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 Reporter |
Summary: The Winkler Botanic Preserve is a private nature sanctuary hidden in western Alexandria. It's a lovely and unusual place to take a mini-hike. The trailhead lies at the edge of a meadow, flanked by woods and a mountain climbers training tower. The hikes route features include a lake, waterfall, mountain lodge, and even a Hobbit house, along with flora that validate the preserve's name. Trailhead: Take I-395 to exit 4 Seminary Road. Head West for approx. 0.2 miles. At second traffic light, turn left onto Beauregard St. North. Proceed for 0.9 miles. Turn left on Roanoke Ave (side street). Follow for 0.1 mile into preserve's parking lot. Metro bus can be taken to Beauregard Street North, and walk to Roanoke Ave. Contact Metro 202-637-7000 or www.wmata.com (Lat:38.8269 Lon:-77.125) Trail Guides for Winkler Botanic Preserve: 60 Hikes within 60 miles of Washington D.C. by Paul Elliott (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: 703-578-7888 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by WB on 7/10/2008 Well...if you're an Appalachian Trail kind of hiker you'd probably not find this little Garden of Eden much of a challenge. But... "If you like Pina Coladas And getting caught in the rain If you're not into yoga If you have half a brain If you'd like walking in hues of sunlight In the cool of shade Then I'm the park that you've looked for Walk through me and escape." You get the idea! Try it...you'll like it! 
Reviewed by l&e on 9/16/2006 September 9th, 06: Took three tries to find it open. The park needs a map at the entrance; we never found the hobbit house; not sure about waterfall? . covered and top bridges washed out by recent rains;a couple of trail segments closed, no clue why. Part has been blocked off for climbing school and tower. many non-native plants. Pretty and unexpected, but not for the purist. 
Reviewed by MCL on 7/16/2006 The preserve was open today. Must have been closed recently due the crazy heavy rains this month. The meadow was beautiful and in full bloom. Nice small wooden bridges to cross, a garter snake on the trail, two large snakes by the pond, and various birds. Some evidence of possibly recent flood but otherwise amazing forested area so close to heavily populated areas. There are definitely red foxes there, we've seen them just outside the preserve before. We went in with our baby jogger and it was an easy walk. 
Reviewed by BG on 7/9/2006 CLOSED, Mid-day Sunday, July 9, 2006. Both the Roanoke Ave. and Marc Center entrances were chained closed, and looked like they'd been so for months. I didn't call the Metro or Ranger contacts provided, so I can't say what the story is.
Reviewed by Bob on 3/18/2006 There is no park better than this park. I've traveled west and seen some parks out there, but they all suck compared to my beautiful Virginia. I think they have one of the original bridges from the movie "Bridges of Madison Countey" there. There is also a Hobit Gym if you can believe it. Fabulous!!! We got free cheese when we went and if you go in the right time of year you might be able to get free cheese too. Amazing for climbers too.
Reviewed by Gabriel Elias on 12/27/2005 I should update my review. I have sinced moved but this summer, August of 2005, in the morning I had the pleasure of seeing two foxes and some deer in the preserve. Now this may not seem incredible except that this park borders a major interstate and is surrounded by suburbia at its worst! I like to speculate on how the deer ended up in the preserve. Did they take a bus? And the foxes were beautiful.
Reviewed by Kelly on 12/18/2005 I love this hike! It's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, without having to drive very far. The staff at Winkler are also very friendly and knowledgeable. Fall - lots of beautiful fall colors, Winter - beautiful scenery, especially after a snowfall, Spring - lots of wildflowers, Summer - plenty of frogs, dragonflys, etc. A nature enthusiasts dream in the metro area!
Reviewed by Gabriel Elias on 10/7/2004 It's all relative. If you are moving, like I did, from Ohio and Michigan with wonderful park systems everywhere, you will be dissapointed. The park is small, the hike is easy, and quiet ruined by I-395 and airplanes. The worst thing in my opinion is the hours: it closes at 5 p.m. leaving those who work 9-5 no chance to hike and relax. As for the good, Northern Virginia is a suburban jungle, a park like this is priceless. The main trail is nice and you see a beautiful waterfall and a nice lodge, a fire tower, a small meadow (I'm a big fan of meadows in forest areas). There are dozens of side trails that you must take. One takes you to a hidden pond (not the main pond). I've seen so far a heron, brown watersnakes, bluegills and turtle Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Alexandria City County Hiking, Alexandria City County Trails, Alexandria City County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||