I’ve driven over the American Legion Bridge a thousand times. Most of the time I try to peer over the bridge’s edge to see the Potomac River which separates Virginia from Maryland. Rarely do I ever see anything so this time I decided it to venture down and explore the area. Over the course of a couple of hours I explored Carderock Park.

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The bridge over the Potomac River can be seen above under the 495 highway shield. The picture on the right was taken from the left of the arrow and I provide two points of reference: 1) the white house on cliff’s edge and 2) the distant view of the bridge. The area where I hiked and took pictures is called Carderock Recreational Area.

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While I went to see the river, I kept noticing the songs of different birds. While I saw a variety including a red cap woodpecker which I chased but which eluded me, I did capture an abundance of Robins. I’ve never been one to take pictures of birds but it was fun and will consider doing it more often.

All along the north bank of the river was a recreational area of pasture, picnic tables, and long paths. I had parked at a big meadow and gone hiking down the trail toward the river. The paths are clear with bridges and creeks along the way.

All in all, an excellent use of two hours!

Picture from here to Bridge