Celebrate the wonders of nature and enjoy quality family time by taking advantage of National Trails. It’s a fantastic opportunity to venture outdoors and discover the scenic hiking trails located near D.C. Take in the invigorating air, engage in conversations about wildlife, snap memorable photos, observe fascinating insects, and take a break from electronic devices. Below, you’ll find a compilation of nearby parks and hiking trails in the D.C. area.
District of Columbia
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Park and Trails, NW
- Hains Point Loop Trail, 1100 Ohio Drive, SW
- National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE
- Rock Creek Park and Trails, 5200 Glover Road, NW
- Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Along Anacostia Riverfront
Maryland
- Billy Goat Trail Loop, Potomac
- Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda
- Gambrill State Park (and Yellow Trail), 8602 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick
- Rock Creek Regional Park, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville
- Seneca Creek State Park (and Lake Shore Trail)
- Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park (and Sligo Creek Trail), Southernmost point – Takoma Park, MD Northernmost point – Wheaton Regional Park, Silver Spring
- Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton
- Sugarloaf Mountain, 7901 Comus Road, Dickerson, MD
Virginia
- Fountainhead Regional Park, 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station
- Bull Run Occoquan Trail, 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station
- Theodore Roosevelt Island, Arlington, VA
- George Washington Memorial Parkway (Mount Vernon Trail), Alexandria
- Great Falls Park Overlook, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
- Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria
- Lake Accotink Park and Trails, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield
- Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park and Trail, 43098 Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg
- Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, Ashburn
- Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA
Hiking Tips
This list of hiking trails near D.C. lean towards the beginner level but includes hikes of all levels of difficulty. Whenever hiking, but especially with kids, know your limits and take your time. A few tips for hiking with kids:
- Be sure to check out the website before choosing a hike, there may be pertinent info you need to know
- Choose short, easy trails to start kids off
- Find a trail that matches the needs of the least experienced hiker in your party
- Bring plenty of water
- Bring snacks (granola bars, nuts and fruit are all great trail food)
- Dress appropriately, with comfortable and durable footwear (don’t wear brand new boots on a long hike!)
- Bring sunscreen, hats and bug spray
- Make sure trails are dog-friendly before bringing along your furry friend
Some things to consider when choosing the trail you’re going to hike are:
- Trail length
- Incline
- The age, ability and comfort of your party
- The temperature on that day, and what it will be like in 3 hours
- Elevation
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