Being near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley and having Appalachian Trail not far away makes Washington, DC a great location for those who love the outdoors and enjoy hiking. We can say that the National Park Service is responsible for offering those of us who live around our nation’s capital a great opportunity to get out there and enjoy the views with breathtaking landscapes and trails that have something for every member of your family and can challenge the most adventurous ones out there, while also being gentle enough for those who are just getting starting on this amazing pastime.
Today in Sudir Raju’s Blog, we want to tell you about the best places to go hiking if you live near Washington, DC. Some of this trails are just in our backyard, while others do require a bit of driving, but I am confident it will be worth it once you get a chance to go out there, breathe the fresh air and take a couple of snapshots that will help you remember a great rewarding experience to enjoy alone, with your significant other, and even with your whole family.
Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is considered one of the best urban parks in the country and it is actually larger than Central Park in New York. It extends almost 1,800 acres making it an excellent choice for those who do not want to leave the city, but still find a small getaway from the noise and enjoy the outdoors without having to travel too far. The park is a very popular location filled with history and it offers two different hiking trails you can enjoy. Don’t be surprise by seeing hikers, runners and cyclists all enjoying the park pretty much all year around. The place is filled with history and iconic landmarks you cannot afford to miss.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Another easily accessible location you can reach by foot or car from Washing, DC. This island and national memorial is located on the Potomac River and it offers hikers miles of trails through swamplands and forests. There are some short trails and also a memorial to president Roosevelt you can visit. If you are in the mood, there is also a scenic 8-mile path you can bike from the island to Old Town Alexandria. The park is open all year round and it is a great location to visit on a morning or early afternoon while enjoying Washington, DC.
Columbia Island
Another great location inside the DC area you can spend the afternoon walking, exploring and even having something great to eat afterwards in the nearby cafes it offers visitors. There is an easy almost 6-mile hike that shows great views of the Washington Monument along the beautiful landscapes, the work of Lady Bird Johnson. If you have a chance, don’t miss the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial and the Columbia Island Marina and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove.
Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is easily one of the best parks for hiking in the United States. The park sits where the Potomac River and the Shenandoah meet and offers a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Harpers Ferry is a perfect spot where a few parks meet and it is even intersected by a section of the Appalachian Trail. It has more than 20 miles of hiking trails including hikes across Civil War battlefields and long walks up the top of the nearby mountains. We recommend you visit their website for the best information about trails, maps, intensity and duration of the adventures you can share at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
Prince William Forest Park
A little bit farther away from Washington, DC Prince William Forest Park has more than 37 miles of hiking trails and it includes a particular trail that extends for almost 10 miles. The Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine trail is a short walk that offers some insight on the mining work that used to happen here and it branches off to additional trails with a total length just short of 3 miles. Another excellent route to take is the Farms to Forest trail that takes you right to former farmland where you can see where people used to tend their crops and even get a glimpse of an old cemetery.
Great Falls Park
A very famous park that houses the Billy Goat trail but it also offers other trails of varying difficulty, making it a must-see location just outside of the city. One of the trails does require you to negotiate a route that requires rock climbing, but there are some other easier areas that take a couple of hours to complete and provide you with a beautiful scenic view of the river. Some of the trails are even accessible using bikes or horse riding, so as you can see, it has something for everyone.
* Featured Image courtesy of Pixabay at Pexels.com
Sudir Raju 