The Scenic Trail In DC You’ll Want To Take At Least Once This Summer
The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail in DC offers a scenic and peaceful route for pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists, connecting various destinations across the Anacostia Waterfront.
DC is definitely an active city. There are great places to run, awesome bike trails, fantastic hikes and plenty of places to exercise outdoors in the city! If you are looking for a new trail to explore, a fantastic one just recently expanded in DC and you must take this scenic trail.
The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail connects miles of destinations across the Anacostia Waterfront that pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists can enjoy.
The trail is 28 miles long but it connects over 40 miles of trails and seamlessly connects Maryland and DC. You will ride past some of the most picturesque views on it.
The trail runs from Benning Road in DC to Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Maryland and it gives Washingtonians a safe, quiet and peaceful place to walk or ride.
Parts of the trail will take you along behind the Maine Avenue Fish Market, Nationals Park and the Southwest Waterfront. You can even see the Titanic Memorial.
The best hikes in Washington DC can be enjoyed year-round. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, these trails are an amazing place to escape to if you're looking to get some exercise and rejuvenate in nature. When you're ready to get out for a hike, be sure to save this list because we've rounded up 10 incredible hikes. These trails are all under 5 miles, so they are some of the more kid-friendly hikes around Washington DC. Check out these great trails and add them to your bucket list.
The Patowmack Canal Trail is located inside Great Falls National Park at 9200 Old Dominion Drive in McLean Virginia. The trail is 1.25 miles and follows the remains of the Patowmack Canal, which was one of the first canals built in the United States. You can also see some amazing ruins of the town Matildaville.
Located in Rock Creek Park, this moderate hike will take you pass two historic structures from the 1820s, the Peirce Mill and Eprice Barn. There are a few rocks to climb over and beautiful views of the flora and fauna.
This 3.3 mile trail will take you past beautiful vistas and rock formation in Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont, Maryland. The trail is not long but you will want to spend some time snapping photos of the views. Learn more about one of the most scenic hikes in Washington DC, and then go visit.
has many trails to explore but the North Valley is one of the most popular. On this 2.6 mile trail, you will enjoy a wooden footbridge, beautiful views of Quantico Creek and historic foundations from an old pyrite mine.
Soapstone Valley Trail is one of the lesser trafficked trails in Rock Creek Park, but it's one of the best hikes in Washington DC. You will hop stones across the rippling creek into the valley. The trail is only about a mile and half before it drops you off at Broad Branch Road.
The Bluebell Trail is a mile and half loop in Bull Run Regional Park in Northern Virginia. This trail is a smaller trail off of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail where you can see 25 different types of wildflowers, including the beautiful bluebells. Read more about one of the best easy hikes in Washington DC, and then check it out yourself.
Black Hill Trail is a paved trail through Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds Maryland. You start at the visitor center and then wind through the woods between Little Seneca Lake and Little Seneca Creek, catching beautiful views of the water. Read more about one of the more kid-friendly hikes around Washington DC, and then pay it a visit.
Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, an hour outside of Washington DC is a beautiful place to see nature and experience history. Maryland Heights is a 4.8 loop that combines history and beauty. You’ll pass scenic overlooks and civil war fortifications on this beautiful hike.
10. Cash Lake Loop - Patuxent Research Refuge Trail
Cash Lake - Patuxent Research Refuge Trail is a 2.2 mile loop near Laurel MD. This short hike is an animal lovers dream. You may find a variety of wildlife on the trail including blue herons, ducks, turtles, egrets and more!
Have you tried any of the best hikes in Washington DC? While you are hiking around Washington DC, take a look at what might be the most beautiful hike in the area!
If you are looking for some of the best hikes in Washington DC, these nine trails are easy and short! From beginner levels to advanced hikers, there is something for everyone. Each one will make the perfect addition to your outdoor bucket list. So strap on your boots, grab a friend, pack some water, and let's get hiking.
This two-mile loop is in Rock Creek Park and is a perfect place to spot wildlife such as foxes and deer. Short and sweet, it is definitely one of the best hikes in Washington DC.
The Swamp Trail is on Theodore Roosevelt Island and overlooks the Potomac River. On this easy trail, you can enjoy views of the natural swamplands of the island on the wide boardwalk. Popular with locals and visitors, the trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Washington DC.
In Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, just a few hours away from DC, you can hike the most level part of the Appalachian Trail. It's a beauty and the area is so full of history too!
The Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail is in Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland. There was a large commercial moonshine operation here until 1929 and you can read about the dramatic raid that occurred on placards throughout the hike. It is also one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Washington DC.
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5. Cedar Trail, Deer Trail, and Heron Trail Loop - 2.1 miles
Located near Alexandra, VA in Huntley Meadows Park, this easy loop is great for all skill levels. There’s a beautiful 500-acre marsh full of wildlife on the trail, making it both beautiful and one of the best hikes in Washington DC.
This quick trail loop is in the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland. This wooded trail passes some wetlands and offers opportunities for wildlife sightings.
The Henry Hill Trail, yet another of the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington DC, gives visitors a look at history. Located in Manassas Battlefield Park, this easy and short hike takes you past some of the most important locations of the fighting Bull Run during the Revolutionary War.
An hour outside of Washington DC, in the Cedarville State Forest, this relatively flat trail takes you through a wooded area and has picturesque lake views.
Located in Rock Creek Park, this loop is one of the quieter parts of the park that has many historical points of interest including the remains of an old Civil War fort.
Have you been on any of these hikes? Which were your favorites? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experiences.
