Greenbelt, Maryland

Top Spots in and near Greenbelt

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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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, ...
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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...
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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-...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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