K9 Trailblazers Dog Hiking Club 
Sunday, April 27, 2003 Hike Information 
Theodore Roosevelt Island

Where:
When:
Participation Limit:
Hike Description:
(map)
What to Bring:
Rules:
Cancellation Policy:
Directions:
Contacts:

Where: 

This is an opportunity to learn about the geologic and natural history of a very special place as a National Park Ranger guides us through forests and wetlands and past historic sites. We will stop to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial, and possible also to have lunch. This hike will take place at Roosevelt Island, located in the Potomac River near downtown Washington, DC. Access is from Virginia. (See directions below.)

When:

For the exact time to meet at the trailhead, contact one of the hike organizers.

Participation Limit:

Priority for sign-ups will go to people who participate in the April 5th clean-up at Turkey Run Park.

This hike will be limited to 15 people plus dogs, but if more than 15 people who participated in the April 5th clean-up want to come, the Ranger will be inclined to invite a few more!

If fewer than 15 “priority” people sign up by April 10th, we’ll begin accepting sign-ups from the general public on April 11th and reservations will be taken in order received on or after April 11.

The Hike:

This hike will be a single 2-1/2 mile loop around Roosevelt Island, and an out & back hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail along the Potomac River of about 2 miles each way. The total hike is rated "B" on our scale.  For more information on the rating system, click here.

On Roosevelt Island we'll hike at a moderate pace on rocky forest trails to and across wetlands, stopping frequently to listen to the Ranger explain what we’re seeing and teach us some of the history of the island. Lunch will be either on the Island during the hike or immediately afterward depending on the Ranger’s schedule that day. After lunch, those who want to hike further will go North along the Potomac River for a couple of miles trying to identify vegetation and geologic features similar to the ones we’ve been shown earlier and looking for wildlife. The trails on Roosevelt Island are fairly easy. The Potomac Heritage Trail along the Potomac is a bit more rugged.

For more information on Theodore Roosevelt Island, click here.

 Roosevelt Island Area Map

TR Island Trail Map

What to Bring:

As usual, come prepared to hike. This means appropriate footwear, a hat, and sufficient water for you and your dog (a quart for each of you). Since this trail is rocky in parts, good hiking shoes are a must. Be prepared for changeable weather. It's probably best to dress in layers, so you can stay comfortable. Bring lunch for you and snacks for you and your dog.

Rules:

Basically the main rules we have are that dogs need to stay on leash and under control, and that you scoop your poop. Please bring a 6-8' standard leash for your dog. With a large group, flexible leads can allow people and dogs to trip or tangle, resulting in rope burns or injuries.

Cancellation Policy:

We'll be hiking rain, snow or sunshine unless there is severe or dangerous weather. If the weather is too hot, too cold or too wet for you on the day of the hike, don't be afraid to sit this one out. We want you to have fun! We have planned other hikes, so if you don't think you'll enjoy yourself this time, just wait for the next hike. If you've registered and find you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. We frequently have a number of people on our waitlist, and we want to give everyone a chance to sign up if they can.

Directions:

From the DC Beltway:

To reach this point from the Beltway (1-495) take George Washington Parkway south. Take Theodore Roosevelt Bridge across the river onto Constitution Avenue, and take the first right onto 23rd Street. Stay to the right and get on Memorial Bridge heading back across the river. Stay in the right lane and go slowly as you look for the sign for GW Parkway. If you get all the way across Memorial Bridge to the traffic circle at Arlington Cemetery you went too far, so continue around that circle and take GW Parkway north along the river to the Roosevelt Island parking area on the right, just after the Roosevelt Bridge. Add about 10 min. extra driving time to make the loop from the southbound lanes across both bridges and back to the parking area. 

From Columbia and Points North:

Take I-95 south to the DC Beltway and head west (outer loop - toward Silver Spring). From there, follow the directions listed above.

From Alexandria and Points South:

Take the GW Parkway north and exit at Roosevelt Island. A map is provided below:

Contacts

To register for the hike and to get the details on meeting location and time, or for anything else about this hike or the hiking club in general, please contact Pat Fuhrer or Jeff Bolognese.