Huntley Meadows Park Experience

There's a 1,400-acre wetland hiding just outside Washington, DC.^[1]

This is Huntley Meadows, in Alexandria, Virginia. It's the biggest park in Fairfax County. It's free and open all year.^{[2], [1], [3]}

The centerpiece is a beaver-built marsh. A half-mile boardwalk runs straight through it, and a two-story observation tower stands along it. Climb up and the whole wetland spreads out below you.^{[1], [4]}

Over 200 bird species have been recorded here. You can find herons, beavers, frogs, and turtles. It's one of the best wildlife spots in the DC area.^{[1], [4], [5], [2]}

Bring binoculars; local birders do a group walk here every Monday morning. Photographers also love it. National award-winning shots have come out of this marsh. Just note that dogs aren't allowed on the boardwalk and heron trails.^{[6], [1], [4]}