Mt. Vernon Trail post-storm

[DismalScientist]

This evening I did the Circular Route, Arlington Proper, AKA “the Loop.” All is clear with one exception: The northbound lane of the MVT is blocked north of Gravelly Point. This will not be an issue in daylight, but any nighttime commuters may wish they have their lights on in “see the trail” mode.

[KLizotte]

@PotomacCyclist 24092 wrote:

A tree could have been damaged in the storm but it might not have fallen over immediately. It wouldn’t surprise me if a tree or branch with hidden damage fell over a couple days later.

Yup, this is happening. A couple of trees down on the MVT tonight that weren’t there last night. So sad to see all those lovely trees destroyed. I hope NPS has $$ to replant new trees.

[Rootchopper]

Although there are many trees down across the trail, they are all easily passable until you get to Tulane Drive south of Old Town (just beyond the Dyke Marsh boardwalk). At that point there’s a big tree across the trail. You’ll have to lift your bike over it if you want to go south. From there to Alexandria Ave is clear.

Two things to keep in mind. At the places where trees cross the trail and passage is rideable, please don’t go flying around the downed tree. head on collission will ruin your day and mine. Also, there is a formidable widowmaker near the power plant.

All in all, pretty impressive damage. Now can somebody turn the power on at my house . It’s over 90 degrees in the bedrooms.

[PotomacCyclist]

It looks like Godzilla went on a rampage down by the river. Paul Bunyan did his fair share too.

[Dirt]

Anyone checked south of Alexandria? I’m guessing that’s a mess. I probably have to recon that tonight if no-one has news. Thanks!

[Dirt]

@Dirt 24150 wrote:

Anyone checked south of Alexandria? I’m guessing that’s a mess. I probably have to recon that tonight if no-one has news. Thanks!

Got word that the one huge tree that was previously reported is the only one down on the MVT. Everything else is easily passable or able to be ridden around.

Thanks!

Pete

[Terpfan]

I would be surprised if the stuff is still there. NPS was out right around Gravelly Pt/Airport junction this morning. The guy was saying something, I think about warning me, but it was pretty obvious they were working.

[dbb]

I sent the following note to the Superintendent of the GWMP last night. Given the setup for the 4th of July and the heat, the folks that got the trails ridable in such a short time deserve our thanks.

GWMP_Superintendent@nps.gov

“Just a short note to say that the staff of the GWMP has done a superb job of restoring the Mount Vernon Trail after the recent severe weather. I rode the trail today from Four Mile Run to Roosevelt Island and was impressed with the efforts to reopen the trail. While much remains to be done, the NPS staff has addressed the most critical needs.

I know that other trail users share my impressions as I have spoken with many of them.

Please let the NPS staff involved in this effort know that their efforts are appreciated.”

Feel free to tailor it to your style. While I have articulated strong opinions about some NPS management decisions in the past, the trails we enjoy are available largely due to the deeds of the staff of the GWMP, Arlington County and others. For their work, we owe them thanks.

[consularrider]

There was a crew working on Columbia Island this morning clearing up the smaller stuff with a chipper. They had left the big items in place, but had a truck with a clawlike device to lift those onto a flat bed. This is in the prime fireworks viewing area, so maybe it is getting special attention!

[KLizotte]

I was very impressed by how well the Custis had been cleaned up last night. Kudos to Arlington County!

It’s a real shame that huge tree came down by the ramp to George Mason Bridge. Probably over 100 years old and provided great shade for the area. I hope NPS is able to find a buyer for the wood at least.

[Author]

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