Being near water can be healthy during the pandemic. Here are five places to take in the region’s rivers

Last month, the magnetic pull of DC’s celebrated cherry blossoms forced officials to block access to the Tidal Basin to limit the spread of COVID-19.

While crowding at popular riverside spots isn’t safe at this time, many folks have the right idea: Getting near or on our region’s rivers and waterways can reduce the collective stress we’re feeling and help us stay connected to our community and to the larger world.

As long as we find quiet spaces and adhere to physical distancing guidelines, research shows that spending time in natural environments, especially near water, can help us maintain our mental and physical health.

Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., author of Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, believes that being in the presence of water is the “best medicine” for individual well-being. “In study after study, those who choose to spend time in nature speak about its ability to make us feel more connected to something outside of ourselves…[P]eople who viewed nature scenes…were more concerned with pro-social goals and more willing to give to others.”

This is welcome news for people who live in the region with its beautiful and publicly accessible rivers, from the Potomac, which supplies the area’s drinking water, to its valued tributaries, including the Anacostia River, Rock Creek, and countless small streams throughout the region. The intrinsic value of these waterways – and their network of trails, parks, and over 250 water access points — has never been more evident as people flock to the outdoors. If access to the metro area’s major rivers is difficult, seek out blue-green places closer to home.

Nichols has been talking to mayors during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging them to find safe ways to maintain public access to water resources.

Our local, state, and federal leaders should take heed and re-commit to protecting and investing in our waterways as public health assets.

Even now, when gathering in large groups is not possible, people can make a difference by urging leaders to reverse dangerous EPA rollbacks, and supporting conservation groups such as the Potomac Conservancy and Anacostia Watershed Society, who have worked for decades to protect, restore, and increase access to these priceless assets.

By spending time along our rivers, metro area residents can be healthier and more connected to nature and our community. As a global pandemic challenges our mental and physical well being, that is more important now than ever.

Here are just five hidden gems in the Washington region where you can turn to nature for physical activity and to try to tune out all the COVID-19 news for a while.

Henson Creek | Prince George’s County, Maryland

Offering scenic views along its easy 6 miles of path, the Henson Creek Trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or take in a bike ride on a warm day. This hidden gem is located along Oxon Hill Road in Fort Washington, MD. Park site >

Muddy Branch | Montgomery County, Maryland

Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a mix of hard and natural surface trails along this Montgomery County tributary. The Muddy Branch Greenway Trail system extends 9 miles from Gaithersburg, MD to Darnestown, MD where it ends near Pennyfield Lock on the C&O Canal. Park site >

Monocacy River | Frederick County, Maryland

Great for the nature lover and history buff, the Monocacy National Battlefield offers six trails through forests and fields where once Civil War soldiers battled. Take in scenic views of the Monocacy on the Gambrill Mill Trail. Park site >

South Fork of Quantico Creek | Prince William County, Virginia

With 37 miles of hiking trails and 15,000 acres of forest to explore, the Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, VA is a safer bet than most parks to find a quiet space outside. Try the High Meadows Trail, North Valley Trail, or Turkey Run Ridge Trail to walk along the South Fork of Quantico Creek. Park site >

Difficult Run | Fairfax County, Virginia

Don’t let the name of this tributary fool you – the 9 miles of hiking trails that run along its banks offer moderate ascents and descents that the average hiker would find enjoyable. The trail, located in Great Falls, VA, provides great birdwatching and fishing spots. Visit in the early morning hours to ensure fewer people on the trails. Trail map >

Before visiting a public park or trail system, check with individual parks to review the latest operational updates. Please practice responsible distancing and follow CDC and state and local guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep our green spaces litter-free by adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

This post was published in collaboration with the Island Press Urban Resilience Project, which is supported by The Kresge Foundation and The JPB Foundation.