lzf/Shutterstock.com
Moving to Washington, D.C. can be one of the most exciting times in your life. But when you’ve had your fill of hiking up Capitol Hill, you may find yourself in need of a natural respite. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re interested in getting out of the District for an afternoon or want to stay in D.C., there are many beautiful, scenic hiking options available. Read on to find out more about our favorites!
Harpers Ferry combines the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Potomac River, and Shenandoah River with incredible historical significance. As one of the best walking parks in America, hiking through Harpers Ferry is an absolute treat. Its 4,000 acres covers sections of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia, offering many access points for the weekend D.C. hiker. Our favorite spot? The footbridge over the Potomac River. Additionally, consider the four-mile hikes across Civil War battlefields near Maryland Heights.
Despite being one of the only hiking options in the District of Columbia proper, Theodore Roosevelt Island is still one of the least visited attractions. The island, a living memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, takes up 89 acres on the Potomac River. Hikers will find miles of trails through the woods and swamp throughout the island, and a noticeable lack of tourists to boot.
The United States National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. is one of the nation’s most exquisite natural features. And, okay, while it isn’t a “hike” per say, those that aren’t able to travel outside of D.C. proper to the surrounding states will find plenty of scenic beauty and walking trails to enjoy. The arboretum holds events, such as their popular Full Moon Hike. New flowers and fauna are planted seasonally, and there’s always something new blooming.
Prince William Forest Park, just over 30 miles outside of D.C., is one of the closet hiking spots. The park boasts 37 miles of hiking throughout its 15,000 acres across 16 unique trails. Start with the shortest and easiest hike with the Quantico Cascades trail before moving up to the North Valley Trail and the 10-mile-long South Valley Trail.
Rock Creek Park, in D.C. proper, covers 1,754 acres and 32 miles of hiking. Choose from the Western Ridge Trail or the Valley Trail, or design your own hike. According to the Rock Creek Park website, visitors should “think of these connectors as the rungs of a ladder. Using this principle, it is possible to create an almost infinite number of loops in lengths from about one mile to 10 miles.” For more information and maps, check out the official website.
