Towson, Maryland

Great Falls Park, located in McLean, Virginia, is a stunning natural area where the Potomac River cascades over a series of steep, jagged rocks, creating the dramatic Great Falls. This 800-acre park offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it a popular destination for ou...

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 ...

From parking at the fairly new lot on Furnace Road, head down river on the walking trail about a half mile to an obvious large face next to the train tracks. From here you choose from a variety of routes including some two pitch routes like Witches’ Brew 5.4 to Main Street 5.5 over to some of the...

Lancaster County Central Park offers a richly woven network of over 13 miles of multi-use trails, including a prominent approximate 8.1-mile loop—often referred to as the Central Park Loop. This trail system meanders across diverse landscapes: wooded creek corridors, open meadows, rolling fields,...

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...

If you want a walk that’s close to home but feels like a mini escape, the Wolf Trap Trail Loop delivers. Winding through woods, wetlands, ponds, and along creeks, it offers a nice mix of nature, bird song, and scenic variety—all without leaving the suburbs. Trail Details & What to Ex...

Especially scenic in the fall, this well maintained trail loops around a small pond. It is an easy walk (or bike ride) that has a good chance of numerous wildlife sightings.

Park 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...

Chimney 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...

This 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...

The 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...

Lums Pond State Park offers endless adventures while you camp in the newly renovated campground. Explore the pond via kayak, hike through more than 12 miles of trails, fish from the water’s edge, take your dog to enjoy the off-leash dog park, or try the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course.   The camp...

This 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 Cree...

This trail is best accessed from the Quaker Race Day Use Area or from the Cabin Colony for cabin occupants. This trail has a dirt or rocky surface, uneven terrain and one steep but short hill. This trail connects to Lakeside Trail at its end to form a 3-mile loop that passes through diverse habit...

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...

Tucked inside the heart of Reston, Virginia, the Lake Anne Blue Trail Loop is a 1.65-mile loop with 274 feet of elevation gain winding through wooded terrain along the shores of Lake Anne. It's one of the more underrated walks in Northern Virginia — quiet, scenic, and easily accessible from the...