When you think of Washington D.C., hiking might not be the first thing that comes to mind. While the city is renowned for its politics and status as the nation’s capital, it’s also home to stunning parks and hiking trails waiting to be explored, some even within the city limits!
History enthusiasts are in for a treat as many of these hikes feature captivating historic sites. You can, for instance, hike to the top of an overlook once utilized by Confederate soldiers or explore centuries-old colonial houses, and even visit a working, turn-of-the-century mill!
From family-friendly Theodore Island to more challenging trails like the summit of Old Rag Mountain, we’ve compiled a list of the top 13 hikes in DC. We’ve included trails suitable for all skill levels, along with information about must-see stops along the way.
Table of Contents
- Where are the best hiking trails near Washington DC?
- 1. Theodore Roosevelt Island
- 2. Rock Creek Park
- 3. Mount Vernon Trail, George Washington Memorial Parkway/Potomac Heritage Trail
- 4. Prince William Forest Park
- 5. Catoctin Mountain Park
- 6. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Fairfax County
- 7. Maryland Heights Trail, Potomac River
- 8. Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Shenandoah National Park
- 9. Dark Hollow Falls, Shenandoah National Park
- 10. Sugarloaf Mountain
- 11. Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park
- 12. Billy Goat Trail, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail
- 13. Little Devil’s Stairs, Shenandoah National Park
- Best Hikes Near DC: (Surprisingly) Dang Good For Hiking!
Where are the best hiking trails near Washington DC?
We’ve put together a list of 13 stunning hiking trails around the Washington D.C. area below.
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Rock Creek Park
- Mount Vernon Trail, George Washington Memorial Parkway/Potomac Heritage Trail
- Prince William Forest Park
- Catoctin Mountain Park
- Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Fairfax County
- Maryland Heights Trail, Potomac River
- Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Shenandoah National Park
- Dark Hollow Falls, Shenandoah National Park
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park
- Billy Goat Trail, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail
- Little Devil’s Stairs, Shenandoah National Park
1. Theodore Roosevelt Island
On the Potomac River lies a charming wildlife sanctuary known as Theodore Roosevelt Island. This 90-acre natural oasis is full of easy, family-friendly short trails with little elevation gain, so it’s ideal for hikes with kids.
Thanks to its convenient location in the heart of Washington D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island is easy to reach by public transportation. Because trail closures are common on the island, make sure to check before you head out.
If you’re short on time, we recommend doing the Swamp Trail, the 1.6-mile loop that runs along the outer edge of the island. You’ll enjoy clean, wooded forest paths and pass over picturesque footbridges across tidal marshlands and swamps.
Make sure you venture to the centre of Theodore Roosevelt Island too, where you’ll discover a memorial statue of Teddy himself!
- Type: Loop
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Rating: Easy
2. Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park offers 32 miles of majestic woodland paths to explore. As one of Washington D.C.’s biggest parks, you’ll find almost unlimited activities to enjoy. On top of easy to challenging hikes, you can try cycling, swimming, rock climbing, horseback riding, and even boating.
If you only have time to do one hike at Rock Creek Park, make it the Valley Trail. At roughly 11 miles, it’s the longest point-to-point trail in the park. Thanks to its well-maintained paths and moderate elevation (300ft), it’s an easy trek accessible to all skill levels.
Along the way, you’ll even get the chance to explore some old, historic landmarks. Don’t miss the colonial houses, civil war fortifications, and even a working mill, the Pierce Mill!
- Type: Various
- Length: 32 miles of trails
- Rating: Easy to strenuous
3. Mount Vernon Trail, George Washington Memorial Parkway/Potomac Heritage Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail spans from George Washington’s birthplace to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The well-marked, paved paths are highly popular among cyclists and provide spectacular views of the DC skyline and the Potomac River.
The trail is mostly flat apart from a few hills. While the majority of the route is paved, you will encounter some boardwalks over typical DC marshland. Expect to see lots of local wildlife in these sections!
The trail is easy to access, making it a local favorite. Stop at one of the many parking lots along the way or take the D.C. Metro’s Blue and Orange lines.
- Type: Point-to-point
- Length: 18 miles (82ft ascent)
- Rating: Moderate
4. Prince William Forest Park
Those looking for a natural refuge in the DC metro area will find it at Prince William Forest Park. It’s hard to believe that such captivating woodland trails, streams, and cascades are hiding right in the center of the city!
With 37 miles of trails to explore, it’s not easy to choose just one trek to feature. If you’re looking for an easy path to stroll, take the High Meadows Trail. It’s a scenic, low-elevation trek through the woods that passes by a 100-year-old farm, the Taylor Farm.
Those looking for a challenge should head down the South Valley Trail. At almost 10 miles, it’s the longest route in the park. The trail follows a creek closely and you’ll have lots of opportunities to view local wildlife along the way.
- Type: Various
- Length: 37 miles of trails
- Rating: Easy to moderate
5. Catoctin Mountain Park
Serving up some of the best hikes in the DC area, Catoctin Park is the place where hikers and rock climbers looking for a challenge will find it! With over 18 miles of trails, including a waterfall hike, there’s something new and exhilarating to discover around every corner.
We suggest taking the 8 Mile Loop up the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trailhead begins at the visitor center, where you can grab a map of the park.
First, you’ll pass by Chimney Rock, one of the most iconic and famous rock formations in the park. Here you’ll also find one of the park’s best picnic areas, so be sure to bring lunch! From here on out the climb steepens, but you’ll be rewarded by reaching a 78-ft waterfall known as Cunningham Great Falls.
Looking for a short hike instead? Just loop back at Chimney Rock, this will cut the distance in half.
- Type: Various
- Length: 18 miles of trails
- Rating: Easy to Strenuous
6. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Fairfax County
If you want an accessible waterfall hike check out Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. This quaint, 350-acre forest features well-maintained forest trails suitable for all skill levels.
Most people take the Heritage Trail directly to the waterfall. If you do, you’ll be missing out on lots of scenic routes, creek crossings, and quiet forest trails along the way.
We suggest taking Scott’s Run Outer Loop instead. On this, you’ll cross over two creeks with stepping stone bridges before arriving at the Scott’s Run Waterfall.
- Type: Loop
- Length: 3.1 (331ft ascent)
- Rating: Moderate
7. Maryland Heights Trail, Potomac River
Both history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find something to love on the Maryland Heights Trail. This area along the Potomac River is rich in American Civil War history. Journey to the top of the overlook for beautiful views of historic Harper’s Ferry and the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet.
For the first part of the hike, you’ll be following the Maryland Heights Trail. At the first junction, you’ll have a choice between two trails: the Overlook, which is shorter, or the Stone Fort Trail, which is longer and more strenuous.
The Overlook Trail will guide you to an overlook with a view of the town of Harpers Ferry. This is the same outlook Confederate soldiers used to capture the town in 1862.
The Stone Fort Trail is the longer and more challenging of the two. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to explore some historic sites including the ruins of an old, stone fort.
- Type: Loop
- Length: 4.1 miles (1,200ft ascent)
- Rating: Moderate to strenuous
8. Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, less than 2 hours from DC, prominently features on our list due to its scenic overlooks, picturesque forest trails, and numerous waterfalls. Located in the rolling hills of Virginia, just west of Washington DC, the park encompasses a portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains and even a section of the renowned Appalachian Trail.
This hike leads to Whiteoak Canyon Lower Great Falls along the Whiteoak Canyon Trail. Many longer trails lead to the Lower Great Falls, but this one is beginner-friendly, well-maintained, and involves very little elevation gain. For most of the hike you’ll be following along the bubbling Robinson River.
A great tip is that if you are going to visit 3 national parks in a year, get the annual National Parks pass for $80 and make some savings.
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 2.9 miles (417ft ascent)
- Rating: Moderate
9. Dark Hollow Falls, Shenandoah National Park
Despite its spooky name, Dark Hollow Falls is a relatively easy trail through a serene forest. The only obstacle on your way to the 70ft waterfall is a steep and rocky descent. While the path is wide and well-maintained, it’s advisable to wear hiking boots or shoes to ensure better footing.
The area is great for spotting local wildlife and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for many of the 190 bird species found in the park, such as the elusive dark-eyed junco and the grey catbird.
- Type: Loop
- Length: 1.4 miles (440ft ascent)
- Rating: Moderate
10. Sugarloaf Mountain
If scaling a 1,300ft mountain is your idea of a good time, then Sugarloaf Mountain is for you! Located in Dickerson, roughly one hour outside of the city, Sugarloaf Mountain is a natural oasis teeming with local wildlife and fauna.
While there are many low-elevation trails around the mountain that are perfect for beginners, we had to feature this leg-busting, 6.7-mile trip. You’ll be climbing to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain along the Northern Peaks Trail (also called “the blue trail”). At the top, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the rolling hills and farmland of Maryland.
The trailhead starts at the West View parking lot and blue markers will guide your entire ascent. Don’t forget to bring a $5 voluntary donation to access the trail!
- Type: Loop
- Length: 6.75 miles (1,300ft ascent)
- Rating: Moderate
11. Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park
Old Rag Mountain offers some of the best views of the Shenandoah National Park, but it is a challenging hike to get there!
This is a very strenuous trek and not suitable for beginners. You’ll be undertaking a 5 – 6 hour journey on beautiful woodland trails leading up the side of the mountain. Along the way, you’ll face rocky terrain, narrow corridors, and a 2-3 mile-long stretch of moderate rock scrambling.
Remember that this hike is famous for “false summits,” so don’t turn back until you see the official National Park sign announcing the “Old Rag Summit”!
- Type: Loop
- Length: 9.5 miles (2,300ft ascent)
- Rating: Challenging
12. Billy Goat Trail, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail
The Billy Goat Trail lives up to its name – you’ll be scrambling like a mountain goat as you conquer this steep and rocky route! Situated in the Washington D.C. area, right beside Great Falls Park, you’ll relish stunning vistas of the Potomac River along the way.
The hike is actually made up of three sections. Section A is the hardest and involves a famous rock scramble up the side of a cliff. Take this section seriously, over 400 people are injured each year on the cliffs!
Not into scrambling up a cliff face? No problem, try section C. It’s an easier, 1.4-mile path that’s dog and family-friendly. If you can’t bear to go home just yet, consider visiting the Great Falls Park nearby for more day hikes like the river trail and some lovely picnic areas.
- Type: Loop
- Length: 7.8 miles (280 ft ascent)
- Rating: Moderate
13. Little Devil’s Stairs, Shenandoah National Park
Little Devil’s Stairs is a strenuous waterfall hike delivers gorgeous views of the Shenandoah Valley and is one of the most popular trails in Shenandoah National Park. The only thing devilish about this 5-6 hour hike, in fact, is its 1,500ft of elevation change!
This is a difficult trail and only suitable for experienced hikers. Not only is the ascent challenging, but you’ll also need some technical expertise to handle the rock scrambling near the summit. Make sure you wear hiking boots and bring along the proper hiking gear.
The trailhead begins at the end of Keyser Run Road. The parking lot is extremely small and there’s nowhere else to park, so get there early!
- Type: Loop
- Length: 6 miles (1,500ft ascent)
- Rating: Moderate/Challenging
Best Hikes Near DC: (Surprisingly) Dang Good For Hiking!
We hope this list of our favorite hikes has demonstrated that Washington D.C. has so much more to offer than just stuffy museums and a big white house. Hiking in the DC area offers a real opportunity to combine both nature and history into one exciting adventure!
In fact, Washington D.C. offers so many fun hikes we couldn’t list them all. If you’re still itching for more after checking out the trips we’ve featured, check out Great Falls Park, the Appalachian Trail, Rolling Meadow Footbridge, or the Monongahela National Forest located nearby in West Virginia. Here you’ll find plenty of other trails to keep you entertained!
Make sure to let us know in the comments below all about your favorite trails near DC (or any cool historic landmarks we missed, we love those!). And if you have any questions, ask away!