3 Best Hiking Trails in Alexandria, VA

“Huntley Meadows Park is one of the famous hiking areas with forests and a historic house. This park is home to wildlife, wetlands, and an observation tower. The total length of the trail is 2.8 miles. The trail's elevation gain is 42 feet, an out-and-back type. The time taken to complete the entire trail is approximately 50 minutes. During each visit, you will see fascinating sights and sounds. Visitors can watch different birds and how they interact at the observation tower. The park has two entrances, with a nature/educational center on the southern side. There is a parking lot, restroom facilities, and an exhibit area. Staff naturalists are available during Visitor Center hours. Huntley Meadows Park is ideal for boardwalks, wildlife observation platforms, and an educational trail system.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Offers Free Admission
• Breathtaking Views
• Well Maintained Paths.”

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“Mount Vernon Trail is a well-established metro trail with 18 miles of multi-use paths from George Washington's Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The trail is connected to other trails, such as the Potomac Heritage, Custis, Rock Creek, Four Mile Run, and Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trails. This trail is a local treasure and a gem for history, nature, and fitness enthusiasts. The well-maintained and paved trails make it ideal for visitors. The Mount Vernon Trail is a popular multi-use trail used by bicyclists, runners, walkers, and rollerbladers. Due to its high traffic, congestion can be common. Along the way, you'll find benches, restrooms, and small boating shop facilities. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an intense workout, this fitness trail has something for everyone. For nature lovers, the Mount Vernon Trail offers numerous picturesque spots worth visiting.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Scenic Spots
• Memorable Experience
• Plenty of Free Parking Space.”

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“Dora Kelley Nature Park is a 50-acre nature preserve offering trails, a nature center with animals, and environmental classes. The park provides habitat and breeding grounds for several species of frogs, toads, and salamanders. A one-mile meandering nature route leads through a magnificent highland oak-hickory forest with mountain laurel throughout the understory. The park has paved and unpaved trails, with benches along the paths and locations to stop and enjoy the surroundings. Dora Kelley Nature Park is an excellent place to engage in outdoor activities. The park has various native wildflowers bloom in spring, summer, and fall, including native orchids, trillium, and Dutchman's breeches, all thriving with regular management to control invasive plants.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Picnic Tables Available
• Dogs Allowed
• Picturesque Spots.”

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