Poolesville, Maryland
Looking for the best hiking in Poolesville? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Poolesville. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Poolesville
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Fairfax Station, Virginia
Explore Burke Lake in Fairfax
4.54.7 mi / 0 ft gainBurke Lake Park has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, or just having a picnic with your family, you can do it all at Burke Lake. Those who want to be active or exercise can run, hike or biket the 4.7 mile trail that circles the entir...Read more -
Clifton, Virginia
Hike the Bull Run Occoquan Trail
13 miThe Bull Run Occoquan Trail is located in Fairfax County, Virginia and is 50 miles outside Washington, DC and runs along the Bull Run waterway for 6.5 miles from Bull Run Marina to Fountainhead Regional Park. The blue blazed trail undulates for a total ascent of 1,510 ft and descent of 1,526 ft, ...Read more -
Myersville, Maryland
Hike to Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliff
4.48 mi / 840 ft gainHike along the Appalachian Trail as it passes through South Mountain State Park, taking you to a number of very scenic lookout spots.From the parking area, take the connector trail a short distance until you see blue blazes on the left – these will lead you to the Appalachian Trail (white blazes)...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
4.51.5 miThe 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 -
Marshall, Virginia
Hike to the Piedmont Overlook
5.00.61 mi / 400 ft gainIn just a .61 mile trail, Piedmont Overlook has so much to offer in terms of views and although it is fairly steep, anyone can do it! After arriving at Sky Meadows State Park start heading up to the white park office building, this is where the trail begins. To get to the trail head follow Bosto...Read more -
Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia
Camp at Sky Meadows State Park
5.02 miCamping at Sky Meadows State Park is a great location to backpack with young kids or if you are new to backpacking. The campground has 18 primitive walk-in campsites located 1.03 miles from the overnight parking lot at the park entrance. Reservations can be made online. After checking-in and park...Read more -
Eldersburg, Maryland
Mineral Hill Trail
4.02.04 mi / 282 ft gainMineral Hill Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Finksburg, Maryland.Read more -
Boyce, Virginia
Trail Run the AT in the G.R. Thompson
7 mi / 900 ft gainTake Fire Trail Road and start your run at the parking area (labeled in the map). The trail puts you directly onto the AT, where you will turn right (southbound) to start the run (or hike). You'll stay on the AT for roughly 3.5 miles down to the Trillium Trail Parking area. At that point, turn ar...Read more -
Thurmont, Maryland
Cat Rock via Old Misery Trail
3.02.89 mi / 797 ft gainThe best place to park is on Catoctin Hollow Road in the parking lot that's on the same side of the road as the lake. It's not a huge lot but we were here mid-summer around 10 am and found a spot easily. The trailhead is on the other side of the street from this parking lot; there is a sign letti...Read more -
Smithsburg, Maryland
Hike to Cunningham Falls
4.22.8 miThis 78-foot waterfall, among the largest in the state, is easily accessible by two short trails. Lower Trail (0.5 miles) leads directly to the falls, whereas Cliff Trail (0.75 miles) has slightly more difficult terrain and takes you to a viewing platform. To lengthen the adventure, Hunting Creek...Read more -
Thurmont, Maryland
Hike Catoctin Mountain
4.58.4 mi / 1370 ft gainPark at Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center. The hike starts at the end of the gravel parking lot across from the visitor center. This is definitely a popular hiking location, so come early on the weekends to guarantee a parking spot and to avoid the crowds. To start, take the right trail towards th...Read more -
Thurmont, Maryland
Hike Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park
4.25 mi / 600 ft gainChimney Rock is the quintessential breathtaking view that makes a hike worthwhile. By parking at the most northeast parking lot on the trail map you are able to include the sweeping views of Thurmont Vista, and Wolf Rock on your way to Chimney Rock. Highly recommend visiting in the fall, and on w...Read more -
Thurmont, Maryland
Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail
4.58.6 mi / 1696 ft gainThis 8.6 mile loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park is good for both hikers and trail runners. This loop is the larger loop in the park, comprised of Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. The trail gets a moderate rating because it's mostly roc...Read more -
Laurel, Maryland
Hike the South Tract Trails at Patuxent Research Refuge
5 miFrom 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 -
Sabillasville, Maryland
Camp at the Adirondack Shelters in Catoctin Mountain Park
5.04 mi / 1200 ft gainFor outdoor enthusiasts, Maryland is an ideal place to live. Between the mountains and the Bay--and the rivers, bike paths, and trails along the way--we couldn't ask for much more. But if we were feeling greedy, we would probably ask for additional backpacking options, right? Of course, there are...Read more -
Front Royal, Virginia
Snowshoe the AT in G.R. Thompson
3 miThe G.R. Thompson is a piece of public land in Linden, VA, thats primarily used by hunters. The Appalachian Trail runs right through this section and visiting during a fresh snowfall can make for a great adventure. Only 60 minutes drive from greater Washington DC area, this is an easy adventure! ...Read more