Washington, Virginia
Looking for the best hiking in Washington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Washington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Washington
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Stanley, Virginia
Dark Hollow Falls
4.61.32 mi / 440 ft gainCatch the trailhead to these falls at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive, just north of Big Meadows Lodge and Campground and the trailhead is just to the left of the parking lot. This is an easy 1.4 mile roundtrip hike, straight down to get to the falls, and straight up to arrive back at your car. Many...Read more -
Stanley, Virginia
Big Meadows Loop
4.71 mi / 30 ft gainBig Meadows is home to many types of wildlife and is a great location to photograph many different types of animals. The best time to see the wildlife in the meadow is near dawn and dusk. White-tailed deer and a variety of local birds are the most common animals seen in the meadow, and because o...Read more -
Stanley, Virginia
Lewis Falls via Lewis Spring
3.01.71 mi / 607 ft gainLewis Spring is the source of Hawksbill Creek which forms Lewis Falls (also known as Lewis Spring Falls) and eventually flows through the town of Luray and joins the Shenandoah River. The waterfall starts with 2 streams before hitting rock halfway down and fanning out. During dry seasons and summ...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 -
Rapidan, Virginia
Hike to Historical Rapidan Camp in Shenandoah National Park
5.04.5 mi / 890 ft gainFor this hike park at the Milam Gap parking lot located at mile 52.8 on Skyline Drive. Once parked you will cross Skyline Drive to reach the trail. Hikers will follow the blue blazes along the trail and creek. After you have crossed the creek twice you will come to a larger waterfall. At this po...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 -
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 -
Stanley, Virginia
Hike to Naked Creek Falls
3.01 mi / 1000 ft gainPlease note that there is no trail leading to these falls. This hike is for advanced hikers.Park your car at Naked Creek Overlook in Shenandoah National Park and walk through the field staying to the left. As you start to enter the woods you will hear the creek running on your left. Make your wa...Read more -
Madison, Virginia
Hike Bear Church Rock via the Graves Mill Trail
3.58.5 mi / 2250 ft gainStarting at the Graves Mill Parking area, head up the yellow blazed trail that is marked by a big cement marker. The trail will follow closely beside the gorgeous Rapidan River. Hike for half a mile until you come to the intersection of the Staunton River Trail. Turn left (do not cross the river)...Read more -
Madison, Virginia
Fly Fish on the Rapidan River
5.05 miPark at the Graves Mill Parking Area. From here you can easily follow the Rapidan River up the mountain. Fishing reports inform that the lowest concentration of brookies are at the lower boundaries of the park so take some time to enjoy the trail and hike up stream. At the lower boundaries you mi...Read more -
Stanley, Virginia
Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap
3.59.4 mi / 800 ft gainThe trail leads along the ridge of Jones Mountain to the gorgeous views at Bear Church Rock, and it's the perfect hike for those seeking solitude - didn't see another soul the entire time on a holiday weekend.From the parking lot, head out left on the AT northbound. In .4 miles you will come to a...Read more -
Elkton, Virginia
Bearfence Mountain Loop
4.81.04 mi / 220 ft gainThis is one of my favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park for its views, easy access to the trail, and the option to combine it with a much further hike on the AT. There is also a really fun little rock scramble at the top that scares a lot of people away, but makes for a more secluded summit,...Read more -
Stanley, Virginia
Hike the Bird Knob Trail
8.5 mi / 1300 ft gainBird Knob trail and aptly-named Emerald Pond are a not-so-well-kept secret worth sharing. Located just two hours away from Washington DC, this hike has everything: bouldering, views, and the perfect swimming hole. Even the drive to reach the hike is scenic and enjoyable with mountain views and f...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 -
Stanardsville, Virginia
Hike South River Falls
4.54.4 miThe trail head for the South River Falls Trail is located at mile marker 63 off of Skyline Drive via the South River Picnic Area. Loop around the picnic area until you reach the Eastern corner where you will find a sign and a map marking the beginning of the 4.2-mile trail. Over the first mile...Read more -
Wardensville, West Virginia
White Rocks Loop, George Washington NF
4.59.26 mi / 1690 ft gainThe trail begins near the upper parking area next to a closed gate. If you park in the lower parking area, you'll have to walk about .3 miles up the road to get to this gate. Start out on the forest service (FS) orange-blazed trail, following it for about a quarter mile. From there head onto Old...Read more