which picks up the Mount Vernon Trail and into Roosevelt Island - also a great place to hike through. There are lots of large parks in the area - nearby Huntley Meadows Park has 10+ miles of trails, including through local and very well maintained wetlands. I hate to share this secret park, but it's a true gem. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntley_Meadows_Park |