Winkler Botanical Preserve — Attraction in Alexandria

In the middle of Alexandria, Virginia is a 44-acre nature preserve, one of the largest piece of undeveloped land. When the Winkler family developed the nearby Mark Center, Catherine Winkler Herman set aside this green space as a gift to the community. Entrance is free. Here's why you should go:

1. Hours: It's open every day (except federal holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are signs warning guests that the gates close right at 4 p.m. so be sure to get out by then.

2. Space: It's 44 acres so it's big! When you walk in, follow the trail around the pond. Little trails venture out from there. You can hear city sounds on the trails closest to the highway, but other than that, it's a peaceful oasis. When I went on a Thursday afternoon, I saw two other people there and that's it!

3. Lookout: There's a rocky cliff across the pond from the lodge that's perfect for sitting and enjoying the breeze while watching geese swim in the pond. There's a nice waterfall nearby too.

A few things to be mindful of:

1. Parking: There isn't any. The apartment complex has reserved parking for guests, but technically it's not for Winkler Nature Preserve visitors.

2. Trails: They are NOT stroller-friendly. The trails aren't hard so kids who can walk are fine, but they are rough and uneven and none are paved.

3. Lodge: The lodge is closes for renovation so there are no...

You'll pass neighborhood parking and a gate to enter a limited parking area, but the spots are marked and it's easy to navigate.

I went on a day with lots of leaves on the ground which was absolutely gorgeous! however, it made it a little difficult to follow the trails. there are enough trail markers and "do not enter" signs to get back on track quickly if you find yourself off path.

the lodge made for a lovely view next to the lake with the midmorning sun and blanket of fall leaves. I walk fast and stayed for about 40 minutes. it was a fine morning walk. Looking forward to going back at the heart of each season to see what beauty the preserve has to offer.

The path (unpaved) is about a mile and a half and I'd say moderate difficulty due to some areas with incline. Be careful to stay on the path if you have difficulty with uneven terrain (knee issues, etc). on the other hand if you like exploring off path there are a few areas where...

The waterfall is manmade and when we went today, it was turned off. We had no idea so we kept wandering around and around trying to find it.

It's a fun little place to go on an "adventure" with your kids (preschool/kindergarten age). The trails are wide, they criss cross in all directions (theres no map), there's a stream with clean water kids can splash around in and little gems sprinkled throughout like a random log house (not open to visitors), a small wooden house on a small, rocky climb, mini waterfalls (2 very small ones), wooden bridges, etc.

With time to spare and no set destination, it's fun to walk around, and it's small so you don't feel like you're getting lost or not getting anywhere.

We'll go back again just to walk and have fun and without the disappointment of not finding...