McLean, Virginia
Top Spots in and near McLean
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Knoxville, Maryland
Hike Maryland Heights Trail Loop
5.3 mi / 1600 ft gainLearn Civil War history as you hike through forts and read signs about the war. Enjoy beautiful lookouts, including one with a great view of Harpers Ferry. The 5.3 mile hike is relatively easy and offers an interesting opportunity to learn history in one of the most important historical areas i...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 -
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Hike Weverton Cliffs Overlook from Harpers Ferry
5.08.2 mi / 925 ft gainParking 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 to hop on the C&O canal trail. This is the point w...Read more -
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Hike Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry
4.54.2 mi / 800 ft gainParking 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...Read more -
Annapolis, Maryland
Photograph the Frozen Bay at Sandy Point
The winter is the perfect time to explore this park as it does not draw in many visitors like it does in the summer months. You can walk along the sandy shores to photograph both the Chesapeake Bay Bridge as well as the bay itself. This is a very easy walk and could take you under 10 minutes and ...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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Stevensville, Maryland
Bike or Run the Kent Island South Trail
12 mi / 20 ft gainRun, bike, walk or use any other means to travel this paved route from the Romacoke Pier Park up to the Metapeake Public Beach. 6 miles one way, this path is paved the entire way and stays off the main road. Public parking at either end and beautiful views of the bay. The path winds through fo...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 -
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Antietam National Battlefield Trail
3 mi / 358 ft gainAntietam National Battlefield Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sharpsburg, Maryland.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 -
Myersville, Maryland
Hike to Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliff
4.48 mi / 840 ft gainHike 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 blazes)...Read more