Boldly Go Solo

Last weekend I did a 9-mile hike in the woods, along a creek for much of the way. I heard woodpeckers and the rustle of small four legged creatures scurrying away at the sound of footfalls. And the entire hike was in Washington, D.C.

What a lot of people don't realize about the nation's capital is that a stone's throw from the marble and granite monuments is enough park to get lost in. It's called Rock Creek Park. This hike started from a Metro station, where the Capital Hiking Club met up on a Saturday morning. Lots of people arrived alone.

After a two-block walk north on Connecticut Avenue, a major D.C. artery, we took a right turn onto a dirt path toward the Melvin Hazen Tributary of Rock Creek. The trail descended steeply and soon we were completely surrounded by tall trees. 

That didn't last the whole way but we were on dirt trails for most of the hike. Part of the time we were close to a two-lane road that runs through the park, one that is closed to cars on weekends. We could see and hear the bikers, joggers, walkers and inline skaters. I'm often one of them on weekends.

At one point, I ended up talking with the woman behind me, Gretchen, originally from Belgium. That's what happens on these group things. People come alone but connect with whoever's hiking near them.

The night before, my friend and I joined the same hiking club for its monthly moonlight walk on the C&O Canal in Maryland, just outside the district. It was a beautiful night so a large crowd showed up. We trekked two miles to Great Falls. As night fell, the bright, nearly full moon appeared between tree branches. Spectacular. The group plans its hike for the Friday closest to the full moon.

We spent some time gazing at moonlight on the falls, something I'd not experienced at Great Falls before. I usually see the falls in sharp sunlight.

Back at the gravel parking area some people headed for their cars but a bunch of us crossed the road to the Old Angler's Inn. Many people who hadn't know one another before sat at outside tables chatting.

You don't have to be a member of the Capital Hiking Club to go on one of their hikes. You just show up. The day hike cost $2. The moonlight hike was free.

Washington has many clubs like this – hiking, biking, sailing and more – where you can just show up for the day and find company. Usually for free, or a nominal fee. I'll write about others from time to time.

Photos: Ellen Perlman

1. The view East from Connecticut Avenue north of Cleveland Park. Deep woods.The sign says, "Foot Trail No Horses." Yes, there also are horses and a stable in Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC!

2. The view South from steps away. The end of rush hour on Connecticut Avenue. Forested parkland so close to the urban crush.