Great Falls, Virginia
Looking for the best hiking in Great Falls? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Great Falls. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Great Falls
-
Knoxville, Maryland
Hike to Maryland Heights
4.82.8 mi / 900 ft gainMaryland 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 ...Read more -
Knoxville, Maryland
Hike Maryland Heights Trail Loop
5.3 mi / 1600 ft gainLearn 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...Read more -
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Hike Weverton Cliffs Overlook from Harpers Ferry
5.08.2 mi / 925 ft gainParking 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 w...Read more -
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Hike Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry
4.54.2 mi / 800 ft gainParking 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 s...Read more -
Elkridge, Maryland
Cascade Falls Loop
3.02.31 mi / 381 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Bluemont, Virginia
Hike to Hollow Brook Falls
4.32 mi / 300 ft gainThis hike will start on the Appalachian Trail and will take you to a beautiful set of falls. When you arrive at the location you will see numerous spots along the side of the road to park. You'll need to look for the white blaze for the Appalachian Trail (it will head up from the parking area). ...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 -
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 -
Owings Mills, Maryland
Serpentine Trail
4.52.39 mi / 226 ft gainPark 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.Read more -
Owings Mills, Maryland
Soldiers Delight Loop
4.75.33 mi / 466 ft gainFrom 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...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 -
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Antietam National Battlefield Trail
3 mi / 358 ft gainAntietam National Battlefield Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sharpsburg, Maryland.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 -
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 -
Baltimore, Maryland
Hike the Fort McHenry Trail
3.50.9 mi / 16 ft gainPark in the lot and head out either direction on this short loop trail. Trail can get crowded, so be prepared to share the space.Read more