Outbound Collective logo
  • United States
  • Maryland
  • College Park
  • College Park, Maryland

    Top Spots in and near College Park

    • Washington, District of Columbia

      Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

      4.5
      1.5 mi
      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 summer months, they grow tall with colors ranging ...
      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
    • 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
    • Washington, District of Columbia

      Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.

      4.6
      7 mi
      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. This centralized location makes the National Mal...
      Read more
    • Washington, District of Columbia

      Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial

      4.8
      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 almost always an issue near the Lincoln Memorial, ...
      Read more
    • Arlington, Virginia

      Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail

      5.0
      14 mi
      Start your ride at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking area and head southbound towards Mt. Vernon. You'll be riding next to the Potomac the entire time, with great views of the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Memorial Bridge. The ride is as long as you want to mak...
      Read more
    • Arlington, Virginia

      Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island

      4.3
      2 mi
      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, before the marble buildings, before the traffic-...
      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

      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
    • 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
    • Falls Church, Virginia

      Bike the W&OD Trail

      45 mi
      The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail stretches through northern Virginia and is a great spot for bike riding, running, or walking. The trail is paved, well maintained, and wide enough for traffic in both directions. There are also a couple breweries along the way that you can make a f...
      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
    • Alexandria, Virginia

      Run or Bike the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

      3 mi
      Start your adventure at the Belle Haven Parking area then head down the Dyke Marsh Trail. To add on additional distance, head south down the Mt. Vernon Trail for more views, well maintained paths, and even some sitting areas. You'll find boardwalks that take you right across the marsh, so keep an...
      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
    • 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
    • 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

    Camping and Lodging in College Park

    Greenbelt Park Picnic Areas
    Greenbelt, Maryland

    Greenbelt Park Picnic Areas

    Greenbelt Campground
    Greenbelt, Maryland

    Greenbelt Campground

    Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
    Washington, District of Columbia

    Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas

    Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
    Washington, District of Columbia

    Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas

    Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts
    Washington, Virginia

    Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts

    Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)
    Washington, District of Columbia

    Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)

    Guides, Insights and Stories from College Park

    How the Outdoors Won in the Recent Spending Bill

    How the Outdoors Won in the Recent Spending Bill

    Outdoor Alliance

    7 Sunrise Photos from Virginia's Historic Leesylvania State Park

    7 Sunrise Photos from Virginia's Historic Leesylvania State Park

    Nick Palastro