The Best Sledding Hills in Forest Hills

by Marlene Berlin

Where are the best sledding hills in Forest Hills? Our steep driveway is no longer open for business since the girls are grown. They and their neighbor buddies used to make some quick runs before heading off to more challenging venues.

A favorite was the Carnegie Institute’s hill at Broad Branch, Nevada and Linnean. I suggest you give your son or daughter a lesson on steering since there are trees to avoid. If you don’t know how to steer, take a look at this with your child.

Another was the hill by the parking lot on the grounds of Howard University Law School at 2900 Van Ness Street. From Albemarle, you can traverse the Soapstone Valley and come up the backside of the Van Ness North apartments.

Another spot, again used by my daughters, is in the steep part of the alley that lies between Albemarle and Brandywine on the east side. You can come out pretty fast, so someone should stand guard for a stray car.

I got curious about what’s new in sledding technology, which has gone from this to this. This is enough to tempt me back on the hills. Let us know if you have tried this new-fangled sled. If you just want the regular and inexpensive, which I have found kids love, go to Ace Hardware online or call the Tenleytown store at 202-364-1902 to see if they have sleds in stock. Please tell us if you know other nearby shops are selling the equipment.

And there is some cheap easy gear to help you and your children climb up those hills when they get slick. Check out these contraptions you put over boots or shoes if you don’t have enough traction. Ken Terzian told me that DSW in Friendship Heights carries this gear. And don’t forget the gloves, hats, scarves and common sense.

Where are your favorite sledding spots?