Head to Donaldson Run in Arlington for a Fun Day Outdoors with Family!

The best kept secret for dog owners and families in the DMV is Donaldson Run trail. I may be biased because our pack lives a few blocks from the entrance to this trail, but after trying to find truly dog friendly hikes that don't require a drive to Shenandoah, I can attest that this spot is a gem. The trail starts near Marymount University in Arlington, and ends at the Potomac River where it intersects with the Potomac Heritage trail. The trail follows a shallow creek with frequent creek crossings and ample opportunities to splash around. Adaptable for all abilities, Donaldson is also a place to let your well-behaved pups run off-leash and in the summer and cool off in the creek. However be aware, this trail is downhill one way, and a steady incline on the way back.

There are two main entrances to Donaldson Run. The first starts at Marymount University on 26th Street N across from the Marymount Reinsch Library. This entrance happens to be a few blocks from the entrance to the Marymount Farmers Market, a great place to fuel up before your hike. If you are hiking with your dog be aware that dogs are not allowed in the market which is open on Saturdays from 9am - 1pm. At this entrance there is metered street parking and the round trip down to the Potomac river and back is about four miles. This portion of the trail is a paved and winds through a neighborhood, following a small and shallow creek. There are a couple of quiet street crossings before the trail turns into dirt for the last section. For those visiting with their dogs, this initial portion of the trail requires your dog to be on leash.

The second and more popular entrance begins at 4020 30th St N in Arlington. Here there is non-metered street parking and a roundtrip hike to the river and back is approximately two miles. At this entrance the trail is no longer paved and dogs are welcome to be off leash. City rules state that a dog must be on leash upon entering and exiting the park, once on the trail you must keep a leash with you at all times. Families who want to let their dogs off leash should be aware that this portion of the trail is quite secluded and in the early morning or evening you can spot deer and the occasional fox. Here, the trail criss-crosses the same small creek more than a dozen times requiring you to find dry and secure rocks or get your feet wet. Dogs can splash around in the creek, chase squirrels up the embankments and meet other dog friendly pups. I would suggest bringing your pup on an extra long lead or, if you are comfortable, keeping them close under voice command while off leash so that they feel safe crossing on the rocks and climbing over fallen logs. This portion of the trail is far from any streets or houses, so your dogs can really stretch their legs. There is a small pooling of the creek where dogs can swim that serves as a great 'halfway' point if you choose to start your hike at the second entrance. The closer you get to the Potomac river the more rugged the trail becomes, ending in a series of natural stairs. Getting to the bank of the river could be difficult with smaller children and dogs on a leash.

Once you reach the Potomac River, Donaldson Run hooks up with Potomac Heritage trail which can take you directly to the parking lot at Theodore Roosevelt Island. This one way trip from the entrance at Marymount is about 5 miles, or 4 miles from the 30th St entrance.