Surround Yourself In A Forest Filled With 200-Year-Old Trees At The Chesapeake Arboretum In Virginia
Few things are more grounding than surrounding yourself with nature. Visit the Chesapeake Arboretum in Virginia and you’ll find yourself in the presence of majestic trees, some of which are over 200 years old. Considered to be an outdoor classroom, the Chesapeake Arboretum is also designated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation as one of Virginia’s Natural Treasures. Visitors can look forward to learning about a variety of trees, plants, and wildlife. Perhaps one of the most impressive resources is the three miles of self-guided trails located within the property. No matter your motivation for visiting, your soul will feel renewed after spending time among these beautiful trees.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The Chesapeake Arboretum is located in the heart of the city of Chesapeake. Headquartered inside an eighteenth-century farmhouse, the 48-acre park promotes horticultural and environmental awareness.
Photographed above is the tool shed, lovingly repurposed and painted with The Giving Tree.
One of the most beloved features of the arboretum is the network of nature trails, located just across the road. Look closely and you'll spot two friendly otters carved out of wood.
The park is dog-friendly, so be sure to bring your four-legged companion along with you!
Entering the woods, you'll feel a bit like you've landed inside a real-life fairytale. The shelter of these beautiful trees creates a world of its own.
The trail system is color-blazed and spans approximately 45 acres. The trails are well-labeled and covered in mulch — the perfect condition for meandering.
It's believed that Native Americans once considered the Oak Grove section of Chesapeake to be a sacred burial ground. Evidence suggests that when a Native American chief passed away, an oak tree would be planted near the grave.
The Chesapeake Arboretum is the kind of place where you'll want to walk slowly and tread lightly. You never know what tiny creatures you might come across in these woods!
So the next time you're seeking reconnection with nature, look no further than the Chesapeake Arboretum to learn from Mother Nature's beautiful classroom.
Have you visited the Chesapeake Arboretum before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience there. For more information, you can visit the website by clicking here.
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
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