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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 The hours are not friendly enough for me to use it. Would love to one day. There is no map of the trail to look at without becomeing a member of a web site. Is the trail just for people who do not work? I love the trails. It's really fun. Great for kids. If you go, don't forget to cross the creek. Error: Reserved Word Found: -- Just hiked this today in the beautiful spring weather (took me about 45 minutes to cover most of the area). I thought it was perfect for what it is - a sanctuary in the middle of an urban area. Yes, you can hear construction and traffic. But you can also hear birds and see the sunshine filtering through the trees. I think this community needs more of these oases - a chance to take in some fresh air and reconnect a little with nature. After reading the description I was really excited to take my family to what sounded like a little gem. I was not expecting to find this place in the middle of an office park/apartment buildings/building cranes and with the sound of the rushing highway right above. The idea is great and it has some minor quirky charm, but don't waste a beautiful day here given all of the other lovely areas around! If you like Spring wildflowers, this place has them all. They plant them and care for them here. No need to drive to the mountains. The woods are wonderful and the trails are laid out such that you can see it all. I am impressed with the incised meanders. The streams cut into the bedrock. There is major construction adjacent and sometimes a lot of silt impacts the southeast stream and pond. But there are still bluegills and leopard frogs there. The hike is awsome and so is the camp! 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! 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||