Ashton-Sandy Spring, Maryland

Top Spots in and near Ashton-Sandy Spring

Derwood, Maryland
Hike, Bike, or Run the Lakeside Trail and Muncaster Mill Trail

4.5

3.41 mi / 196 ft gain

Park at the Meadowside Nature Center to Access the trailhead. This is a 3.4 mile loop with opportunities for birding and observing wildlife. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Read more
Montgomery Village, Maryland
Hike the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Upper Section

5.0

14.86 mi / 836 ft gain

Park in the lot off of Watkins Mill Road to access the trail. This hike is dog friendly and is accessible from March until November.
Read more
Washington, District of Columbia
Hike the Soapstone Valley Trail

4.0

2 mi

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 attention to the signs to see how long you can le...
Read more
Boyds, Maryland
Black Hill Regional Park Loop

5.0

2.78 mi / 312 ft gain

The Black Hill Regional Park has 1300 acres of oak forests that have views of the Little Seneca Lake. This lake offers a place for visitors to canoe and stand up paddle board. This trail is open to hiking and mountain biking. In addition, dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be on leash a...
Read more
McLean, Virginia
Hike at Turkey Run Park, McLean

4.0

2 mi / 200 ft gain

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 options available but I chose an out-and-back. When yo...
Read more
Laurel, Maryland
Hike the South Tract Trails at Patuxent Research Refuge

5 mi

From the visitors center, start on the Fire Road trail. From there, it's a choose-your-own adventure (choose-your-own ecosystem, actually). Pick the Laurel and Valley Trails to stay in the quiet (and maybe enchanted? It felt enchanted) forest. Goose Pond trail is a short jut to a--yup--pond, wher...
Read more
Great Falls, Virginia
Hike from Riverbend Regional Park to Great Falls National Park

5.0

2.5 mi / 75 ft gain

This hike utilizes the Potomac Heritage Trail from Riverbend Park to Great Falls National Park. This section is an easy, mostly flat trail that will take you along the Potomac until you reach Great Falls National Park. When you reach Riverbend Park turn right into the parking lot. At the end of t...
Read more
Great Falls, Virginia
Canoe from Algonkian Regional Park to Riverbend Park

4.0

Starting at Algonkian Regional Park and ending at Riverbend Park, this 8.5 mile canoe trip is a perfect way to get away from the traffic that is Northern Virginia. Paddling hard, people have completed it in 4 hours. It can easily be turned into an all day trip lasting 8 or more hours, if paddli...
Read more
Elkridge, Maryland
Hike the Cascade Falls and Rootball Loop Trail

4.7

2.4 mi / 285 ft gain

Park on the shoulder of Landing Drive (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is open April-September. Dogs allowed on leash.
Read more
Boyds, Maryland
Hike or Bike the Hoyles Mill Trail

9.16 mi / 390 ft gain

Park on Clarksburg Road (see map) and head onto the marked trail. It can get muddy at times so pack accordingly. Great for kids, and dog friendly too.
Read more
Potomac, Maryland
Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail

4.5

4.61 mi / 272 ft gain

Just outside of Washington DC is a great hike and rock scramble you don't want to miss. Great Falls lies in both Virginia and Maryland and has beautiful views of the Potomac River. Start out at the Great Falls Tavern parking lot (Maryland side), and keep in mind it is $10 to park here if you don...
Read more
Elkridge, Maryland
Cascade Falls Loop

3.0

2.31 mi / 381 ft gain

This hike is a great place to escape the city feel of Baltimore and disappear into the wilderness. Enter through the Avalon Area entrance. There is a cash fee to enter the park. Once you pass the front gate continue past the initial picnic area. Continue through the park to the Orange Grove Area...
Read more
Arlington, Virginia
Fish the Potomac River in Arlington

Parking along 36th Road in Arlington, VA, head down the path on the Gulf Branch Trail. Walk northeast for roughly a quarter mile, where you will intersect with the Potomac River. Find a spot along the sand, cast out, and watch the catfish bite! Chicken liver seems to work well. Don't forget to h...
Read more
McLean, Virginia
Photograph Great Falls of the Potomac

5.0

0.69 mi / 131 ft gain

Viewing Great Falls is easy which makes this adventure great for all levels of adventurers. There is a ~$10 entrance fee, there you will receive a map of the park. There are 3 platforms of viewing Great Falls, each platform has stunning panoramic views. Make sure you do not forget to bring your ...
Read more
McLean, Virginia
Scott's Run Nature Preserve Loop

4.2

2.51 mi / 397 ft gain

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 hardwood forest, sheer bluffs, and rocky cliffs overloo...
Read more
McLean, Virginia
Difficult Run, Ridge, and River Trails

4.5

3.28 mi / 463 ft gain

Difficult Run is a popular hiking location right down the street from Great Falls National Park. Starting at the Difficult Run parking lot you head to the trail at the far end of the lot. The trail will split. The green blazes will take you to the left but you can also stay to the right and hike ...
Read more