You don’t have to drive to the mountains for a great hike. Some of the region’s best trails are just minutes from Arlington, offering everything from shaded woodland walks to rocky climbs with sweeping views. So get ready to trade traffic for birdsong, unplug and explore. These hikes deserve a spot on your summer bucket list.
Potomac Heritage TrailÂ
With a trail network spanning more than 800 miles, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is one of only 11 officially designated National Scenic Trails in the U.S., along with the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. One especially popular section runs through Arlington alongside the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River. (If you’re looking for a quiet hike away from humanity, this isn’t the one for you.) Easy places to hop on include Gravelly Point and Theodore Roosevelt Island, as well as Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean. This trail isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s rocky, rugged and a bit overgrown. Multiple access points
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Located in the middle of the Potomac River between Arlington and Foggy Bottom, Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a nearby reprieve from the din of city life. You can circle the outer swamp trail, which is just shy of 1.5 miles around, or take the Woods Trail or the Upland Trail to the monument of Theodore Roosevelt in the center of the island to learn about its history. The trails are almost completely flat and easily passable, making the routes great for all ages and activity levels. Park in the Theodore Roosevelt Island parking lot, accessible via the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.Â
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
A relatively short (1.4-mile) hike on a groomed path with several stream crossings, this out-and-back trail terminates at a scenic waterfall and rocky beach area along the Potomac River, where mini-hikers can picnic, play with rocks and look for fish. Be sure to get there early, as the entrance off Georgetown Pike has a small parking lot. Need more of a challenge? Scott’s Run connects to a longer, more physically-demanding trail, aptly named Difficult Run, that experienced hikers may wish to add on. Difficult Run rewards adventurous climbers with water views along the Potomac River. Kids may need extra shoes for this wet trek. 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia
Great Falls National Park
Take in spectacular views of Great Falls on the Virginia side from three overlooks, which are just a short walk from the visitor center. Overlook One, which has wooden steps and a rocky path, is the closest you can get to the waterfalls themselves. Overlooks Two and Three have ramps and flat gravel paths. The River Trail loop, which follows an old carriage road, involves some tricky terrain and rock scrambling, so be sure to wear the appropriate shoes. Parking is ample, but costs $20 (or $35 for an annual pass). 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Burke Lake Park
Flat, scenic and wooded, this Fairfax County park is anchored by a 218-acre freshwater reservoir. The 4.5-mile, gravel-surface loop trail, which you can walk, run or bike, follows the shoreline, with views of the lake from almost every point. If the kids tire of walking (do they ever get tired though?), refuel at the Burke Lake Ice Cream parlor, which stocks several flavors of ice cream, snacks and drinks. There’s also a carousel, a rideable kiddie train, mini golf, a playground and disc golf. 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia
Sky Meadows State Park
Take an hourlong drive from Arlington for a day hike, or spend the night at a campground and try primitive camping. There are no drive-up campsites at this Virginia state park; reaching a tent-worthy spot involves a walk through the quiet, backcountry camping areas at Sky Meadows, which is designated an International Dark Sky Park. The park also offers nature and history programs and a monthly astronomy night. Find trails for a wide range of abilities, from easy to strenuous, with scenic views, woodlands and a farm where you are likely to see horses, cows and chickens milling about. 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, Virginia
Shenandoah River State Park
You can choose your own adventure at this Virginia state park just west of Shenandoah National Park, where the scenic hikes range from easy to moderate. Take an 8-mile loop around the perimeter, or opt for a shorter jaunt with more gentle terrain. The drive time from Arlington is about 1.5 hours. 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville, Virginia
Harpers Ferry
For thru-hikers, the Visitor’s Center in this historic West Virginia town serves as the unofficial mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. But with 22 miles of hiking trails and a drive time of about 1.5 hours from Arlington, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is also a great destination for day trips. The hiking options range from scenic walks around the hilly town and riverfront strolls to treks that ascend higher up into the hills, culminating in spectacular views of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. (The rivers coverge at the geographic point where the states of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland come together.) Hikes to check out in the area include Weverton Cliffs (medium difficulty/scenic), Maryland Heights (strenuous/views of town) and Murphy Chambers Farm (easy/views of Shenandoah). Hit the town afterward for lunch, ice cream or a pint. 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Cedar Run-Whiteoak Circuit Trail
This challenging, 8-mile loop in Shenandoah National Park takes about 4-5 hours, depending on how much time you spend taking in the scenery and cooling off in its natural swimming holes. (Be sure to bring your swimsuit.) The trail passes by six waterfalls ranging from 35 to 86 feet high, each with a swimming hole at the bottom. Some even have natural water slides. This route is not a good option for those looking for an easy stroll. It’s long and strenuous, with mostly uphill climbs. Driving time from Arlington is roughly 2 hours. Skyline Drive, Luray, Virginia. Find parking at Whiteoak Canyon Trail parking area (milepost 42.6) or Hawksbill Gap parking area (milepost 45.5)Â
Cascades Falls Trail
This four-mile loop is on the challenging side, and the drive time from Arlington is a good 4.5 hours, but the scenery makes it worth the effort. The trail meanders along a shaded mountain creek with a prize at the end in the form of a dramatic waterfall. Cascade Falls is 66 feet tall, surrounded by cliff walls. The hike includes picturesque pedestrian bridges over the creek and towering rock faces. Expect technical paths, wild rhododendrons and stone steps. Extend your day by hiking up to Barney’s Wall or Upper Cascades. 2068 Cascades Drive, Pembroke