Washington, Virginia

Top Spots in and near Washington

  • Crozet, Virginia

    Doyles Falls

    4.9
    2.97 mi / 928 ft gain
    From the parking lot at MP 81.1 on the Skyline Drive, take the trailhead to the left of the sign with the trail map. Immediately you'll cross over the Appalachian Trail-stay straight on the blue-blazed trail to Doyles Falls. The trail will descend rapidly for 1.3 miles to Upper Doyles Falls (28'...
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  • Mathias, West Virginia

    Hike Cranny Crow to Millers Rock Loop

    10.6 mi / 2100 ft gain
    This is a really good day hike to explore another one of the many fantastic state parks that West Virginia has to offer while avoiding some of the crowds that many of the popular ones have. The main feature of the park is the Cranny Crow Overlook which features views into two Virginia and three W...
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  • Sterling, Virginia

    Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble

    5.0
    19.55 mi / 863 ft gain
    Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble is a point-to-point trail where you may see local wildlife located near Ashburn, Virginia.
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  • Waterford, Virginia

    Hike the Historical Phillips Farm in Waterford

    4.0
    1 mi / 10 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Leesburg, Virginia

    Hike the Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Loop

    5.0
    1.2 mi / 100 ft gain
    Red Rock Wilderness Overlook provides 60+ acres of trails to explore right in Leesburg, Virginia. The site is home to some ruins and buildings from the late 1800's and is a wonderful spot for picnics, hiking, trail running, and geocaching.The preferable loop is to take the trail that leads straig...
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  • Crozet, Virginia

    Jones Run Waterfall

    4.0
    3.49 mi / 794 ft gain
    This little known waterfall is located close to the more popular waterfall, Doyles River Falls. Staring at the Jones Run parking area turn left downhill following the blue blazed Jones Run trail. After 1.7 miles you will reach the main waterfall. You can either stay here and enjoy the waterfall o...
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  • Appalachian Trail, Virginia

    Blackrock Summit

    4.8
    1.11 mi / 253 ft gain
    There are two route options, both are under 2 miles and are suitable for hikers of all experience levels. The shortest option, a 1-mile circuit, follows the Appalachian Trail from the Blackrock Summit parking area, which is just north of mile marker 85 on Skyline Drive. With only 175-feet of ele...
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  • Dickerson, Maryland

    C&O Canal: Whites Ferry to Edwards Ferry

    5.0
    9.84 mi / 243 ft gain
    Park in the lot on Whites Ferry road and hop on the Chesapeake Ohio towpath. This is an out-and-back so you can make it as short as you want or up to 10 miles. Great for familes and dog friendly!
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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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  • Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Weverton Cliffs Overlook from Harpers Ferry

    5.0
    8.71 mi / 1178 ft gain
    Parking 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 ...
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  • Reston, Virginia

    Lake Anne Blue Trail Loop

    1.65 mi / 273.62 ft gain
    Tucked inside the heart of Reston, Virginia, the Lake Anne Blue Trail Loop is a 1.65-mile loop with 274 feet of elevation gain winding through wooded terrain along the shores of Lake Anne. It's one of the more underrated walks in Northern Virginia — quiet, scenic, and easily accessible from the...
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  • Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry

    4.7
    4.53 mi / 1191 ft gain
    Parking 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 ...
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  • Knoxville, Maryland

    Maryland Heights via Overlook Cliffs

    4.8
    2.88 mi / 1056 ft gain
    Maryland Heights is at the convergence of Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath are also easily accessible from the trailhead parking lot. The parking lot holds about 16 cars and is between Locks 33 and...
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  • Knoxville, Maryland

    Maryland Heights Trail Loop

    4.94 mi / 1647 ft gain
    Learn 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...
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  • Purcellville, Virginia

    Potomac Wayside Park

    4.0
    0.25 mi / 75 ft gain
    This is a small park along route 340 in Purcellville, Virginia near Harper's Ferry. After you have parked, look for the park sign which will be a few feet behind you. There is a trail that will take you down to the bottom of the waterfall and eventually to the Potomac River. There is also a trail...
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  • Charlottesville, Virginia

    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont

    Strolling through the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, Virginia, you’ll experience birds, native plants, and local biodiversity. Here you can learn about the birds nesting at the site, plants on location, and our stream restoration project. For special events at the garden, v...
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