forest trail in mount vernon

A few weeks ago, we were both in DC & decided to use the time wisely to see if there were any great hikes in the region. After a little searching, we found we could mix tourist duties with hiking! So we jumped at the chance to walk the Forest Trail, on the historic Mount Vernon George Washington estate.

• Trail: Forest Trail (no map available)
• Location: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Mount Vernon, Va.
  
• Length: 1/4 mile
  
• Hike time: 15 minutes (take your time)
  
• Terrain: dirt road, some steps, wood bridge
  
• Path visibility: Very clearly marked
  
• Difficulty: easy
  
• Cost: $13 per adult for admission to Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
  
• Highlight destination: realization that you are walking where George Washington once did
  
• Beware: nothing - have a great time!
  

Can you think of anything better than taking a nice winter walk in the woods on the private property of President George Washington? The trail begins just off the hill where the main house sits.

At the start of the trail, you're greeted by a few cows & some historic replica farm equipment. Yeah, I'll admit it. I climbed into the wagon for a picture or two, but you won't find that evidence posted here! Walking along to the right side of this area into the trees to the trail, you cross a nice wood bridge to the thick of the woods.

And that is where it hits you.

Not only are you walking on George Washington's property, he likely walked these woods every morning to survey the land.

There were tons of signs along the way, pointing out species of plant or animal life that were present in Washington's time & a few fun quizzes as well.

The walk itself curved around various parts of the forest, but at 1/4 mile it wasn't long enough to get the heart going. This is, after all, basically a museum activity. (If you want a serious hike, you should probably do the 18-mile Mount Vernon trail, which leads hikers along the Potomac from Rosslyn to Mount Vernon.)

The forest trail ends at a farming area exhibition, which recreated a barn and various planting areas all overlooking the Potomac River.

The walk in the woods gives the estate visitors a chance to reflect on how amazing the Mount Vernon historic experience is & really walk a few steps in Washington's world.


Tipped off: We found this one on the Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens Web site when researching tourist activities in DC.