A wonderful loop trail tucked beneath the Bucknell Manor neighborhood and Fort Hunt Road.

Adjacent to Mount Vernon REC Center, this wonderful trail in the woods is accessible from the REC center or Martha Washington Parking lots, but also from numerous dead-end offshoots from Quander Road, which are usually approached by residents, but cars are welcome to park there in order to access the park. While there is no parking on Fort Hunt Road, Belle View Elementary School has ample parking as well, but Fort Hunt is generally a busy road so be cautious when crossing if you choose to pair your hike with some playground time.

From wherever you approach it, Mount Vernon District Park Trail is an unexpected bit of nature. The elevation shift is notable and attracts mountain bikers. There is an area for bikers to practice tricks, however, so you don't run into younger bikers that frequently. The more mature, experienced bikers are careful of those walking with animals or kids, though you should still be aware when turning corners at the more narrow parts of the trail. The incline is gradual enough at any point for my little ones to tackle and it's also stroller friendly.There are multiple loops that dip off as well, so there are many opportunities to change course to avoid others. We have not experienced a single issue and we've been there many, many times.

The trail can be very muddy in the lower portions after heavy rains, especially in the warmer months and little ones go straight for it. There are places where it can be so deep that without the proper footwear a shoe could easily come off leading to a very messy situation so wear rain/hiking boots or sturdy footwear. 

There is also a stream running through the park, and you cross over it at a footbridge. The kids love stopping to check out the small stream. Additionally, there is a large fallen tree that kids love to pass over. Make sure to be there to support them, because it's a significant height for little ones to fall, with sticks and other hindrances generally hidden by leaves, so you wouldn't want an unexpected fall. Overall its a smooth path across the trunk but there is one very uneven point where little ones could use a hand to steady them.

This is a great little nature escape conveniently located next to Martha Washington Library and across the street from the playground at Belle View Elementary School. There is also a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in the shopping center across from the Mount Vernon REC Center.