DC is the place to be if you are looking for adventure. There is a little bit of everything here and there is no shortage of fun sights. However, if you are feeling really adventurous and want to see some of nature’s magic, you have to leave the district. Luckily there are some fantastic destinations all around DC that feel a bit magical. We found some of the best and most beautiful waterfalls around DC and put them together into one epic road trip for you! In total, the trip will take almost 7 hours so we recommend breaking it up into a long weekend and we even included where you can stay and where you can eat on your trip! If you love exploring and searching for waterfalls near Washington DC, here’s the perfect itinerary for you.
This weekend waterfall itinerary encompasses seven wonderful places.
At each, not only will you get to enjoy some of the most beautiful waterfalls in this part of the country, but you’ll also traverse a wide variety of landscapes offering amazing history, and oodles of wildlife. So let’s get going!
1. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve has one of the closest waterfalls to DC so we start the action here. The easy hike is a 2-mile loop and features gorgeous views of the Potomac, as well as the waterfall itself.
2. Whiteoak Canyon Falls
After hiking Scott’s Run, we recommend heading to Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. About two and a half hours away, you can experience Whiteoak Canyon Falls. This is one of the most beautiful and best waterfall hikes in Virginia. There are technically six waterfalls in Whiteout Canyon. The highest waterfall is 86 feet and the truly adventurous can take the steep hike up to it or you can stay near the Lower Falls.
3. Mimslyn Inn
After Whiteoak, you will probably be a little weary. We recommend spending the evening in the Shenandoah Valley. The Mimslyn Inn is about 45 minutes from Whiteoak. It has southern charm and plenty of history in a gorgeous setting.
4. Cunningham Falls State Park
After a relaxing evening, you will be recharged for another full day of hiking. We’re heading up into Maryland now for one of the best hikes near DC with waterfalls. Just two hours northwest of Cunningham Falls State Park. Cunningham Falls is Maryland’s highest waterfall at 78 feet. There are viewing platforms at the bottom of the falls. If you are a thrill-seeker, you can climb up the slippery slope to the top for prime photos.
5. Cascade Falls
About an hour away from Cunningham Falls State Park is Patapsco Valley State Park, home to Cascade Falls. The hike to the falls, one of the best waterfall hikes in Maryland, is an easy one. In fact, you see your first waterfall in the first 1,000 feet of the trail! You can also wade in the water in the summer months near the falls. Check out this fun video tour of the park!
6. Atwater's Restaurant
You may want to spend the evening near Patapsco Valley State Park after hiking twice that day. If you do, we recommend the quaint town of Catonsville. Grab breakfast the next morning at Atwater's Restaurant for satisfying and delicious comfort food.
7. Great Falls Park
Finally, you can drive another hour and finish your waterfall road trip at Great Falls Park in McLean Virginia, just outside of DC. Great Falls is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the area and one of the best waterfall hikes in Virginia. It features several 20-foot waterfalls and is a popular draw for folks from all over the region as well as from further afield. Here's a great little video tour of the park to get you excited!
Have you been to any of these wonderful waterfalls? Which ones were your favorites? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experiences.
Want even more road trip ideas? Take this beautiful lighthouse road trip around Washington DC!
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