Three Easy Hike + Coffee Dates
Convenient for Arlington VA ↔ College Park MD
| # | Hike (meet‑up spot) | Distance / difficulty | Coffee stop | Drive‑time* (Arl / CP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rock Creek Park – Western Ridge + Valley Loop | 3.8 mi, rolling woods | Compass Coffee (Adams Morgan) | ~20 min / 25 min |
| 2 | Billy Goat Trail A (C&O Canal, Great Falls MD) | 3.7 mi loop, rock scrambles | Katie's Coffee House | ~30 min / 45 min |
| 3 | Theodore Roosevelt Island + Potomac Heritage spur | 1.5 mi boardwalk + 2‑3 mi flat | Compass Coffee (Rosslyn) | 5‑10 min / 40 min |
1. Rock Creek Park ➜ Compass Coffee (Adams Morgan)
- 09:30 Meet at Rock Creek Nature Center lot.
- 09:40 – 11:20 Hike the Western Ridge → Valley loop (creek crossings & old‑growth oak).
- 11:30 Short ride / 0.7‑mi walk to Compass Coffee, 1827 Adams Mill Rd NW.
Grab nitro or an iced honey latte, snag a window seat.
2. Billy Goat Trail A ➜ Katie's Coffee House
- 09:00 Meet at Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center ($20/vehicle NPS fee—America‑the‑Beautiful passes accepted).
- 09:15 – 12:00 Warm‑up on towpath, then tackle Billy Goat A's granite scrambles & Potomac Gorge views (allow 2½ h).
- 12:15 Drive 6 mi to Katie's Coffee House, 760 Walker Rd—porch seating, Illy espresso & pastries.
No pets on Section A · Technical footing—grippy shoes & water recommended.
3. Roosevelt Island ➜ Compass Coffee (Rosslyn)
- 10:00 Meet at free island lot (fills by noon) or ride Metro to Rosslyn + 10‑min walk.
- 10:05 – 11:45 Do the 1.5‑mi Swamp Loop; if you want extra mileage, head south on the Potomac Heritage Trail and turn around whenever.
- 12:00 Walk two blocks to Compass Coffee, 1201 Wilson Blvd. Order a seasonal cold brew flight and, if the mood is right, ride the observation elevators for skyline pics.
* Drive times are weekend off‑peak estimates. Add 10‑20 min in weekday rush.
Data links: trail maps & conditions, coffee shop hours, NPS fee schedules.