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Great Falls, Virginia

Looking for the best running 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 Running Spots in and near Great Falls

  • Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Hike Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry

    4.5
    4.2 mi / 800 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 s...
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  • 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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  • 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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  • Baltimore, Maryland

    Hike the Fort McHenry Trail

    3.5
    0.9 mi / 16 ft gain
    Park in the lot and head out either direction on this short loop trail. Trail can get crowded, so be prepared to share the space. 
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

    4.5
    8.6 mi / 1696 ft gain
    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...
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  • Cockeysville, Maryland

    Hike the Oregon Ridge Park Trail

    4.0
    4.02 mi / 475 ft gain
    Park in the lot as indicated on the map (see below). This trail is accessible year round, dog-friendly, and is great for families. 
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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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