Where can we go on a nature walk that is not crowded and people can safely social distance?

[Anonymous]

We stopped by Dora Kelley Nature Park and it was packed, most people not wearing masks. Is there anywhere we can go for a nice walk where it is not being too packed? And wide enough that we can safely distance? We can’t do anything too crazy hike wise... we have two toddlers and a bad knee

[Anonymous]

The further out you get from the city, the more sparse things are. Where are you located? I can recommend some state parks.

[Anonymous]

We are in NW DC. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I’m not in DC, and can’t remember any parks to recommend. But what I do is open google maps and look for any green area, then drop a pin and map it. That is how we have found some truly hidden gems in our city!

(Not in satellite view. Use the green to find parks!)

[Anonymous]

Go very early.

[Anonymous]

Green spring gardens in Alexandria
Woodend in Chevy Chase

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not in DC, and can’t remember any parks to recommend. But what I do is open google maps and look for any green area, then drop a pin and map it. That is how we have found some truly hidden gems in our city!

(Not in satellite view. Use the green to find parks!)

I do this as well!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go very early.

NP. To OP, avoid trails where you won't be able to move far enough from other people. We went really early to a supposedly quiet state forest to walk with DC but already lots of "off-road" bicyclists were pounding down the trails there puffing and panting hard. The trails are promoted for both walkers and bikers but are narrow in some places and not all cyclists gave any heads-up they were getting close (as cyclists on suburban trails often do). No ability to move off the trail as they blew by, in some locations. I know people will post here that "you can't catch the virus outdoors" (wrong, you still need to distance outside) and "you're anxious" blah blah, but if you don't want people passing you just three feet away while panting hard out of their gaping-open mouths....then don't do any trails through woods. Sorry but I was ready to leave as fast as I could since every cyclist but one passed within two to five feet of us. Of course they believe they will die if they cycle in masks. Funny but my friend who cycles mountains for competitions uses a specialized cycling mask and isn't dead yet. Our family cycles too but the trail cyclists clearly think their huffing breath can't affect anyone even from a few feet away.

[Anonymous]

Problem with further out: bathrooms

[Anonymous]

Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge has some good short trails and wasn't crowded last weekend, but I echo what others have said - go early. We were leaving at around 11 and it was starting to get crowded.

[Anonymous]

Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, on the river. If you have little ones, they will like digging in the sand on the shore. Bring dry shoes for them to change into. There are walks on the boardwalk along the river. There are big fields for running and a playground, if you feel okay having them do that. Bring a picnic. There are bathrooms open. You can see all kinds of birds. I know it is kind of far for you, but might be an option. There are a beaver dam, osprey nests, bald eagles, and lots of stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Problem with further out: bathrooms

Learn the art of peeing outside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, on the river. If you have little ones, they will like digging in the sand on the shore. Bring dry shoes for them to change into. There are walks on the boardwalk along the river. There are big fields for running and a playground, if you feel okay having them do that. Bring a picnic. There are bathrooms open. You can see all kinds of birds. I know it is kind of far for you, but might be an option. There are a beaver dam, osprey nests, bald eagles, and lots of stuff.

If you can, go during the week. It helps some.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, on the river. If you have little ones, they will like digging in the sand on the shore. Bring dry shoes for them to change into. There are walks on the boardwalk along the river. There are big fields for running and a playground, if you feel okay having them do that. Bring a picnic. There are bathrooms open. You can see all kinds of birds. I know it is kind of far for you, but might be an option. There are a beaver dam, osprey nests, bald eagles, and lots of stuff.

If you can, go during the week. It helps some.

NP would this be a good place to practice bike riding?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, on the river. If you have little ones, they will like digging in the sand on the shore. Bring dry shoes for them to change into. There are walks on the boardwalk along the river. There are big fields for running and a playground, if you feel okay having them do that. Bring a picnic. There are bathrooms open. You can see all kinds of birds. I know it is kind of far for you, but might be an option. There are a beaver dam, osprey nests, bald eagles, and lots of stuff.

If you can, go during the week. It helps some.

NP would this be a good place to practice bike riding?

NP. No. For a wonderful place to practice bike riding go to Jones Point Park in Alexandria. The “park” is actually located under the Wilson Bridge. It’s ENORMOUS and quite easy to distance. Bathrooms are open.