Top Adventures in Arlington
Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island
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...
2 miles
Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge
Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail through forest, hill and valley landscapes, as you follow along the river, itself. Starting at Roosevelt Island, you can hike as far as 8.4 miles roundtrip to Chain Bridge, with great views along the way.
Make sure ...
8.4 miles
300 ft gain
Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail
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 Memor...
14 miles
Hike the C&O Canal Towpath: Carderock to Great Falls
Park on the road adjacent to the canal as indicated on the map (see below). This is a popular trail which is dog friendly and accessible year-round.
6.28 miles
141 ft gain
Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.
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...
7 miles
Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial
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 ...
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! Ch...
Bike the W&OD Trail
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 co...
45 miles
Hike Through Rock Creek Park
This is primarily a dirt trail, which is pretty rare and fantastic for hiking and trail-running. Depending on where you exactly start, it's roughly 4.5 miles, so it's a pretty moderate hike/ run or almost 10miles if you do the out and back. There ...
9 miles
450 ft gain
Hike the Soapstone Valley Trail
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...
2 miles
Hike at Turkey Run Park, McLean
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 opti...
2 miles
200 ft gain
Hike the Scott's Run Nature Preserve Trail
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 hardw...
2.5 miles
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Washington, Virginia
Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts
Overview The Parkway Drive Volleyball courts are located along the Potomac River, northwest of the Lincoln Memorial. The Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts are the only public courts within the memori... -
Washington, District of Columbia
Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)
Overview Hains Point Picnic Areas are located in East Potomac Park. Reservations for picnic areas (A, B, C, D) are required seven days a week (Sunday through Saturday) all year-round. Recreation H... -
Washington, District of Columbia
Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
Overview Eight group picnic areas in Rock Creek Park are available for advance reservation from May through October. These picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis from Novemb... -
Washington, District of Columbia
Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Overview Fort Dupont Park has three picnic areas that can be reserved for use by groups from spring to fall each year. There are also picnic areas available on a first-come, first-served basis. R... -
Alexandria, Virginia
Fort Hunt
Overview Located only two miles from Mount Vernon, the historical home of George Washington, Fort Hunt Park is a local favorite for picnicking and recreation. This picnic area has transformed treme... -
Fort Washington, Maryland
Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities
Overview Fort Washington is located 15 miles south of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. Part of the National Park Service, it is a local favorite for picnicking, recreation and historic in...
