5 trails within 30 minutes of DC

While I can think of more than 5 trails to add to your DC list, I'm making this post short and sweet with a few images I randomly grabbed off my hard drive.  Please leave other recommendations in the comments below (Manassas, Scott's Run, Leesylvania, etc.)!

1. Dyke March Wildlife Preserve

  • Location // Alexandria, VA - 15 minutes to cross into downtown DC
  • Trail // Either take the WO&D trail or walk the Haul Road Trail (1.5 mi/rt)
  • Difficulty // Easy
  • Best for // Everyone
  • Activities // Hiking, walking, running, bird watching, and water sports (kayaking especially)
  • Pros // Kayaking opportunities, wildlife (birds), close to Old Town Alexandria
  • Cons // Can be busy, hard to park at times, can be muddy

 

2. National Mall

  • Location // Washington DC
  • Trail // You decide!
  • Difficulty // Easy - flat surface
  • Best for // Everyone
  • Activities // Walking, running, roller blading, etc.
  • Pros // Historic, convenience, things to do
  • Cons // Crowded, little to no shade, can be hard to park

3. Great Falls National Park

  • Location // Great Falls, VA - 20 minute drive to Washington DC
  • Trail // Many but I recommend hiking to Cow Hoof Lookout
  • Difficulty // Easy-Moderate - depends on the route you take which can be very rocky
  • Best for // Everyone but not all hikes are ideal for everyone - research ahead of time or talk to a Park Ranger
  • Activities // Hiking, trail running, and kayaking (VERY experienced only as per the NPS website rapids "vary from Class II (novice) to Class V+ (extreme)."
  • Pros // Number of trails, unique overlooks, shaded, picnic areas for family
  • Cons // Crowded, requires car to get to, costs money 

 

4. Mason Neck State Park

  • Location // Lorton, VA - 30 minute drive to DC without traffic
  • Trail // Several trails but I recommend Bay View Trail and Marsh View Trail
  • Difficulty // Easy - flat surface
  • Best for // Everyone
  • Activities // Hiking, water sports
  • Pros // Not crowded, variety of trails, water accessibility
  • Cons // Can be muddy, location (may require driving on 95), costs money 

5. Billy Goat Trail - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

  • Location // Potomac, MD - 20 minutes from DC
  • Trail // There are 3 sections - A (no dogs allowed), B and C
  • Difficulty // Easy to moderate
  • Best for // Parts of certain trails are not easy for all (rocky)
  • Activities // Hiking, rock climbing
  • Pros // Number of trails, unique overlooks, free national park
  • Cons // No actual billy goats on trail, parking can be difficult, crowded