6 Hiking Spots Close to Washington, D.C. (not Shenandoah)
Shenandoah is a great hiking option near Washington, D.C., but let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a haul, and the entry fee can be a pain. Here’s a list of some of my favorite hiking spots that are even closer to D.C. and are all free!
Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, D.C. (about 3 miles, 13 minutes from the center of D.C.)
This island between Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, and Rosslyn is such a hidden gem! It’s the perfect place to escape from D.C. and get into the woods while still technically being in the city. The island is even metro accessible, located about half a mile from the Rosslyn metro station. For drivers, there’s a free parking lot located at the entrance to the park, which also connects with the Mount Vernon Trail, great for picnicking and additional walks along the Potomac.
Donaldson Run Park, Virginia (about 6 miles, 17 minutes from the center of D.C.)
Donaldson Run Park, nestled in the McLean, Virginia area is another great escape that’s so close to everything. The Donaldson Run Trail takes you through the woods along a stream (with several stream crossings) and spits you out at the Potomac, where it connects to the Potomac Heritage Trail that runs along the river. The park also connects with Potomac Overlook Regional Park for more trails. It’s a bit more rugged and less traveled than Theodore Roosevelt Island, so it’s the perfect place for a short or longer hike with a bit more adventure! There’s ample street parking along 30th St N. Several buses also stop on Military Road not far from the park, making it easily accessible for those without vehicles as well.
Billy Goat Trail, Great Falls, Maryland (about 16 miles, 35 minutes from the center of D.C.)
The Billy Goat Trail Section A (1.75 miles) is a tried and true favorite of Washingtonians. It is a bit more strenuous than other trails – it’s very rocky and you have to be careful where you step, and there’s also a steep rock scramble in one section. I would begin Section A at the northernmost entrance (between locks 16 and 17) so you scramble up rather than down. I would also recommend walking north before the hike to the overlook just past mile 14 on the C&O canal for the best views of Great Falls. Overall, this is a great trail offering breathtaking views of the Potomac, and it’s level of difficulty isn’t too challenging; it’s certainly not Old Rag. For a more leisurely stroll, walking along the canal is another great option. There are also two other Billy Goat Trail sections – B (1.4 miles) and C (1.6 miles). B always seems to be closed, but C usually seems to be open and is said to be an easier trail. Near the parking area for Section A is a tavern with food and beer, perfect for relaxing after the hike.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland (about 40 miles, 1 hour 3 minutes from the center of D.C.)
The peak of Sugarloaf Mountain has beautiful views of the surrounding area, and there are numerous trails of varying lengths on the mountain. We parked in the West View Parking Area (near B10 and B1 on the trail map) for a 5-mile hike on the northern peaks trail (blue) plus the short distance we went on the green and red trails to reach the summit and connect back with the blue trail. For a shorter hike, the white trail is 2 ½ miles long. For a longer hike, the saddleback horse trail is 7 miles. For post hike refreshments, there’s a vineyard near the mountain, or you can drive north for about 30 minutes to visit Flying Dog Brewery outside of Frederick. Their beer is great, and they usually have a food truck.
Annapolis Rock, Maryland (about 59 miles, 1 hour 11 minutes from the center of D.C.)
We loved this out and back 5.1 mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. The views are some of the best I’ve seen, especially in the area. It’s definitely one of the most popular hikes in the area, so sometimes parking can be tough. There’s a small parking area near the trailhead, which was full when we went, so we parked along the sound of the road. This hike is north of Frederick, so for D.C. residents a post-hike refreshment at Flying Dog Brewery is on the way home!
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (about 61 miles, 1 hour 14 minutes from the center of D.C.)
The confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers cutting through the mountains at Harpers Ferry is incredible. I’ll admit, we just stopped here briefly and didn’t do much hiking, but it’s the perfect place for it! The historic town is cute and has some restaurants that would be perfect for a post hike lunch or dinner, and there are various hiking trails all throughout the area offering views of the towns and the rivers. According to the National Parks Service, the park has about 20 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulties and lengths. Harpers Ferry is definitely top of my list for another hiking trip!
There you have it! This list certainly isn’t inclusive of all the great hiking spots in the D.C. area, but these are certainly some of the best, and they’re all within about an hour of the city. Enjoy!
What are some of your favorite hiking spots near Washington, D.C.? Please share in the comments below!
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