Chesapeake Arboretum, Chesapeake, VA

Finally--a sunny, warm afternoon on a weekend! Today we ventured to the Chesapeake Arboretum.  I found out about this place via Doug Gelbert, author of the "Hike with your Dog" books, blog and website. The arboretum is a treasure just off the main drag of Battlefield Blvd.

The paths are wood chips--which are very easy to walk on for both humans and canines.

I was surprised that we had the whole trail to ourselves on such a beautiful day! There are 3.5 miles of trails with a stream running through the middle. You can download a copy of the trail map.

There are bridges every so often so you can cross back and forth over the stream. The flowing stream is clear and provides some nice water sounds for the walk.

All the trees are covered with these vines. Probably not good for the trees! The February tree of the month is the Red Maple.

There is a lake about halfway through. Lake Hughes. I was surprised at all the McMansions around the lake. This 45 acre woodland is surrounded by houses and shopping centers but when you're on the trails it feels like you are in the mountains somewhere. This is the kind of place where I would have played as a kid.

There is a whimsical sculpture of two otters laying on their backs, eating some fish at the trailhead. The dogs were hoping that we'd see some otters on our walk but no luck!

Wish you were here!
Joyce
Sammy & PG