Best hiking in DMV

[Anonymous]

What are the best hiking spots in the DMV area?

[Anonymous]

Define the DMV area. Most people who say this don’t go more than 5 miles from their Trader Joe’s.

[Anonymous]

Yes, tell us where you are starting from, OP. I live in VA, so while I recognize there are many excellent hikes in MD, I tend to do VA hikes. Also, how long and vigorous do you want? We are blessed with lots of great options of basically any type of hike.

[Anonymous]

Definitely the billy goat trail.

[Anonymous]

We love the Northwest Branch trail in White Oak.

[Anonymous]

Billy Goat Trail is a great but very challenging hike with areas you’ll be climbing up rocks. No equipment needed, not that kind of rock climbing. Just look it up before you go, and bring more water than you’ll need.

[Anonymous]

A hidden gem is the Anacostia RiverWalk trail.

https://www.nps.gov/anac/planyourvisit/anacostia-riverwalk-trail.htm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely the billy goat trail.

+1, though agree people need to know in advance that it involves a lot of scrambling/bouldering and the "trail" is often just a marked path over very rocky terrain. But really fun!

Would also add:
Sugarloaf
Scott's Run
Mason Neck
Prince William Forrest

[Anonymous]

Your best bet is Rock Creek Park.

[Anonymous]

We love Western Branch Stream Valley Park

https://www.pgparks.com/parks_trails/western-branch-stream-valley-park-i

[Anonymous]

Billy Goat Trail section A is most strenuous, gets busy on weekends.
Section B closed
Section C still a really nice hike with a few rock areas to scramble but not strenuous. Lots of shade.
I also enjoy the Northwest Branch trail off 29 in Silver Spring. You can go either direction but walking East from 29 you stay along a creek.
Patapsco has several areas with lots of great hiking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet is Rock Creek Park.

Ugh, no. I have done many hikes in RCP and I'm done. If you live right near a trail head there, I get it. If not, just leave the city. The trails are very poorly maintained, you can hear traffic from much of the park, and despite these facts, it also gets too crowded on weekends. I'm over it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet is Rock Creek Park.

Ugh, no. I have done many hikes in RCP and I'm done. If you live right near a trail head there, I get it. If not, just leave the city. The trails are very poorly maintained, you can hear traffic from much of the park, and despite these facts, it also gets too crowded on weekends. I'm over it.

I think your standards are unrealistic. You aren’t in Colorado anymore, Dorothy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Billy Goat Trail section A is most strenuous, gets busy on weekends.
Section B closed
Section C still a really nice hike with a few rock areas to scramble but not strenuous. Lots of shade.
I also enjoy the Northwest Branch trail off 29 in Silver Spring. You can go either direction but walking East from 29 you stay along a creek.
Patapsco has several areas with lots of great hiking.

Definitely the best around, esp. near Colombia Pike.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Billy Goat Trail is a great but very challenging hike with areas you’ll be climbing up rocks. No equipment needed, not that kind of rock climbing. Just look it up before you go, and bring more water than you’ll need.

If it’s too hard, there is also the national arboretum. The hike up to the frog pond can be strenuous!