Theodore Roosevelt Island

Spend an hour or two exploring Theodore Roosevelt Island in Arlington, VA.

Roosevelt Island (Point B)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Drive to Theodore Roosevelt Island (2.3 miles, 5 minutes) and park in the lot just off of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

2.  Cross the bridge, leading to the Island.

Bridge to Roosevelt Island

3.  Stop at the memorial plaza and read the inspirational quotes from the 26th President of the United States.

Memorial on Roosevelt Island

4.  Circumvent the island, stopping to see great views of Georgetown and Washington, DC and enjoying the nature found there.

View of Georgetown from the island

Scenes along the nature walk

THINGS TO KNOW:

The island is open, free of charge, year-round from 6:00a-10:00p.

The parking lot is only accessible to cars traveling northbound on George Washington Memorial Parkway.  You can also access the island by foot or bike using the Mount Vernon Trail (bikes are not allowed on the island, but bicycle racks are located near the footbridge).

The island has restrooms and drinking fountains.  Restrooms are closed during the winter, but the park provides portable toilets near the restrooms.

Most trails are well paved and wheelchair or stroller accessible.  However, the trails providing the best views of Georgetown are not.

Evening Hike at Bears Den

Take a short evening hike to Bears Den in Bluemont, VA and watch the sunset over the Shenandoah Valley.

Bears Den (Point B)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Drive to Bears Den (58 miles, 1 hour)

Carving at Bears Den Day Use Parking Lot

2.  Hike either the Nature Trail (1 mile, easy); the Demonstration Trail (1.5 miles, moderate); or the trail to Tributary Bridge (2 miles, moderate)

3.  Finish your hike at the Bears Den Overlook and watch the sunset.

View from Bears Den Outlook

Sunset over the Shenandoah Valley

THINGS TO KNOW:

We did this as an evening hike, following dinner in Loudoun County, and loved it.  It was easy and had amazing views.  There were surprisingly only a few groups at the overlook that weekend, which made it simple to find a spot to sit and enjoy the sunset.  Another couple brought pizza and we liked that idea for the next time we go.

You could easily turn this into a day-long hiking trip.  Bears Den is on the Appalachian Trail, which allows you to modify your hike based on time and ability.  (You will find longer hike ideas on the website for Bears Den.)

The day-use fee is only $3.  Parking was a little tight since the day-use lot is also used for nearby camping (for an additional fee - rates found on the website).  If the lot is full, you can park on Route 7 and hike in 0.5 miles.  Camping, fires, and alcohol are prohibited at the overlook and you are encouraged to pack out anything you bring.

While watching a sunset is always more enjoyable without the kids, we were glad we went without our little one since there are cliffs, large boulders, and other assorted ways to fall.  By all means, take your children to this great spot, but be prepared to keep an eye on them while you apreciate the view.