Are you sick of being in your house from quarantine and the long winter? The weather is finally turning around for the better, and it's time to get outside. The DMV is filled with beautiful outdoor parks, trails, lookouts, and much more. The D.C. monuments are not the only thing there is to see around here, trust me.Our members have provided unique recommendations based on their years of experience living in D.C. on where they are most excited to go this spring and summer.
Here’s our top 15 outdoor spots:
15. Annapolis Rock, MD includes both trails and hikes with spectacular panoramic views. This is even a popular destination for rock climbers!
14. Old Rag Mountain (near Sperryville in Madison County, Virginia). Old Rag is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. This is definitely a spot for more advanced hikers, but the 360 views make the challenge worth it.
13. Kingman Island and Heritage Island are islands in Northeast and Southeast Washington, D.C., in the Anacostia River. It’s accessible for public hiking, walking, biking, and bird watching!
Anacostia River Trail submitted by Lara Levison
12. Anacostia River Trail The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail spans around 20 miles connecting D.C. and Maryland residents in 16 waterfront neighborhoods. The trail is wide and well-maintained and perfect for walking, running, or biking.
11. National Arboretum Bike Trail This trail is great for walking, running, and bird watching and is accessible year-round, but is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
10. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens If you are looking to see beautiful flowers and turtles basking in the sun then this garden is the perfect place for you!
Old Rag submitted by Aykut Yilmaz
9. Rock Creek Park “Hiking the Valley Trail from the Rock Creek Nature Center up to Maryland, and then back down is really enjoyable when you don't want to drive far. You can almost forget you're in the city at all.”- Shonique White, D.C. Sierra Club member
8. The Great Falls This site is only 15 miles outside of D.C. and features historic waterfalls as well as a beautiful 800-acre park.
Sky Meadows - Submitted by Susan Schorr
7. Sky Meadows Virginia State Park Located about an hour outside D.C., Sky Meadows is a large and scenic park located on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It includes scenic views, woodlands and even a historic farm. The activities are endless: hiking, picnicking, fishing and even hike-in camping for families and groups. If you are interested in visiting and learning more about the site, both nature and history programs are offered year-round.
6. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal This historic canal has been operating for around 100 years. Today, it is a scenic pathway for DMV residents and visitors.
5. Shenandoah National Park This park is home to it all: waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, black bears and much more. If you are eager to explore over 200,000 acres of protected land, the park is only about an hour outside the capital.
4. Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park Want to walk, run, or ride your bike on a former historical railroad? Visit the Railroad Regional Park, a paved recreational trail located between Shirlington and Purcellville, Virginia.
3. The Mount Vernon Trail is a beautiful 17-mile long shared use path between Northern Virginia and George Washington's home at Mount Vernon.
2. Difficult Run Trail follows the Potomac River at one of its most scenic spots and even features a waterfall. Before visiting, keep in mind that it is called “Difficult Run Trail” for a reason. — this is more of an intermediate hiking spot!
1. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Want to see beautiful natural habitats and wildlife? The Sanctuary protects almost 2,000 acres of freshwater marshes, forested wetlands,forest, creeks, meadows, pine and sand barrens, and fields along the Patuxent River.
Written by Lily Rozenstrauch, DC Chapter Inter