- Highlights: River views, history
- Distance: 1.0 mile loop with several additional trails
- Elevation Change: 26 feet
- Trail Surface: Pavement, dirt, and gravel
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trailhead Parking: Route 204, Popes Creek Road, Visitor Center Parking area
- Trail Markings: Signs at trail junctions
- Website: AllTrails and George Washington Birthplace National Monument
- Beer Pairings: Ice House Brewery—Atwater Bay IPA & High Tide IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
George Washington Birthplace National Monument comprises 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George was born in 1732. Several short trails can be combined into a longer hike. Visit the park visitor center and get a trail map.
From the visitor center, we followed the Pope’s Creek Trail to the historic area. The replica buildings here date from 1932. The Dancing Marsh Trail leads across a footbridge to the Nature Trail Loop. We followed this trail counterclockwise and rejoined the Dancing Marsh Trail to return to the historic area and the visitor center.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Ice House Brewery and Kitchen is about 20 minutes from the trailhead in Colonial Beach VA. Ice House is a brewery with a marina located on Monroe Creek. Ice House has 13 taps of craft beer, wine and seltzer. A variety of pub food is available including salads, burgers, and flatbreads. The brewery has indoor and outdoor seating, they are dog friendly, with live music on weekends.
Pete enjoyed a pint of High Tide (7.5% ABV) a west coast IPA brewed with Cascade, Chinook, and Centennial hops. Kathy always seeks out a hazy IPA and Atwater Bay (7.2% ABV) was juicy, hazy, and hoppy with citrus and grapefruit notes. Sunsets at the brewery are not to be missed.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.