Name: Hike from Rosslyn to Windy Run Park along Potomac Heritage Trail! (~5.0 miles)
Start: 2024-11-17T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-11-17T12:00:00-05:00

Right near the middle of Rosslyn in Arlington is a lesser-known trail called the Potomac Heritage Trail. From this trail, you can see some of the best vistas of the Potomac River, Georgetown and even downtown DC. Let's explore this hidden gem and get a taste of good hiking right near the heart of the city!

**Google Maps GPS Coordinates of Meeting Location: 38.89528872778711, -77.07136845255864**

We'll meet in front of the Compass Coffee on Wilson Boulevard down the street from the Rosslyn metro station, starting at 10 AM. We'll give everyone about 10 minutes to arrive, park (if you drove) and gather before doing some brief announcements and introductions and heading out by 10:15 AM. First, we'll swing around the corner, take a left on Lynn Street and head up north until we reach the Mount Vernon Trail. We'll turn onto the Mount Vernon Trail, cross over the George Washington Parkway and turn off onto the Potomac Heritage Trail near Theodore Roosevelt Island. There, we'll follow the Potomac Heritage Trail north and then west along the Potomac River until we reach Windy Run, where we'll turn left. Then we'll head uphill along Windy Run, passing some minor falls and crossing underneath the George Washington Parkway and taking the trail all the way up until it turns into North Kenmore Street. From here, we'll take North Kenmore Street until we reach Lorcom Lane, where we'll take another left and head down until we reach Spout Run Parkway and the Custis Trail. Here, we'll get on the Custis Trail and follow it all the way back along I-66 until we return to Rosslyn, passing Gateway Park and turning right onto North Lynn Street and back to our starting location. Altogether, this loop route will total around 5.0 miles and will include some moderate hilliness and a variety of paved and natural terrain, making hiking shoes highly recommended for this hike. Along some sections of the Potomac Heritage Trail and Windy Run Park will be some large roots and rocks to navigate, though easily passable by most fitness levels and nothing too severe for experienced hikers. Going an average of around 2.5 to 3.0 miles an hour, I expect us to return between noon and 12:30 PM, including breaks for water, photos, etc. For anyone interested, after the hike I may head next door to the casual Mediterranean restaurant CAVA for lunch if you'd like to join (1201 Wilson Blvd Ste 211, Arlington, VA 22209).

Administratively, this hike is metro accessible via the Rosslyn metro station right next to our meeting spot. Parking is also available in the adjacent neighborhood, especially in the residential streets off Key Boulevard (I usually have success finding spaces on either North Ode Street or North Colonial Terrace when I'm parking in the area). Please follow all street signs when parking. Several nearby parking garages also serve the neighborhood as well. Restrooms are available at Compass Coffee before and after the hike (or CAVA if you're joining us there). Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome (please bring doggy bags). If significant rain or thunderstorms come through, I'll cancel the walk by 8 AM the morning of the hike and let everyone know. As always, PLEASE be sure that you're comfortable covering the distance and conditions of the walk BEFORE signing up and please bring enough water to remain hydrated (legal liability release statement seen at the bottom of the page is digitally signed and agreed to when RSVPing to this event).

Looking forward to a great, unique hike combining urban and natural features and stunning views. See you then!

**External Links:**

[Compass Coffee | Real Good Coffee ™ | Made in D.C.](https://www.compasscoffee.com/)

[Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (U.S. National Park Service)](https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm)

[Windy Run Park – Official Website of Arlington County Virginia Government](https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Locations/Parks/Windy-Run-Park)

[Custis Trail | Virginia Trails | TrailLink](https://www.traillink.com/trail/custis-trail/)

[Rosslyn | CAVA](https://cava.com/locations/rosslyn-va)

**When you sign up to this event you are agreeing to**:

*I RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS, Michael O'Mara, and all participants of the event, from any and all claims, demands, losses, and liability arising out of or related to any LOSS, INJURY, DISABILITY OR DEATH I may suffer, to person or property, to the fullest extent permitted by law.*

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Hike from Rosslyn to Windy Run Park along Potomac Heritage Trail! (~5.0 miles)

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Hike from Rosslyn to Windy Run Park along Potomac Heritage Trail! (~5.0 miles)

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