Mount Vernon Trail Hike with Birds and Boats

Come enjoy a late fall day with an easy hike and gently rolling hills along the popular and scenic Mount Vernon Trail. Our hike closely follows the Potomac River as we meander north towards Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

We will start our hike at Riverside Park, located a few miles north of Mount Vernon. Riverside Park is often a great place to spot migrating spring birds along the Potomac River. Across the river in Maryland, sits Fort Washington, built in 1808 to defend the river approach to Washington, DC. And… we may even see some cool boats sailing on the Potomac River, too!

Our easy 9-mile one-way hike is transit-centered. We plan to use the Fairfax Connector bus to arrive at our hike’s starting location at Riverside Park. The park is a short 20 minute bus ride from the Huntington Metro Station.

Upon our arrival in Old Town Alexandria, we will grab a bite to eat and other refreshments at a local establishment. A short walk will bring us to the King Street Metro Station around 3 pm. The length of our hike will be about 9 miles, all of it on paved trails.

The Gear:
Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, appropriate weather gear, and comfortable walking shoes.

Cost:
$5 Adventuring trip fee (cash) plus $2 for Fairfax Connector Bus (bus fare can be cash or SmartTrip)

Meet at Huntington Metro Station at 8:30 am near the fare gate by the station attendant's kiosk at the North Entrance (closest to Huntington Ave). This entrance is best found by exiting towards the rear of your arriving train and taking the escalator down to street level. Please be prompt as we need to make the 9:05 am departure of the Fairfax Connector Bus Route 101.