Best, and most beautiful nature near DC?
May 17th, 2007, 03:32 AM
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Best, and most beautiful nature near DC?
Best, and most beautiful nature near DC?
I'm visiting DC, and enjoy nature, especially landscape photography, scenary, memorable viewpoints, etc...
What destinations have you visited (and can vouch for) that you'd like to recommend? I have a list of my own, but would appreciate opinons & feedback from experienced travelers and locals. I have no idea if some of these placese are the worth the time and effort. I'm only in DC for about a week.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail,
Rock Creek Park,
Great Falls Park,
bike Mt Vernon Trail, bike the Potomac river paths, C&O canal bike path,
George Washington Memorial Parkway,
Prince William Forest Park,
Tidal basin (is this different from places above)?
Gravelly Point Park (view takeoffs during rush hour)
plus anything you'd like to add???/
I'm visiting DC, and enjoy nature, especially landscape photography, scenary, memorable viewpoints, etc...
What destinations have you visited (and can vouch for) that you'd like to recommend? I have a list of my own, but would appreciate opinons & feedback from experienced travelers and locals. I have no idea if some of these placese are the worth the time and effort. I'm only in DC for about a week.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail,
Rock Creek Park,
Great Falls Park,
bike Mt Vernon Trail, bike the Potomac river paths, C&O canal bike path,
George Washington Memorial Parkway,
Prince William Forest Park,
Tidal basin (is this different from places above)?
Gravelly Point Park (view takeoffs during rush hour)
plus anything you'd like to add???/
May 17th, 2007, 04:54 AM
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The GW Memorail Parkway might afford a few overlook opportunities but be aware it is a divided highway running from the Beltway to Mount Vernon along the Potomac.
Yes, the Tidal Basin is located in Washington itself and is next to the Jefferson Memorial.
Gravelly Point..the drama may depend on which way the planes are landing/taking off. Some feel that if the planes are landing "down river" it is more dramatic as they fly very low over Gravelley Point which is at the North/West end of the main runway.
If planes are taking off in that direction some don't feel it is as exciting..but go there nonetheless.
Yes, the Tidal Basin is located in Washington itself and is next to the Jefferson Memorial.
Gravelly Point..the drama may depend on which way the planes are landing/taking off. Some feel that if the planes are landing "down river" it is more dramatic as they fly very low over Gravelley Point which is at the North/West end of the main runway.
If planes are taking off in that direction some don't feel it is as exciting..but go there nonetheless.
May 17th, 2007, 05:15 AM
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Dumbarton Oaks is wonderful.
Also, just strolling through the streets of Georgetown-- not the shopping streets (unless you're into that), rather the very handsome residential streets. Could spend hours doing that. (The C&O trail starts in Georgetown, so could combine the 2 for a fine day.)
Don't forget the National Arboretum.
Also, just strolling through the streets of Georgetown-- not the shopping streets (unless you're into that), rather the very handsome residential streets. Could spend hours doing that. (The C&O trail starts in Georgetown, so could combine the 2 for a fine day.)
Don't forget the National Arboretum.
May 17th, 2007, 05:33 AM
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I second the National Arboretum. My favorites are: the riverside park at the bottom of the Asian trail (just outside the fence) for a picnic; the overlooks in the dogwood areas;, the Asia trail itself; the columns.
The Aquatic Gardens (accessed off the BW pkwy by car) are stunning in the month of July - I'm not sure when you are visiting...
The Aquatic Gardens (accessed off the BW pkwy by car) are stunning in the month of July - I'm not sure when you are visiting...
May 19th, 2007, 06:48 AM
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Inside, but beautiful, the bontanical gardens
http://www.usbg.gov/index.cfm
http://www.usbg.gov/index.cfm
May 19th, 2007, 07:00 AM
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Great Falls Park -- on the Maryland side. Not only to you get a better look at the falls, but you have Olmstead Island, the Billy Goat Trail and the C&O canal with its towpath.
For a short quick trip that's close in, you could add Roosevelt Island ... an easy break from the city.
For a short quick trip that's close in, you could add Roosevelt Island ... an easy break from the city.
May 19th, 2007, 08:34 AM
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Rock Creek Park is beautiful, but you have to drive far up the parkway to really see some beautiul sights I drove through last night and was struck by how beautiful the creek is near the Maryland border (just south of Military Road).
