Fall is here and there’s no better way to experience the season than a hike through the great outdoors. Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland are home to some of the best fall color hikes with stunning foliage and crisp air. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top five fall color hikes near Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland that you should visit this season.
Rock Creek Park
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Known as an oasis in the city, Rock Creek Park allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find some fresh air, scenic views and historic landscapes not too far from home. The park is home to over 32 miles of hiking trails and paths for you to explore. You can follow one of their suggested hikes or follow along the two primary trails and create your own adventure.
Phone: (202) 895-6000
Location: 5200 Glover Road NW, Washington, DC
Hours: Rock Creek Park is open year-round during daylight hours. The park is closed after dark.
Review Highlight: “Beautiful walk along Rock Creek today. Lots of fellow travelers, along Beach Drive and on the trails. It’s mid-November, but the trees are still pushing out beautiful colors throughout the park.” says Joe Greeley, Google Reviews.
HeartSmart Trail – Brookside Gardens
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Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park. The trail follows a popular pathway around the garden that is open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Experience a diverse variety of plants and trees, as well as a lovely coy pond to take a break at.
Phone: (301) 962-1400
Location: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
Hours: Sunrise-sunset
Review Highlight: “This place is absolutely lovely! The gardens, the pond, the walking trails — everything is just gorgeous. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.” says Peggy Kurtz, Google Reviews.
Shenandoah National Park’s Stony Man Trail
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Get ready for some of the best views in Shenandoah National Park on the hike to Stony Man summit. An easy upward amble leads visitors to a magnificent view of the Shenandoah Valley and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. Experience local wildlife and colorful vegetation.
Phone: (540)-999-3500
Location: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Luray, VA. From the Stony Man Parking Area (mile 41.7), take the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) to the trail post.
Hours: Sunrise-sunset
Review Highlight: “This was an easier hike going up to the summit. The top was absolutely stunning and well worth the trip.” says Samantah Tatham, Google Reviews.
Harper’s Ferry Maryland Heights Trail
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A moderate to strenuous hike with rewarding views at the end. The Maryland Heights Trail offers hikers the opportunity to see many aspects of Harpers Ferry NHP on one walk: spectacular scenery, geology, Civil War, industrial and transportation history. It’s recommended that visitors park at the Visitor Center parking area and use the park’s free shuttle system or the Visitor Center to Lower Town Trail to access the trail from Lower Town.
Phone: (304) 535-6029
Location: 489-551 Harpers Ferry Road, Knoxville, MD
Hours: Trail is open during daylight hours.
Review Highlight: “Perfect little workout!! Steady incline up; and leads to a beautiful view!! Harper’s Ferry is also just a lovely town to explore,” says Genovi Jones, Google Reviews.
Great Falls Park
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Great Falls offers over 15 miles of hiking trails through their 800 acre park. These trails offer a variety of experiences, from exploring the secluded swamps, to enjoying views of the raging river.
Phone: (703) 757-3101
Location: 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA
Hours: 7 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset daily.
Review Highlight: “Great Falls is a beautiful spot for a scenic hike. The views of the waterfalls are stunning, and the trails are peaceful and refreshing,” says Sara Albaderi, Google Reviews.
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