This 3.8 mile loop hike occurred on Saturday, August 1, 2020.
Participants were Tom O'Brien, Jessica Lowry, Jason Brue, Abby Brue and Mike
Calabrese.
We caught a break this trip as the rain stopped early Saturday morning
and would not be starting up again until Saturday afternoon. So I met Tom
and Jessica at the church at 8:00 AM sharp and we all drove in
separate vehicles to Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, VA. The
POPUMC Hiking Group
was back in business!
We had gone over the COVID-19 Guidelines and everyone was wearing a mask. We
got to the park around 8:45 AM and started the hike. We were then joined by
Jason Brue and his daughter Abby. That then made 5 of us.
The trail was mostly dual track. And there were some ups and downs. But it
was pleasant to hike on. There were a lot of people out in the park on this
Saturday. There had been a 5K race. There were walkers, runners and
bicyclists on the trail.
This loop trail went partially around Lake Accotink for about a mile and a
half, then along Accotink Creek, which fed the lake, for another half mile,
then along Danbury Forest Road for about a quarter mile,
then along what looked like an old road for the last mile or so. This old
road was well graded and was very easy to hike on.
The temperature was in the 70's when we started, then was in the 80's by the
time that we finished this one. The humidity was a factor today. We had a
mixture of sun and clouds most of the day.
This park was in the news last year as Fairfax County, VA was going to
let the lake return to a creek since they had to dredge it every 10-15 years.
However, due to citizen feedback they decided to go ahead and dredge it
again. I hope that they can find a way to keep this lake from filling up
with silt as it is a fantastic source of recreation for the people.
Our youngest hiker was Abby, who was only about 8 years old. She did well on
this 3.8 mile loop. We ended the hike around 10:30, which was a lot earlier
than I expected. We then said our goodbyes and drove home. So even in
the era of COVID-19 we were still able to have a nice time, some good
conversation (while social distancing and wearing a mask) and hopefully got a
bit in better shape by hiking the Lake Accotink Trail. Another hike in the
books!
Mike C
More Images
Lake Accotink Lives On!
Fairfax County Board votes to save Lake Accotink
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Lake Accotink Dam.
By Mike Calabrese
Taking a break around mile 2.
By Mike Calabrese
Social distancing.
By Mike Calabrese
View of Accotink Creek, VA.
.
By Mike Calabrese
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