Huntley Meadows Park
YR1285
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Our start point, HAYFIELD EXXON, located at the intersection of Telegraph Road and South King Highway, is less than 100 yards from the start of our trail. The trail is totally within the 1,424 acres of majestic forests, wildflowers and speckled meadows, and vast wetlands bursting with life. Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park. Your walking adventure starts the moment you enter the park and continues until the moment you finish. Walking down established trails, participants enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and then the real fun begins! Very quickly, participants "leave" the safety of prepared trails for the excitement of crossing some five kilometers of the swamp and wetlands using actual/active deer trails. Our check point is located inside the superb Visitor Center for the park and offers numerous displays of the park and its wildlife/plantlife. Leaving the center, participants walk out to one of the most popular aspects of our trail - the lovely boardwalk that takes you "above" the swamp for "up close and personal" views of the swamp life. The American Bald Eagle, the plant life, the beaver, the deer with their young, the turtles, frogs, and birds, the elusive Red Fox, and countless other elements of the park all for the participants enjoyment Returning to our finish, participants enjoy a stroll along tree lined paths offering welcomed shade to participants. All and all, this event offers participants an opportunity to walk our trail several times during the year and have your surroundings change from one visit to the next. No buildings to walk past, no busy streets to cross, no traffic lights or cars, no neighborhoods to ramble through - just a great nature walk. And to make it even better, the event even offers a very popular "A" award! Huntley Meadows is open 365 days a year. Hours are Mon - Sat 0800 - 1700, Sun 0900 - 1700. To reach our start point, participants can exit off the Washington Beltway (I-95) at EXIT 2 for Telegraph Road SOUTH. Go to the sixth traffic light (3.35 miles from the Beltway), and turn LEFT into the Hayfield Exxon and our registration. Although our trail is marked, we encourage participants to take our user friendly trail guide, that also includes a trail map, to ensure a great walking experience. Additional information can be obtained by calling Ron Hamner at 703-922-1885 or writing to 5505 Helmsdale Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315. Don't be shy about this being your "first" volkssporting event - we designed it for the new walker!
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