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Chris Militzer/Miliman12
The boardwalk trail on Roosevelt Island.
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Chris Militzer/Miliman12
Jones Point Park in Alexandria.
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Chris Militzer/Miliman12
Jones Point Park in Alexandria.
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Chris Militzer/Miliman12
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve.
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Chris Militzer/Miliman12
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve.
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Chris Militzer/Miliman12
Huntley Meadows Park.
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Chris Militzer/Miliman12
Huntley Meadows Park.
Photos by Chris Militzer
The leaves are (finally!) starting to turn pretty colors – and you don’t have to go out the Blue Ridge Mountains to see them. Here are four places in the Alexandria area to get great photos of the leaves at peak color this month:
Roosevelt Island — Transformed in the 1930s from neglected farmland to the wooded island we know today, Roosevelt Island has miles of forest trails. Wear sturdy shoes (some areas get muddy, but there is a boardwalk trail for those who want more stable ground). To get there, take the George Washington Parkway northbound. The park is on the right just after the Roosevelt Bridge. The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Pets should be leashed.
Jones Point Park — Just south of Old Town Alexandria, Jones Point Park features a gravel interpretive trail, fresh water marsh habitat and more, two fishing piers and a canoe launch to enjoy the leaves from the Potomac River. There are also a few playgrounds for children. Take South Royal Street south and turn left onto Jones Point Drive just north of the Beltway. The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Pets should be leashed.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve — Dyke Marsh is one of the biggest freshwater tidal wetlands in the Washington, DC metro area. The ¾-mile long Haul Road Trail follows an old mining road through all types of habitat in Dyke Marsh. No bicycles allowed. The wildlife preserve is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Travel south from Old Town on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and turn left when you see the sign for “Belle Haven Park & Marina/Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve.”
Huntley Meadows Park — Huntley Meadows features forests, meadows and wetlands (with a boardwalk) across nearly 1,500 acres. The park is known for its wildlife and bird watching, observation platforms and wildflower meadows. More than 10 miles of trails snake through the park. There are three entrances to the park – the main entrance is at 3701 Lockeed Blvd., which is west of Route 1 southbound just south of Groveton. The park is open dawn to dusk.
