Spring and summer are the more popular times for hiking in the DC area. However, if you want to enjoy empty trails and picturesque snowy scenes, you can find some beauty in the DC area. We recommend strapping on some hiking boots, bundling up in a coat and hat, and hitting the nine best winter hikes near Washington DC.

1. Sky Meadow State Park

For winter hiking near Washington DC, Sky Meadow State Park has a network of trails that offer gorgeous valley views and, of course, beautiful meadows. Just a few hours away from DC, Sky Meadow is perfect for hikers of any skill level. Read about one hike at Sky Meadow State Park in this post.

2. Chimney Rock Trail - Catoctin Mountain

Wolf Rock & Chimney Rock Trail is a 3.3-mile loop in Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland. The trail features two beautiful vistas with amazing views. You can learn more about this hiking trail in this post.

3. Falling Branch Trail to Kilgore Falls

Located in Rocks State Park near Pylesville, Maryland, Falling Branch trail is a family-friendly hike that takes you to the second highest vertical waterfall in Maryland. If you catch it at the right time, you can see the frozen falls. It's a wonderful trail for winter hiking near Washington DC. Read about Kilgore Falls in this post.

4. The River Trail - Great Falls Park

The River Trail in Great Falls Park in Virginia is a moderate 1.5-mile hike that will take you along the tops of the cliffs, giving you spectacular views of the Potomac River. The trail can be icy in the winter so it’s recommended to wear sturdy shoes and take your time. But it's well worth it as it's one of the best winter hikes near Washington DC. You can learn more about this hiking trail in this post.

5. Mount Vernon Trail

The Mount Vernon Trail is a multi-use trail that will take you from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. This fairly flat trail takes you alongside the Potomac River and offers beautiful views of DC’s skyline. You can learn more about the Mount Vernon Trail on the NPS website.

6. Old Rag Mountain

Old Rag is a few hours away from DC in the Shenandoah Valley. It’s an 8-mile loop with fun rock scrambles and multiple overlooks offering breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley. It's one of the most beautiful places for cold weather hiking near Washington DC. You can read more about Old Rag Mountain in this post.

7. Mason Neck State Park

If you have little ones and are looking for a good place to get out of the house, Mason Neck State Park is perfect for you! Mason Neck has tons of serene trails through forests and in the winter, after snow, it looks like a winter wonderland! You can learn more on the Virginia State Parks website.

8. Lake Artemesia Trail

Part of the Anacostia Trail System, Lake Artemisia Trail will take you around a picturesque lake in Prince George’s County in Maryland. You can choose to wander out to the fishing pier or connect to one of the longer trails near the lake. Read more about Lake Artemesia in our previous coverage.

9. Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is a few hours south of Washington DC and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia. While you may need to go a bit slower in the winter because there are often larger patches of ice, the views are just as gorgeous in the winter as there are in the summer! It's one of the most picturesque places for winter hiking near Washington DC. You can read more about Crabtree Falls in this post.

Have you been on any of these best winter hikes near Washington DC? Let us know in the comments! If you prefer nature that is more central to the city, you might want to visit these 10 incredible places in nature around Washington DC this winter!