The Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, and the National Military Monument

About this event

The months-long renovations to the Lincoln Monument Reflecting Pool are finally complete and the pool refilled and construction fencing removed, so visitors can once again walk along its surrounding pathways and view the landmark's new blue appearance. This is also the last weekend the National Military Monument will be on the Lincoln Memorial Plaza; it will be removed after November 12. The National Military Monument is a one-of-a-kind monument that lists the names and honors the commitment of those who served. Let's meet at Columbia Island and hike to the National Mall for a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, and the National Military Monument! ❶ What we'll do: • We'll cross the George Mason Bridge into Washington DC and walk about 3.25 miles through the FDR, MLK, and Korean War memorials, around the Reflecting Pool, and past the Vietnam Women's Memorial and Three Servicemen Statue to the National Military Monument. • After spending time as needed viewing names on the monument, we'll visit the Lincoln Memorial, recross the Potomac River over the Arlington Bridge, and follow the Mount Vernon Trail about 2.25 miles back to Columbia Island. • The total hike is about 5.5 miles and should take about 2.5 hours at a moderate pace; perhaps a little more depending on how long we stop at the various sights. The surface is mostly flat, paved trails. There is a flight of stairs on the Washington DC side of the George Mason Bridge. • Google map: https://tinyurl.com/yeacncnu ❷ How to get there: Driving is recommended, but a little tricky. • The entrance to the Columbia Island Marina parking lot can only be reached from the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Use GPS 38.87549, -77.04945 in your nav device. • From I-395 S (the George Mason Memorial Bridge), take exit 10C and merge onto the George Washington Memorial Pkwy North. Exit left toward US-50 W/Memorial Bridge/Arlington Cemetery. Exit Memorial Circle onto VA 27 S/Washington Blvd. Exit left and merge onto the George Washington Memorial Pkwy South. Follow the sign to the Columbia Island Marina to turn right to enter the parking lot. • From I-395 N, take exit 8B for VA-27 E/Washington Blvd toward Rosslyn. Merge onto VA-27 E/S Washington Blvd. Use the right lane to take the ramp to Ronald Reagan National Airport/Alexandria/Mt.Vernon/I-395 and merge onto George Washington Memorial Pkwy south. Follow the sign to the Columbia Island Marina to turn right to enter the parking lot. • Metro: The meetup point is 1.4 miles/30 minutes walk (each way) from the Arlington Cemetery stop. If you choose this option you will be able to peel off from the group during our return walk, since we will pass near the metro stop. See https://goo.gl/maps/gTgTVzJNwjR2 ❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes required). ❹ Weather: The forecast is sunny and a high temperature of 63F, with 10 mph WNW winds. No rain in the forecast. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/55j8yk6y ❺ Advisories: • As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. • There are multiple crosswalks along the route, including two across the busy GW Parkway. Use caution when crossing!! • The Mount Vernon Trail is a favorite with bicyclists, so keep an eye out for them. ❻ Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and drinking fountains at Columbia Island Marina parking lot and at several locations along our route. Please see the Google map. ❼ Notes: • Columbia Island Marina aka Island Time Bar & Grill, Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Mem Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202. http://tinyurl.com/hlupjsp • National Military Monument: https://monument250.usaa360.com/ • Find a service member on the National Military Monument: https://monument250.usaa360.com/sear