Alexandria, Virginia

Looking for the best running in Alexandria? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Alexandria. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Alexandria

  • Owings Mills, Maryland

    Serpentine Trail

    4.5
    2.39 mi / 226 ft gain
    Park in the area off of Deer Park road to access the trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Trail can get muddy in the spring, and there are some stream crossings. 
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  • Owings Mills, Maryland

    Soldiers Delight Loop

    4.7
    5.33 mi / 466 ft gain
    From Deer Park Road, parking is available at the nature center or the scenic overlook (about 100 yards up the road). I typically park at the overlook as this affords the ability to hike trails on either side of the road, and always finish the hike back at the car. From the parking area you are ju...
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  • Edgemere, Maryland

    Hike the Black Marsh Trail at North Point State Park

    2.5 mi
    First, a few disclaimers: The parking lot may be "at capacity" if you choose to visit the park in the summer. Do not despair; there is an auxiliary lot of sorts just near the gate.The park may be "full" but chances are you'll have the trails to yourself. Most people are here to hang in the design...
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  • Lusby, Maryland

    Hike the Red Trail, Calvert Cliffs SP

    5.0
    3.6 mi
    Starting in the parking lot you will follow the Red Trail for 1.3 miles until you reach the cliffs that give this park its name. The trail to the cliffs is both easy to follow and gorgeous at every turn. This is a fairly flat trail and is perfect for all skill levels as well as dog-friendly. Once...
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  • Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry

    4.7
    4.53 mi / 1191 ft gain
    Parking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free).  Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge and take a left on the C&O Canal trail. You will ...
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  • Knoxville, Maryland

    Maryland Heights via Overlook Cliffs

    4.8
    2.88 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Maryland Heights is at the convergence of Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath are also easily accessible from the trailhead parking lot. The parking lot holds about 16 cars and is between Locks 33 and...
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  • Knoxville, Maryland

    Maryland Heights Trail Loop

    4.94 mi / 1647 ft gain
    Learn Civil War history as you hike through forts and read signs about the war.  Enjoy beautiful lookouts, including one with a great view of Harpers Ferry.  The 5.3 mile hike is relatively easy and offers an interesting opportunity to learn history in one of the most important historical areas i...
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  • Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Weverton Cliffs Overlook from Harpers Ferry

    5.0
    8.71 mi / 1178 ft gain
    Parking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free).  Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge to hop on the C&O canal trail. This is the point ...
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  • Boyce, Virginia

    Trail Run the AT in the G.R. Thompson

    7 mi / 900 ft gain
    Take 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...
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