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| A view of the Potomac from Riverbend Park |
Rock Creek Park:
The Urban Escape
The 1,700 acres of Rock Creek Park were some of the first federally protected purely in the name of recreation. Nestled into the neighborhoods of the
Northwest Washington, D.C., the park offers 32 miles of trails winding through
stream valleys, dense forest and craggy rock outcroppings. 5200 Glover Road NW Washington, D.C.
The Billy Goat
Trail (Section A): The Death-Defying Scramble
This gnarly 1.4 mile stretch of the Billy Goat Trail is
basically an extended rock scramble with spectacular views of Mather Gorge and
the churning pools of the Potomac below.
11710 MacArthur Boulevard Potomac Maryland
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| Winter on the C & O Canal |
Potomac Heritage
Trail: The Workout
The Potomac Heritage Trail spans three states -- linking the
Chesapeake Bay with the Allegheny Mountains.
The section of the trail winding through the Washington, D.C. area hugs
the Potomac and provides ample trail for hikes or runs – with enough panoramic
river vistas to motivate an extended trail run.
Turkey Run Access 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean Virginia
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| The beginning of autumn at Scotts Run Nature Preserve |
Sky Meadows State
Park: The Date Hike
Fringed by rolling hills and tranquil pastures, Sky Meadow provides plenty of scenery and hiking options -- there are circuits of varying length in the park, and access to the Appalachian Trail. Plus, there are several wineries within minutes of the park, for post-hike recovery.
11012 Edmonds Lane White Post Virginia
Riverbend Park:
The Family Hike
Family friendly trails, unspoiled river views, shady picnic
tables, and access to the tumbling cascades of Great Falls make Riverbend a
perfect location for boundless youthful energy to be unleashed.
8700 Potomac Hills Street Great Falls Virginia
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve:
Bring the Dog
Even the city’s most cultured canines need to get back to
their varmint chasing roots. The network
of trails zigzagging through Scott’s Run preserve are free of bikes, horses, or
anything motorized—but are also largely unmarked. From the East parking lot, hop over the metal
parking gate and follow the waterfall trail (the widest, most well-used path)
to the Potomac River, and a tranquil canine swimming hole.
7400 Georgetown Pike McLean Virginia
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| A view of the Potomac from the Potomac Heritage Trail in Scotts Run Nature Preserve |
Jeremy's Run (Shenandoah National Park): The Swimming Hole
During the summer, the Shenandoah's waterfalls and swimming holes draw throngs of visitors, and the park's most popular spots for a dip -- White Oak Canyon, Rip Rap Hollow, Big Rock Falls -- can get a little crowded. In the North District of the park, Jeremy's Run Trail is usually less frequented, and with several stream crossings (more than a dozen), there are plenty of options for seeking out the perfect swimming hole. Begin at Elk Wallow (which has pre-and-post hike facilities:toilets and a snack bar) and take the very short connector trail from the Elk Wallow parking lot to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT). Follow the AT south (downhill) to the blue-blazed Jeremy's Run Trail (you will be able to see the stream). For a bunch of swimming options (and nice sites for backcountry camping) head continue hiking downstream along Jeremy's Run by veering to the left to follow Jeremy's Run Trail (passing the concrete marker for the Knob Mountain Trail). There is a waterfall about 5 miles down the trail (for a longer loop, hike to the end of Jeremy's Run and connect to either the Knob Mountain or Neighbor Mountain trails).
Elk Wallow Wayside: Milepost 24.1 on Skyline Drive
Mason Neck State
Park: The Beach Day
Craving a day at the beach without the time to make the
trip? Mason Neck State Park fringes
tranquil Belmont Bay, a haven for Bald Eagles and Blue Heron. Get your toes in the sand on the 0.3-mile Beach
Trail, and for a longer hike, take the Kane’s Creek Trail to the Eagle’s Spur
Trail to Kane’s Creek.
High Point Road Lorton Virginia
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| Jeremy's Run in the Shenandoah National Park |
