Top Adventures in Washington
Hike the C&O Canal Towpath: Carderock to Great Falls
Park on the road adjacent to the canal as indicated on the map (see below). This is a popular trail which is dog friendly and accessible year-round. Photos: Chris DiGiamo, Christopher Eliot, Fritz Flohr Reynolds
6.28 miles
141 ft gain
Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.
Everyone has so many things on their plates these days that take all their time up. It is hard to get away for adventures or to experience new things. The National Mall in Washington D.C. is within an hour from millions of people on the East Coast...
7 miles
Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial
Located on the far-west portion of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. stands the Lincoln Memorial. At almost 100 feet tall, this majestic structure overlooks the reflecting pool and offers an iconic view of the Washington Monument.
Parking is ...
Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge
Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail through forest, hill and valley landscapes, as you follow along the river, itself. Starting at Roosevelt Island, you can hike as far as 8.4 miles roundtrip to Chain Bridge, with great views along the way.Make sure t...
8.4 miles
300 ft gain
Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island
It seems only fitting that the president who gave us our national parks would have one all to his own.
Located on the edge of Washington D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a glimpse of what the city may have looked like before the politicians...
2 miles
Hike Through Rock Creek Park
This is primarily a dirt trail, which is pretty rare and fantastic for hiking and trail-running. Depending on where you exactly start, it's roughly 4.5 miles, so it's a pretty moderate hike/ run or almost 10miles if you do the out and back. There ...
9 miles
450 ft gain
Hike the Soapstone Valley Trail
This is an out-and-back trail that starts and ends on different roads, but you will have better luck parking on Albemarle Street NW (where I have indicated the trailhead is on the map). This is a long street with plenty of street parking, just pay...
2 miles
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a unique spot in Washington, D.C. The grounds are full of ponds, boardwalks, and a trail that connects you to the Anacostia River Trail. The main draw of this park are the ponds full of lotus flowers. During the ...
1.5 miles
Hike at Turkey Run Park, McLean
Turkey Run Park is available to hikers year-around and is located just off of George Washington Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The exits are clearly marked and you simply drive to parking lot C-1 to start this hike.Turkey Run has numerous trail opti...
2 miles
200 ft gain
Hike the Lake Artemesia Natural Area Trail
Park in the lot off of 55th Ave to access the trail (see map). This trail is great for all skill levels, is handicap accessible and dog friendly. Photos: Yngve Roennike, Justin Grimes, Mr.TinDC
2.42 miles
6 ft gain
Hike the Scott's Run Nature Preserve Trail
This nature preserve can be hiked year-round and is a sanctuary for rare wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife including deer and fox. There are six main interconnecting trails that run through the preserve; winding their way around matured hardw...
2.5 miles
Hike Billy Goat Trail Section B
Park in the lot on MacArthur Blvd. (see map) to access the trailhead. Trail is well-defined but little-traveled. You may want to bring a field guide for identifying wildflowers and the critters of the region. Photos: brown pau, Fritz Flohr Reynold...
2.7 miles
68 ft gain
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Washington, Virginia
Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts
Overview The Parkway Drive Volleyball courts are located along the Potomac River, northwest of the Lincoln Memorial. The Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts are the only public courts within the memori... -
Washington, District of Columbia
Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)
Overview Hains Point Picnic Areas are located in East Potomac Park. Reservations for picnic areas (A, B, C, D) are required seven days a week (Sunday through Saturday) all year-round. Recreation H... -
Washington, District of Columbia
Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
Overview Eight group picnic areas in Rock Creek Park are available for advance reservation from May through October. These picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis from Novemb... -
Washington, District of Columbia
Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Overview Fort Dupont Park has three picnic areas that can be reserved for use by groups from spring to fall each year. There are also picnic areas available on a first-come, first-served basis. R... -
Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt Campground
Overview Campground closed until Spring 2020. Greenbelt Campground is an urban oasis just 12 miles from Washington, D.C. This beautiful, wooded park is known for its safety, affordability, peacefu... -
Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt Park Picnic Areas
Overview PICNIC AREAS CLOSED UNTIL 2020Greenbelt Park is an urban oasis just 12 miles from Washington, D.C. This beautiful, wooded park is known for its peaceful surroundings and National Park Serv...
