Leesburg, Virginia

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Leesburg

  • Derwood, Maryland

    Hike, Bike, or Run the Lakeside Trail and Muncaster Mill Trail

    4.5
    3.41 mi / 196 ft gain
    Park at the Meadowside Nature Center to Access the trailhead. This is a 3.4 mile loop with opportunities for birding and observing wildlife. Dogs are welcome on leash. 
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  • Sharpsburg, Maryland

    Antietam National Battlefield Trail

    4.5
    3 mi / 358 ft gain
    Antietam National Battlefield Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sharpsburg, Maryland.
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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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  • Front Royal, Virginia

    Snowshoe the AT in G.R. Thompson

    3 mi
    The 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! ...
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  • Clifton, Virginia

    Hike the Bull Run Occoquan Trail

    13 mi
    The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is located in Fairfax County, Virginia and is 50 miles outside Washington, DC and runs along the Bull Run waterway for 6.5 miles from Bull Run Marina to Fountainhead Regional Park. The blue blazed trail undulates for a total ascent of 1,510 ft and descent of 1,526 ft, ...
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  • Fairfax Station, Virginia

    Explore Burke Lake in Fairfax

    4.0
    4.7 mi / 0 ft gain
    Burke Lake Park has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, or just having a picnic with your family, you can do it all at Burke Lake. Those who want to be active or exercise can run, hike or biket the 4.7 mile trail that circles the entir...
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  • Myersville, Maryland

    Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliff via Appalachian Trail

    4.4
    7.15 mi / 1172.35 ft gain
    Hike 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 blaze...
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  • Washington, District of Columbia

    Hike the Soapstone Valley Trail

    4.0
    2 mi
    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 attention to the signs to see how long you can le...
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  • Arlington, Virginia

    Theodore Roosevelt Island

    4.4
    1.88 mi / 85 ft gain
    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, before the marble buildings, before the traffic...
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  • Washington, District of Columbia

    National Mall in Washington D.C.

    4.8
    4.99 mi / 89 ft gain
    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. This centralized location makes the National Mal...
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  • Graceham, Maryland

    Cunningham Falls via Lower Trail

    4.3
    1.04 mi / 156.17 ft gain
    This 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 Cree...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Cat Rock via Old Misery Trail

    3.0
    2.89 mi / 797 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Washington, District of Columbia

    Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

    4.5
    1.5 mi
    The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a unique spot in Washington, D.C. The grounds are full of ponds, boardwalks, and a trail that connects you to the Anacostia River Trail. The main draw of this park are the ponds full of lotus flowers. During the summer months, they grow tall with colors ranging ...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike Catoctin Mountain

    4.5
    8.4 mi / 1370 ft gain
    Park 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...
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  • Thurmont, Maryland

    Hike Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park

    4.4
    5 mi / 600 ft gain
    Chimney 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...
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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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