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
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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 -
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 -
Cockeysville, Maryland
Hike the Oregon Ridge Park Trail
4.04.02 mi / 475 ft gainPark in the lot as indicated on the map (see below). This trail is accessible year round, dog-friendly, and is great for families.Read more -
7, Smithsburg, Maryland
Hike to Devil's Racecourse on the Appalachian Trail
4.53 mi / 1500 ft gainStart your hike where the AT crosses Raven Rock Road (Maryland Route 491). This crossing is well-marked from both sides by large, yellow signs and blazed stakes. You will need to park on the side of the road, but the shoulder is wide and can accommodate a crowd. The first half mile or so of this...Read more -
Edgemere, Maryland
Hike the Black Marsh Trail at North Point State Park
2.5 miFirst, 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...Read more -
South River, Virginia
Hike to Compton Peak
5.0This unique hike on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park is 2.4 miles round trip with an 835' elevation gain, and leads you to two viewpoints as well as a cool rock outcrop.Access this hike from the Compton Gap parking area (elevation 2,145') on the Skyline Drive at Mile 10.4. Cross ...Read more -
Sabillasville, Maryland
Hike to High Rock on the Appalachian Trail
4.06 mi / 2000 ft gainStart your hike where the AT crosses Raven Rock Road (Maryland Route 491). This crossing is well-marked from both sides by large, yellow signs and blazed stakes. You will need to park on the side of the road, but the shoulder is wide and can accommodate a crowd. The first half mile or so of this...Read more -
Front Royal, Virginia
Explore Skyline Drive In Winter
4.5Skyline Drive is a winding highway that cuts straight through Shenandoah National Park. Being that we are in the south, you will find that the road is closed for the majority of the winter, and usually at the very mention of snow. The first few years of living here it was incredibly frustrating...Read more