The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Bark + Boarding, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, Bark & Boarding offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.
As the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to have some new outdoor adventures with your dog. To help you find the perfect spot to enjoy nature with your pup, we’ve rounded up some of the best trails to walk or run in the area.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Washington, D.C.
- Two and a half miles of low intensity trails
- Most of the trails are wooded, providing shade during the warmer months
- No fees
- If your dog is adventurous and water-loving, canoeing and kayaking are available
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
7400 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22102
- Over 300 acres of trails leading to scenic spots like Scott’s Run Waterfall and overlooks of the Potomac River
- Variety of trail types, including shaded wooded areas and more intense rocky climbs
- Some trails cover rocky bluffs that are unsafe for dogs
Washington And Old Dominion Trail
21293 Smiths Switch Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
- Sixty-five miles of trails
- Trails are mostly paved or gravel, making them easier for beginners
- This former railroad trail is open year-round
Great Falls
9200 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, VA 22102
- Fifteen miles of trails
- Variety of trails, from the Swamp Trail through lowland forest to the more challenging Billy Goat Trail perfect for high-energy dogs
- Most of the trails are wider, multi-use paths, so if your dog is uncomfortable around bikes and horses, consider a different trail
Rock Creek Park
5200 Glover Road N.W.
Washington, DC 20015
- Thirty-two miles of trails
- Both rustic and paved paths
- During the weekend, parts of Beach Drive are closed to cars so you can feel free to walk your dog down the road
- There is a horse center in the middle of the park, and deer are common, so the trails are best suited for dogs who are already familiar with these animals
Catoctin Mountain Park
6602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
- Twenty-five miles of trails
- Location of Camp David, the presidential retreat
- Dogs must be leashed
- Variety of trail difficulties to match all abilities
Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
- Nearly 500 miles of dog-friendly trails
- One of the few national parks that allows dogs on their trails
- Keep dogs leashed, as bear sightings are common
Looking for more tips, interested in adorable pet pics or just want to get more information on what we do? Stay connected with Bark + Boarding on Facebook, Instagram and our website.
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(This Community Post was written by Signature Theatre and underwritten by Embracing Arlington Arts.)
Signature Theatre just released single tickets for all 33rd season productions, which highlights the organization’s long-time relationship with legendary composer Stephen Sondheim. Beginning with the musical adaptation of The Color Purple and irreverent No Place to Go, the season continues with three Sondheim musicals, the DC premieres of Off-Broadway hit Which Way to the Stage and Pulitzer Prize finalist Selling Kabul, the Tony Award®-winning rock musical Passing Strange, and return of Signature’s cabaret series honoring legendary artists.
“Last November, the world lost an icon. The death of Stephen Sondheim was a blow to everyone in the theater community. Signature Theatre would not be the same without Sondheim — he IS Signature’s ‘signature.’ This season, we are honoring the legend with productions of Into the Woods, Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd dedicated to his memory. These shows represent the diversity and range of Sondheim,” said Signature’s Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner about the new season.
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All are invited to come tour the new spa and to take
