Gulf Branch
Placed by Harpers Square Explorers
Established August 11, 2002
Arlington County
Arlington, Virginia
Dogs on Leash ok

Gulf Branch is one of many creeks that form creek valleys draining
into the Potomac River. Several are small parks. Normally Gulf
Branch is a cool and pleasant tree shaded oasis on hot days. With
the recent drought, we found the path dusty for the first time we
remember. Still it's a shady pleasant walk along the creek ending in
views of the river, and more.

Through here passes the Potomac Heritage Trail. A very long
riverside trail from Teddy Roosevelt Island all the way to the
beltway, I495. You can find a map of it at Teddy Roosevelt Island
(and a couple nice letterboxes there too) but you won't need the map
to find the letterbox.

In North Arlington, off Military Road find 36th Road near Gulf Branch
Nature Center. Don't be fooled by 36th Street right next door. Park
at the curb opposite Nelson Street. Wood steps take you down to the
path. Head towards the river. You'll cross the creek a couple times
and go under the George Washington Parkway crossing very high
overhead. In the second crossing, we discovered a teetering rock
slab that banged with a loud satisfying thwack echoing off the bridge
high above. Stop where the water dives over the rocks and down
towards the river.

Here you could clamber over the rocks and climb down steep steps cut
in the rock. But you don't have to to find the letterbox. We were
afraid it would wash away in a flood. You go up. From the waterfall
turn back the other way and very carefully follow the Potomac
Heritage Trail's blue blazes as they switchback up the hill. Stop
before turning at the 4th switchback from the waterfall. There is no
double blue blaze there indicating your U-turn but there are 3 flat-
topped rocks on your left to prevent erosion of the switchback path.
Facing the river, with the 3 flat rocks at your feet on the left, you
are facing a tree. At its base, a smaller fallen tree angles up.
Look under a large flat rock under leaves behind the tree.

Afterwards I highly recommend the steep climb down to the river. Old
steel handrails help. Look for the old steam boiler in the water.
You can see a lot of drilled holes in the rocks. They used to quarry
rock here for the capital's buildings.