Athletes, would-be athletes and nature lovers should head south from Old Town Alexandria.
Stretching along the Potomac River from the southern border of Old Town to Mount Vernon Estate is the Mt. Vernon bike path. Eight miles of asphalt allow locals and visitors to walk, run or bike while enjoying river views and wildlife sightings. Bald eagles, ospreys, blue heron, cormorants, egrets, ducks and geese are among waterfowl commonly spotted along this corridor, while deer, groundhog and fox sightings are frequent. Combine cardio and conservation by following a nature trail through Dyke Marsh.
Along the bike path is a fitness course and several points of access for canoes or kayaks.
Businesses in the nearby Belle View shopping center allow you to tone up at Curves or take karate lessons. Adjacent to Belle View is the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, which provides Fairfax County residents with an indoor pool and ice rink. Farther south on Route 1 is a Gold's Gym.
Mount Vernon Trail south of Old Town
The RECenter is a great place to volunteer at
Mount Vernon RECenter is at the corner of Fort Hunt and Belle View Bvd.
Last weekend Julie and I decided to take a walk on the trails near the Belle Haven Marina. The weather was warm, one of the first nice days of Spring, so we had a nice little walk to the water's edge.
The trail follows the edge of the Potomac and is relatively quiet even though it's just off the George Washington Parkway.
The day was not so gloomy as these pictures turned out and it was very pleasant just off the trail.
There was a bird here and I tried hard to get him on camera, but he was much too quick. He would dive and then surface with a fish in his beak. We saw him eat at least six fish. I was amazed by how much one little bird could eat.
Foxy came with us and she trotted into the water to bark at ducks but didn't have the courage to take a swim.
About the Author: Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria / Nesbitt Realty in Alexandria VA. He specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne.
Docks at Belle Haven Marina on the Potomac River
Belle Haven Marina is found on the George Washington Parkway just south of historic Old Town Alexandria. Belle Haven Marina is owned by the National Park Service and operated by Belle Haven Marina Inc. The Belle Haven Marina is a short walk from River Towers, Belle View and New Alexandria. Rowboats, canoes, kayaks and sail boats are available for rent. Sign-up for sailing lessons and your package will include a limited number of free hours of sailing.
The Marina has a short pier and the George Washington Parkway has many points to fish the Potomac River. Many anglers rent or own boats which ply more serene and secluded spots nearby.
From the marina, one can see the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Will Nesbitt kayaking the Dyke Marsh
The Dyke Marsh Nature Preserve is managed by the National Park Service as a part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Dyke Marsh is located along the west bank of the Potomac River and includes approximately 485 acres of tidal marsh, floodplain, and swamp forest. Dyke Marsh is one of the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetlands in the Washington Metropolitan area. Today, the nature preserve provides a habitat or home for a diverse array of plants and animals and offers an ideal setting for a variety of recreational activities. The trail, which leads visitors into the marsh, known as the “Haul Road,” is a favorite of area birdwatchers, hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. In addition, the waters in and around the marsh are popular fishing areas. People who explore the marsh by canoe may be rewarded with up-close encounters with the resident wildlife.
Belle Haven Marina is just south of Old Town Alexandria.
There are a number of neighborhoods and condos in close proximity to the marsh, including River Towers where many residents have views to the marsh itself. Belle View is also popular for affordable convenient living near Old Town. If you're looking for a single-family home in a fine neighborhood near the Potomac, you're looking near the Dyke Marsh between Fort Hunt Road and the George Washington Parkway.
Julie and I rented bikes in Old Town last week. We then biked the Mount Vernon Trail to Mount Vernon and back. The trail here is pleasant with some ups and downs that can be a little challenging, but not too tough. The views along the river and through the forest are great. Along the way the trail passes through the Dyke Marsh. We stopped there to take some pictures and drink some water.
Potomac River near Stratford Landing
at the Potomac River in Alexandria VA
Mount Vernon Trail crossing Little Hunting Creek
Nina’s Dandy plying the Potomac
Banks of the Potomac near Mount Vernon
Julie on Mount Vernon Trail
A waterview is always a bonus!
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria. Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
The trail follows the edge of the Potomac and is relatively quiet even though it's just off the George Washington Parkway.
The day was not so gloomy as these pictures turned out and it was very pleasant just off the trail.
There was a bird here and I tried hard to get him on camera, but he was much too quick. He would dive and then surface with a fish in his beak. We saw him eat at least six fish. I was amazed by how much one little bird could eat.
Foxy came with us and she trotted into the water to bark at ducks but didn't have the courage to take a swim.
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.JPG "Will Nesbitt at the canal")