Last weekend, I decided to take my kids on a fun adventure, close to nature, in order to give them a rest from their gadgets and re-introduce them to the real world! So we zeroed down to a park, where we’ve never been before, the Windy Run Park. Here’s how our adventure went!
About Windy Run Park
Windy Run is an Arlington County Park. The entrance to the park is at the end of Kenmore Street in North Arlington, turning north from the intersection of Lorcom Lane.
Trail
The trail starts, like so many of them, at a utility substation. Walk around the substation either way, and you’ll find yourself on a trail overlooking the run, with a handrail on your left. Except not for long – much of the handrail and supporting masonry has washed away, and was replaced with plastic fencing or nothing at all.
This is the hallmark of the Windy Run hike – an unsuccessful attempt to tame the wilds of Arlington!
The challenging part of a hike along Windy Run is right up front – the four-tenths of a mile from Kenmore Street to the Potomac River.
| NEARBY: Potomac Overlook Nature Center: Hands-On Exhibits, Animals & More
It’s four crossings of the run, each wide and slippery enough that pre-K hikers are likely to need a hand. Older kids (and some adults!) might also need guidance if there’s been a lot of rain or their balance is sub-par.
It’s a shady trail, but the path along here offers good drainage and was pretty dry even just four days after a big rainstorm.
The last crossing is at the top of the waterfall which drops the run into the Potomac River. To get down to the river and the Heritage Trail, cross the run and make your way down the decaying, uneven staircase.
There is a handrail, although at times it is just a few inches above the rocks that form the steps.
The Waterfall
This part can be slippery, and the handrail is hard to grip in the winter (it’s metal and VERY cold!). That said, your efforts are rewarded when you come to the bottom.
Here the waterfall meets the Potomac surrounded by a broad sand and stone area, with paths and rocks leading down to the edge of the river.
The paths along the river here are mostly flat and uneventful. The most recent time, we walked six-tenths of a mile towards Rosslyn along the trail (to the right when your back is to the waterfall).
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Unlike the Windy Run part of the trail, parts of the trail here were muddy, although mostly avoidable by walking in the brush on the edges of the trail. Several small streams crossed our path, requiring one or two adult strides to get to the other side.
There were also several wood bridges – planks anchored into each side of a small divide.
Good to Know
- On wood bridges, stand on the bolts anchoring the board into the earth on one side or the other – the weight of an adult lessens the movement of the bridge while the child is crossing.
- Beautiful local park that is not too crowded.
- Some areas could have steep stairs and rock scrambles which could make it hard for pre-k kids to climb and walk on.
- The hike could be a little challenging in some points but the scenery is great and the beautiful waterfalls is a great reward after.
- Windy Run hike is 3.5 miles out and back
Getting There & Parking
Windy Run Park is located at: 2420 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22207
Park in the cul-de-sac at the end of Kenmore or, if there’s no space, at the Woodmont YMCA off Fillmore Street, one street east of Kenmore (walk down behind the building to get to Kenmore Street).
Things to Do Nearby
- Visit the Potomac Overlook Nature Center
- Cool off at Ocean Dunes Waterpark
- Take a swing at Upton Hill Regional Park’s batting cages
Windy Run has a little something for everyone who like a challenge in a hike.
There are no bathrooms at the trail, and strollers are not recommended. Bring water and a snack, as the views along the Potomac are made for taking a break!
