Monthly Archives: January 2016

Custis Trail (Arlington, VA)

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

There’s not much to the Custis Trail, which spends the majority of its time following Interstate 66 through suburban Arlington County, Virginia. But it’s popular with runners and bikers as a connector route—the 4.4-mile route serves as a shortcut between … Continue reading →

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Visitor Center to Lower Town Trail Loop (Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, WV)

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

– Civil War Series – The importance of Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia in influencing the course of American history is hard to overstate. This picturesque town, situated at the confluence of two rivers in a majestic valley, played host to … Continue reading →

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Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop (Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, WV)

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

– Civil War Series – Three years after John Brown’s ill-fated raid at Harper’s Ferry, violence again struck this strategically-located town, situated at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in present-day West Virginia. The year was 1862, and … Continue reading →

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Rough Trail (Glencarlyn Park, VA)

Posted on January 16, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Identified on select maps as the “Rough Trail,” this little-known hike through Glencarlyn Park in Arlington, Virginia (see here for more on the park) is aptly-named: it’s narrow, hard-to-follow, and plagued with fallen trees, roots, and brush. The upside is … Continue reading →

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Glencarlyn Park (Arlington County Parks, VA)

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

For a suburban destination, Glencarlyn Park in Arlington, Virginia is a nice one. The 96-acre park can be approached from multiple directions and boasts a dense network of hiking trails of varying difficulty. The focal point is a pleasant stream … Continue reading →

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Appalachian Trail to Annapolis Rocks and Black Rock (South Mountain State Park, MD)

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

The 2.5-mile trek to Annapolis Rocks is one of the most popular hikes in northwest Maryland and features sweeping views of Hagerstown Valley, Greenbrier Lake, and beyond. One mile farther, hikers can get an even better—and more private—vista from Black … Continue reading →

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Marie Butler Leven Preserve Loop (Marie Butler Leven Preserve, VA)

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Marie Butler Leven Preserve comprises 20 acres in central McLean, Virginia, an arboretum created to serve as a sanctuary for native plants. Situated on the side of a 90-foot hill, the preserve is easily accessed from Kirby Road in McLean … Continue reading →

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Pimmit Run Trail – Bryan Branch Rd. to Olney Park (Fairfax County Parks, VA)

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

The Pimmit Run Trail system follows its namesake creek along much of its eight-mile meander from the heart of suburban Fairfax County to the Potomac River. Unfortunately, the trail is segmented into three separate parts, interrupted by plots of private … Continue reading →

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Pimmit Run Trail – Fort Marcy to Solitaire Ln. (Fairfax County Parks, VA)

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Generally less rip-roaring than several of its nearby tributaries, Pimmit Run nonetheless carries a rather significant volume. It weaves gently through McLean, Virginia—a generally upscale Washington, DC suburb—for eight miles before emptying into the Potomac River. Unpaved walking trails flank … Continue reading →

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