Hikes Near DC to Look Forward to This Spring

Posted by Abbott Klar Real Estate on Monday, March 7th, 2016 at 10:25am

Hikes Near DC to Look Forward to This Spring

Long to go a-wandering along a mountain path?  The chill of winter can sink into your bones and make you doubt that spring is ever coming, but I promise, it will.  The sunshine will return, the days will get longer, the snow will melt and mother nature will be waiting to welcome your boots back to the trail.  Check out these DC area hiking areas - all within Friday night decide-to-leave-last-minute-after-work or Saturday morning mini-road-trip-to-go-coffee-sipping distance from the district.  Get your trail research on to get you through the winter, then lace up your boots when the spring sun shines and go!  

 

Rock Creek Park

Washington, DC

Map

DC’s own Rock Creek Park offers a commute-free way to unwind on a weeknight, or the perfect way to pass a sunny Sunday.  The 2,000 acre park is home to over 30 miles of (paved and unpaved) trails to keep every hiker happy.  Meander in President Theodore Roosevelt’s footsteps along the Boulder Bridge Hike (3.5 miles), take the Rapids Bridge loop (2 miles) past Rock Creek’s best whitewater, or follow the Milkhouse Ford Hike (1.75 miles) past a Civil War fortress for your daily dose of nature with a side of history.  

 

Great Falls Park

30 minutes driving from DC

Fifteen miles of trails through 800 acres of unique natural beauty await just an easy drive away from DC.  Experience the sight and sound of the Potomac River gurgling through Mather Gorge from the River Trail (1.5 miles) or wander past the historic canal on the Patowmack Canal Trail (1.25 miles).  Follow the Old Carriage Road (1.6 miles) through dense and peaceful woods while keeping your eyes peeled for native birds and take the Mine Run Trail (0.5 miles) for excellent spring wildflower views.  

Patuxent Research Refuge

40 minutes driving from DC

Patuxent Research Refuge, near Bowie, MD, consists of 13,000 acres of protected wildlands founded by FDR.  The refuge is home to seven different short hiking trails (0.2-1.7 miles in distance) through beautiful scenery sprinkled with wildlife and educational displays.  Follow the numbered sign posts on the self-guided Forests of Patuxent Discovery Hike (1.7 miles) with your trail guide in hand (available online and at the visitor’s center) to learn about the diverse and unique ecosystem of the area.  Or, follow Cass Lake Trail (1.4 miles) to its namesake and find a quiet spot to sit near the water’s edge in hopes of watching some busy beavers construct a home.  

Gunpowder Falls State Park

75-90 minutes driving from DC

Less than 1.5 hours from DC and about 35 minutes from the heart of Baltimore lies Gunpowder Falls State Park.  The park offers up 120 miles of hiking trails within 18,000 plus acres of natural beauty for your outdoor adventuring pleasure. Wildlands Loop (5.5 miles) and Lost Pond Trail (4.3 miles) offer mid-distance, moderate difficulty loop trails for the hiker looking to spend a few hours on the trail and soak in some scenery (including spectacular wildflowers and a waterfall). North and South Gunpowder Trails (10 miles when combined) provide more of a challenge with some requisite rock scrambling rewarded by beautiful views from historic Pretty Boy Dam (circa 1924).  Torrey C. Brown Trail covers 21 miles of multi-use path through the park enjoyed by runners, hikers and bikers.  

Shenandoah National Park

100-140 minutes driving from DC

Shenandoah National Park is a 200,000 acre oasis of natural beauty, less than three hours driving from the capital city.  Wind along the picturesque Skyline Drive to trailheads scattered throughout the park that will lead you to serenely quiet woods, powerful waterfalls and peaceful, breathtaking views.  Hiker favorites include Cedar Run-White Oak Canyon Loop (8 miles), Old Rag Mountain Loop (9 miles) and Strickler Knob (9.4 miles).  Easier hikes in the park include Snead Farm Loop (3.7 miles) and Fox Hollow (1.2 miles).  Visit the park website for a full list of trails as well as a description of the park’s trail difficulty ranking system.  A hike for any and every hiker can be found amidst the beauty of Shenandoah!

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