Belle Haven Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: National Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Surrounded by Dyke Marsh, a 485 acre tidal wetlands, the park contains the Dyke Marsh Trail

The Mount Vernon Trail passes through the park.

There is a boat ramp and boats for rent at the Belle Haven Marina.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: From Virginia on the Capital Beltway:
Take Exit 1 headed south on Richmond Hwy., Route 1. Once on Route 1, stay in the right lane to take the next exit for Fort Hunt Rd. Once on the exit ramp, youu2019ll need to stay in the left lanes, bearing left and passing through the traffic light across Route 1 to get onto Ft. Hunt Rd. After 1.1 miles, turn left at a traffic light near the shopping center onto Belle View Blvd. At the end of Belle View Blvd., after 0.6 miles turn left on the George Washington Parkway, and move to the right lane. Turn right into Belle Haven, then immediately turn left toward parking areas.

From Maryland on the Capital Beltway:
Be in the right lane when coming over the Wilson Bridge, and take the first exit toward Mt. Vernon. The exit ramp actually puts you on Church St. but at the traffic light you can turn right onto Washington St. As Washington St. crosses over the beltway and leaves Alexandria, it becomes the George Washington Parkway. After 1.25 miles, turn left into Bell Haven. Immediately turn left again toward parking areas.

lBus Route: 11Y

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Open Space, Trails, Rollerskating, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing, Marina/Boating

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Seating, Picnic Tables, Grills, Food for Sale

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Rental Equipment

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Vending Machine

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:

Trail Surface: Paved

Trail Activities: Walking, Running/Jogging, Inline Skating, Bicycling, Dog Walking

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Trail Layout: Linear

Trail Length: 1 to 5 miles

Trail Shade: Some, Lots

Trail Surface Type: Asphalt, Gravel, Boardwalk

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Benches/Rest Areas, Drinking Water

OTHER:

Open Space Activities: Play frisbee or catch, Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic, Do Yoga

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Open Space Shade: Some

Natural Water Feature: River/Channel, Wetlands