A Natural Entrance
The south side of Fort Mahan Park along Benning Road is a natural entrance to the site.ÌýThe sloping, open lawns,Ìý large shade trees, and clear site lines across the park draw people in from the surrounding neighborhoods to use the paths along the open perimeters.Ìý
Image: Adrienne McCray
The Loop Trail
Following the meandering path in a clockwise direction, the loop trail soon transitions from an open, sunny walkÌýto a shady trail within a forest that only offers dappled light through the canopy trees.ÌýThe sounds also change as nature begins to drown out the urban hustle.Ìý
Image: Adrienne McCray
Earthworks
Engineered mounding earthworks that once served as rifle pits to protect the fort remain tucked into the hillsides.ÌýThe surrounding forest has reclaimed the defense system over time, and now they only offer visual protection from the urban surroundings.
Image: Adrienne McCray
An Ecosystem
Nature’s ability to transform and heal an environment is amazing.ÌýVolunteer trees that have pushed through the tough compacted terrain now create habitats for other living organisms within the forest ecosystem.ÌýLow groundcover offers an opportunity to leave the paved trail to explore the rifle pits.
Image: Adrienne McCray
Trails Split
Along the west slope of the park, the trails changes from the hard asphalt path to gravel and compacted dirt trails. Moments occur when the trails split and you have to make a decision on your direction of travel.ÌýInstinct directs you to head up to the top to discover what will be revealed.ÌýVisually you feel like you are miles away, tucked deep inside a forest, but the thunder of the nearby trains is a reminder of your proximity to the inner city.
Image: Adrienne McCray
A Diverse Population
The plant habitats are very diverse, changing as you travel around the hillside. This promotes a diverse population of animals, birds, insects, and other living creatures. Fern- and moss-covered rocky ground can be found below the shady understory of dense canopy trees, while thick, lush shrubs thrive in open clearings that allow more light to touch the ground.
Image: Adrienne McCray
Dramatic Slopes
Dramatic slopes along the east hillside reveal hints ofÌýtheÌýclearingÌýat the top of the hill.ÌýNavigating off the path to the top remains a physical challenge so the walk continues to follow the designated path that is rich with the sights and sounds of the forest.
Image: Adrienne McCray
Intrigue
The main entrance on the east provides a gravel uphill trail that leads to the top of the hill. As you climb, the forest seems to close around you, triggering more intrigue about what you will find when you reach theÌýopening at the end.
Image: Adrienne McCray
Exposed
Walking out onto the hilltop you find a vast open low-cut grassy area, completely surrounded on all sides by tall canopy trees.ÌýWalking around the perimeter there are no other trail access pointsÌýfrom which toÌýexit, only informal escapes where vegetation is low growing.ÌýFrom within you feel completely removed from the city.ÌýYet the exposure felt being in the middle of this space is a daunting feeling.
Image: Adrienne McCray
Sweeping Lawns
The path on the south east side of the site along 42nd Street hugs the edge of the forest, providing visual connections to the surroundingÌýurban neighborhood. Sweeping lawns become extended front yards for the houses facing the park.
Image: Adrienne McCray