Lorton, Virginia
Top Spots in and near Lorton
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Dickerson, Maryland
Hike the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
4.76.05 mi / 1509 ft gainPark on Sugarloaf Mountain Drive (as indicated on the map below) to access the trail. It is open from March-November and is dog friendly.Read more -
Waterford, Virginia
Hike the Historical Phillips Farm in Waterford
4.01 mi / 10 ft gainThis leisurely hike starts at the Old Mill at Waterford in Waterford, Virginia. You can find parking along the side of the road right near the mill. As you walk down and past the mill you'll see a fence and the beginning of the trail. This is a short, 1 mile hike and almost completely flat. If y...Read more -
Knoxville, Maryland
Explore Point of Rocks/ Potomac River Overlook
4.00.2 mi / 95 ft gainPark at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal parking lot. Walk to the US 15 and cross the road. Trail is not marked, though its faint traces can be detected as you continue on. GPS is recommended. Enjoy the overlook and when you're ready to go back, retrace your steps.Read more -
Annapolis, Maryland
Kayak into downtown Annapolis via Spa Creek
There is no better way to travel into Annapolis then by under your own power on water. Put in your kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board at the Truxton Park Boat Launch (run by the City Parks Department) and paddle into downtown Annapolis on Spa Creek. Pass other boaters, beautiful waterfront ...Read more -
Bluemont, Virginia
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
4.41.31 mi / 164 ft gainBears Den is a collection of rocks and boulders that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia, just off the Appalachian Trail. You have two options to access this overlook: park at the bottom of the mountain and hike up to the overlook via the trail, or drive to the top and access the...Read more -
Bluemont, Virginia
Hike to Raven Rock
4.35 mi / 1000 ft gainStarting at a small parking lot right off of Route 7 (wuick right onto Pine Grove Road) this hike takes you North on the Appalachian Trail in a very hilly/rocky part of the trail. Expect to gain and lose 300 feet+ multiple times! It's about 2.5 miles each way so budget at least a few hours to go ...Read more -
Elkridge, Maryland
Hike the Cascade Falls and Rootball Loop Trail
4.72.4 mi / 285 ft gainPark on the shoulder of Landing Drive (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is open April-September. Dogs allowed on leash.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 -
Delaplane, Virginia
Relax at Lake Thompson
Lake Thompson is a great spot for fishing, walking, or just exploring the area with your dog. I've never had a problem with parking, but you're unlikely to find yourself alone at the lake on a nice weekend day. Its a 10-acre lake, however, so you shouldn't have a problem carving out a little bit...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 -
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 -
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 -
Cool Spring Path South Parking, Virginia
Hike Cool Spring Path
4.02 mi / 70 ft gainThe Cool Spring Path South is an old golf course that has been and still is in the process of being returned to its natural state by Shenandoah University. The paved paths from the golf course make this an easy hike for anyone. For those who may be in a wheelchair, this loop should be fully acces...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 -
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 -
Lusby, Maryland
Hike the Red Trail, Calvert Cliffs SP
4.83.6 miStarting in the parking lot you will follow the Red Trail for 1.3 miles until you reach the cliffs that give this park its name. The trail to the cliffs is both easy to follow and gorgeous at every turn. This is a fairly flat trail and is perfect for all skill levels as well as dog-friendly. Once...Read more