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17 Best Hiking Spots Near DC 🥾
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items Washington DC is a big city, and when I lived there, I was always looking for places to get outside! Grab your hiking boots because here are seventeen of the best places near DC where you can hit the trails in the city and surrounding states!
Sections
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In Washington DC 🏛️
In Virginia ⛰️
In Maryland 🍁
In West Virginia 🪨
In Washington DC 🏛️
No need to stray too far from the city! DC surprisingly has a few green places within the capital and all you have to do is look for them! Here are the closest spots in DC.
If you're looking for some greenery in the city, Rock Creek Park is your best option! It spans across the city and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore.
Rock Creek Park
Across the bridge from Georgetown is the hidden oasis of Theodore Roosevelt Island! Dylan and I were thrilled when we found out about this little island!
Theodore Roosevelt Island
If you want to take a stroll along the river, the Potomac Heritage Trail does just that! Perfect for an afternoon walk.
Potomac Heritage Trail
While more of an urban trail, its still a great way to experience nature in DC! You can walk around the Tidal Basin to Hains Point or other parts of the city!
Tidal Basin, Washington, DC
In Virginia ⛰️
If you like hiking near the water, head to Virginia! There are a ton of great spots to see waterfalls, lakes, and panoramic views.
Shenandoah is truly a national park you don't want to miss. We hiked Old Rag mountain and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Shenandoah National Park
About an hour drive away from DC, Prince Williams Park is a beautiful place to take a stroll by the river and forested woodlands.
Prince William Forest Park
If you're looking for a day hike near DC, Scotts Run did not disappoint! There's even a waterfall you can relax by and many trails to explore.
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
This trail goes from Theodore Roosevelt's Island to George Washington's Mt. Vernon estate! It's paved and great for biking or walking.
Mount Vernon Trail
Less than an hour away, this park is on a peninsula formed by the Potomac River, Pohick Bay, and Belmont Bay.
Mason Neck State Park
It is a short, easy, and popular hiking destination that brings you to a ragged rock formation with a beautiful panorama!
Buzzard Rock, Virginia -
A beautiful overlook of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley on the Appalachian Trail!
Bears Den
Great Falls was one of my favorite places ever to visit in DC! The breathtaking waterfalls are ones that you can NOT miss.
Great Falls Park
In Maryland 🍁
Maryland has a ton of hiking near DC on the Appalachian Trail! There are so many that offer great panoramic overviews of valleys! Check them out!
This is a beautiful state park in Maryland with a waterfall, beach, and hiking trails.
Cunningham Falls State Park
This is privately owned property but open to the public! It has stunning panoramic views overlooking the valley below.
Sugarloaf Mountain
This is in South Mountain State Park and is a popular hiking destination on the Appalachian Trail for the gorgeous overlooks.
Annapolis Rock
Weverton Cliffs is a gorgeous overlook of Harpers Ferry on the Maryland side on the Appalachian Trail!
Weverton Cliffs
In West Virginia 🪨
Harpers Ferry is where West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland need, and it's not too far from DC! There are a ton of great hiking trails surrounding the city!
Harpers Ferry has beautiful hiking trails. My favorite is Maryland Heights to overlook the confluence of the rivers!
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park