Outbound Collective logo

McLean, Virginia

Top Spots in and near McLean

  • McLean, Virginia

    Scott's Run Nature Preserve Loop

    4.2
    2.51 mi / 397 ft gain
    This nature preserve can be hiked year-round and is a sanctuary for rare wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife including deer and fox. There are six main interconnecting trails that run through the preserve; winding their way around matured hardwood forest, sheer bluffs, and rocky cliffs overloo...
    Read more
  • McLean, Virginia

    Hike at Turkey Run Park, McLean

    4.0
    2 mi / 200 ft gain
    Turkey Run Park is available to hikers year-around and is located just off of George Washington Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The exits are clearly marked and you simply drive to parking lot C-1 to start this hike.Turkey Run has numerous trail options available but I chose an out-and-back. When yo...
    Read more
  • Falls Church, Virginia

    Bike the W&OD Trail

    45 mi
    The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail stretches through northern Virginia and is a great spot for bike riding, running, or walking. The trail is paved, well maintained, and wide enough for traffic in both directions. There are also a couple breweries along the way that you can make a f...
    Read more
  • Arlington, Virginia

    Fish the Potomac River in Arlington

    Parking along 36th Road in Arlington, VA, head down the path on the Gulf Branch Trail. Walk northeast for roughly a quarter mile, where you will intersect with the Potomac River. Find a spot along the sand, cast out, and watch the catfish bite! Chicken liver seems to work well.  Don't forget to h...
    Read more
  • McLean, Virginia

    Difficult Run, Ridge, and River Trails

    4.5
    3.28 mi / 463 ft gain
    Difficult Run is a popular hiking location right down the street from Great Falls National Park. Starting at the Difficult Run parking lot you head to the trail at the far end of the lot. The trail will split. The green blazes will take you to the left but you can also stay to the right and hike ...
    Read more
  • Potomac, Maryland

    Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail

    4.5
    4.61 mi / 272 ft gain
    Just outside of Washington DC is a great hike and rock scramble you don't want to miss. Great Falls lies in both Virginia and Maryland and has beautiful views of the Potomac River. Start out at the Great Falls Tavern parking lot (Maryland side), and keep in mind it is $10 to park here if you don...
    Read more
  • McLean, Virginia

    Photograph Great Falls of the Potomac

    5.0
    0.69 mi / 131 ft gain
    Viewing Great Falls is easy which makes this adventure great for all levels of adventurers. There is a ~$10 entrance fee, there you will receive a map of the park. There are 3 platforms of viewing Great Falls, each platform has stunning  panoramic views. Make sure you do not forget to bring your ...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Arlington, Virginia

    Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail

    5.0
    14 mi
    Start your ride at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking area and head southbound towards Mt. Vernon. You'll be riding next to the Potomac the entire time, with great views of the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Memorial Bridge. The ride is as long as you want to mak...
    Read more
  • Arlington, Virginia

    Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island

    4.3
    2 mi
    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-...
    Read more
  • Great Falls, Virginia

    Hike from Riverbend Regional Park to Great Falls National Park

    5.0
    2.5 mi / 75 ft gain
    This hike utilizes the Potomac Heritage Trail from Riverbend Park to Great Falls National Park. This section is an easy, mostly flat trail that will take you along the Potomac until you reach Great Falls National Park. When you reach Riverbend Park turn right into the parking lot. At the end of t...
    Read more
  • Great Falls, Virginia

    Canoe from Algonkian Regional Park to Riverbend Park

    4.0
    Starting at Algonkian Regional Park and ending at Riverbend Park, this 8.5 mile canoe trip is a perfect way to get away from the traffic that is Northern Virginia.  Paddling hard, people have completed it in 4 hours.  It can easily be turned into an all day trip lasting 8 or more hours, if paddli...
    Read more
  • Washington, District of Columbia

    Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.

    4.6
    7 mi
    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...
    Read more
  • Washington, District of Columbia

    Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial

    4.8
    Located on the far-west portion of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. stands the Lincoln Memorial. At almost 100 feet tall, this majestic structure overlooks the reflecting pool and offers an iconic view of the Washington Monument.  Parking is almost always an issue near the Lincoln Memorial, ...
    Read more
  • 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 ...
    Read more
  • Alexandria, Virginia

    Run or Bike the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

    3 mi
    Start your adventure at the Belle Haven Parking area then head down the Dyke Marsh Trail. To add on additional distance, head south down the Mt. Vernon Trail for more views, well maintained paths, and even some sitting areas. You'll find boardwalks that take you right across the marsh, so keep an...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in McLean

Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts
Washington, Virginia

Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts

Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
Washington, District of Columbia

Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas

Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)
Washington, District of Columbia

Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)

Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Washington, District of Columbia

Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas

Greenbelt Campground
Greenbelt, Maryland

Greenbelt Campground

Greenbelt Park Picnic Areas
Greenbelt, Maryland

Greenbelt Park Picnic Areas

Guides, Insights and Stories from McLean

How the Outdoors Won in the Recent Spending Bill

How the Outdoors Won in the Recent Spending Bill

Outdoor Alliance

7 Sunrise Photos from Virginia's Historic Leesylvania State Park

7 Sunrise Photos from Virginia's Historic Leesylvania State Park

Nick Palastro