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Although the Washington, DC's metro area is best known for its many historical sites, there are also lots of beautiful outdoor parks that are great for walking and hiking. The metro area has everything from large forested areas to well kept gardens. Each has its own personality and merits but they are all great for taking a walk in. It is not possible to describe every park but this article will detail eight of the most interesting locations.
If you enjoy beautiful flowers, one of the best places for a walk is Brookside Gardens which is located in Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton Maryland. Brookside Gardens encompasses 50 acres and is home to hundreds of fascinating plants. There are some specific collections including the fragrance garden, azalea garden, yew garden, formal garden, rose garden and a Japanese style garden. Brookside Gardens also features a greenhouse, as well as a Koi pond and several other small man-made ponds. It is worth visiting the park at least once per season because the plants in bloom are always changing. There is a paved path winding throughout the garden and ponds which is perfect for a leisurely stroll. They have recently added boardwalk type paths for easy handicapped accessibility. Wheaton Regional also has a wooded section connected to the gardens with trails for those who enjoy more strenuous walking.
Another place to visit for its plant life is the National Arboretum located in northeast DC. The National Arboretum is a 446 acre park with paved roads that are good for walking, biking or even a leisurely drive. It features many different types of trees including: The Asian Collection, Azalea Collection, Conifer Collection, Dogwood and Boxwood Collection. There is also an interesting Herb Garden with all different themes such as a Beverage Garden or Native American herbs. Perhaps the most unusual part of the National Arboretum is their extensive display of Bonsai trees which includes both a Chinese and Japanese Pavilion. The Arboretum has a striking visitor's center surrounded by a rectangular moat filled with large koi fish and fountains. All of these exhibits make it an excellent place to bring children or for people who need an easy pace. At the same time, the large size of the park can also provide a workout for those who want exercise.
Affiliated with the National Arboretum, is the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens which is also located in northeast DC. The aquatic gardens features all types of plants that thrive in water, particularly water lilies and weeping willows. You can stroll by the many pools and study the varied plant life. There is also a path which serves as an exhibit on marsh preservation and the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem which takes you through dense foliage and a swampy landscape.
Another place that offers a lot of choices is Great Falls. It straddles the Potomac River with one side belonging to Maryland and the other to Virginia. The Maryland side is home to an excellent hiking path called the Billy Goat Trail. This trail follows along the river for several miles up and down rocks and hills. There is even an area of rocks that is popular for practicing rock climbing. You can also access the C&O canal on the Maryland side of Great Falls. The canal runs throughout Maryland and alongside of it is a towpath which is good for both biking and walking. It is a very flat path which makes for particularly easy bike rides. Great Falls is only one of the many places to walk along the canal. The actual falls are on the Virginia side of the Potomac. The falls are definitely worth visiting and make great scenery. There are 15 miles of trails located in Great Falls National Park that run the gamut from easy to strenuous.
Sugarloaf Mountain is also great place for hiking. Sugarloaf is located in the northernmost part of Maryland and is especially beautiful to visit in the fall when the leaves change colors. There is a road that allows you drive about halfway up the mountain and there are several parking areas as well as scenic overlooks. Sugarloaf mountain has many trails for hiking including a trail to the top of the mountain which provides an excellent view of the Maryland countryside. It is a fairly strenuous hike with a steep ascent at the top.
Perhaps the best place for hiking is Cunningham Falls State Park located in the Cotoctin Mountains in Frederick Maryland. The park features nine different trails ranging from easy to very strenuous with both short and long trails, including the Cotoctin trail which is 27 miles long (only nine miles worth are actually in Cunningham State Park). There is a trail to hike to the Falls as well as swimming and boating on Hunting Creek Lake. You can also visit the historic Cotoctin Iron Furnace.
The Anacostia Tributary Trail system located in Western PG County provides miles of continuos trails. It is a well paved path which makes it a particular favorite with bicyclists and joggers. It is a fairly flat and easy trail but it provides plenty of distance for those who want a workout. The path offers several different landscapes including wooded areas, grassy fields and wetlands. The trail follows the tributary streams of the Anacostia River and includes a path around Lake Artemesia. Another point of interest along the trail is the College Park Airport where you can frequently view small planes take off and land at close view. The College Park Aviation Museum is also nearby.
Rock Creek Park is located within five miles of the White House and is quite sizable with 1,754 acres of forest. It provides plenty of space for hiking as well as a lot of history. It was one of the first national parks to be established and it contains the Old Stone House which is the oldest house in Washington, DC. You can also visit the historic Peirce Mill or investigate some ruins from the Civil War. Most of the hiking here is fairly moderate. The Rock Creek Valley is particularly beautiful in the spring and is an ideal place for picnics.
Although these parks are not the only ones in the Metro DC area, they are some of the best. Each is well-worth at least one visit if not several. Happy hiking!
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