Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: Conservation Area, National Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Dyke Marsh is one of the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetlands in the Washington metropolitan area. Its 485 acres of tidal marsh, floodplain, and swamp forest can be explored by boat or on foot;
Expert birders from Friends of Dyke Marsh lead bird walks each Sunday (walks leave from the entrance to the Haul Road Trail at 8 am);
Boat rentals available at the Belle Haven Marina.

GETTING THERE:

Parking, Public Transit: Bus

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.

kParking Instructions: Parking in Belle Haven Park, beginning of Dyke Marsh Trail

lBus Route: Metro bus stop at the intersection of George Washington Memorial Pkwy & Tulane Dr.
Stop IDs: 5001865 and 5001868

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ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing

AMENITIES:

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Rental Equipment

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Vending Machine

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:

Trail Surface: Paved & Unpaved

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Dog Walking

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Trail Layout: Linear

Trail Length: 0.5 to 1 mile

Trail Shade: Some, Lots

Trail Surface Type: Gravel, Sand/Dirt, Boardwalk

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Benches/Rest Areas

OTHER:

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog

Natural Water Feature: River/Channel, Tidal Flats, Wetlands