Billy Goat Trail (Secti0n A)
Parking Coordinates: 38.981942, -77.226638 (Lot across from Old Angler's Inn) or 39.002487, -77.246500 (Main Entrance to Park)
Length: about 3.7 miles from the parking lot across from the Old Angler's Inn (.5 miles to the trailhead along the C&O Canal path, 1.7 miles on the trail, and 1.5 miles back along the C&O Canal Path)
Difficulty: moderate (because of rock scrambling), but no significant uphill sections
Payoff: great rock scrambling for the immediate area, beautiful river views
Parking Fee: yes and no (yes if you park at the main entrance to the park, no if you park in the lot across the street from the Old Angler's Inn)
Rock Scrambling?: yes
Pets Permitted?: no and rangers do patrol
Longer Post about Billy Goat Trail Part A (1)
Longer Post about Billy Goat Trail Part A (2)
This is arguably my favorite hike near DC. It gives you beautiful views of the Potomac and has some fun little rock scrambling opportunities. I have seen dogs on the trail, but they are not allowed for good reason and I have seen rangers kick individuals off of the trail. It's quite busy on a typical weekend, but worth it if you want a short, but very fun little hike that is close to DC. Do note that the lot across from the Old Angler's Inn fills up quickly and although you will inevitably see cars lining the street, this is technically not allowed (there will be no parking signs everywhere). I would plan to bring a few bucks just in case, but check the free lot first.
Parking Fee: yes and no (yes if you park at the main entrance to the park, no if you park in the lot across the street from the Old Angler's Inn)
Rock Scrambling?: yes
Pets Permitted?: no and rangers do patrol
Longer Post about Billy Goat Trail Part A (1)
Longer Post about Billy Goat Trail Part A (2)
This is arguably my favorite hike near DC. It gives you beautiful views of the Potomac and has some fun little rock scrambling opportunities. I have seen dogs on the trail, but they are not allowed for good reason and I have seen rangers kick individuals off of the trail. It's quite busy on a typical weekend, but worth it if you want a short, but very fun little hike that is close to DC. Do note that the lot across from the Old Angler's Inn fills up quickly and although you will inevitably see cars lining the street, this is technically not allowed (there will be no parking signs everywhere). I would plan to bring a few bucks just in case, but check the free lot first.
Bull-Run Occoquan Trail
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| Boo on the trail |
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| Slow exposure view of the water |
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| Casey and Boo in a structure along the trail |
Parking Coordinates:
Length: 18 miles one way (though can be broken into smaller portions)
Difficulty: moderate (because of length)
Payoff: streams, river, and some beautiful NoVA woods
Parking Fee: no (check to see if this only applies to Fairfax County residents)
Rock Scrambling?: no
Parking Fee: no (check to see if this only applies to Fairfax County residents)
Rock Scrambling?: no
Burke Lake Park (Loop around the lake)
Parking Coordinates: 38.760055, -77.302429
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| Boo explores the lake |
Parking Coordinates: 38.760055, -77.302429
Length: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: easy
Payoff: lake views, playground, marina, mini golf, ice cream shop, etc.
Parking Fee: not for Fairfax County residents
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Burke Lake Park
This is a great path for a casual stroll, bike ride, or jog. It is not what I would tend to classify as a hike, but if you have never been, it is a nice place to spend a few hours. I enjoy walking my dog around the lake because there are always other people and dogs and it provides a nice socialization experience for her with plenty of places to stop for her to get water.
Buzzard Rocks - NorthParking Fee: not for Fairfax County residents
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Burke Lake Park
This is a great path for a casual stroll, bike ride, or jog. It is not what I would tend to classify as a hike, but if you have never been, it is a nice place to spend a few hours. I enjoy walking my dog around the lake because there are always other people and dogs and it provides a nice socialization experience for her with plenty of places to stop for her to get water.
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| View from Buzzard Rocks |
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| A bit of the trail beyond Buzzard Rocks |
Parking Coordinates: 38.937619, -78.288297
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: easy - moderate
Payoff: gorgeous views
Parking Fee: no
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Buzzard Rocks
This Front Royal hike starts out as an easy woods walk, eventually getting steeper until you reach the ridge. The cliffs are quite impressive and the views are great! There is a gravel parking lot at the trail head for hikers, but when we arrived, it was nearly full. I would imagine on a busier day it would be easy to arrive and not have a spot to park. We didn't have any trouble navigating the trail, although the trail does continue when you reach what I assume to be buzzard rocks. At that point, we walked for a few more minutes just to see where the trail took us and then decided to turn around in the interest of time.
Parking Coordinates: 38.97838, -77.24913
Kepler OverlookParking Fee: no
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Buzzard Rocks
This Front Royal hike starts out as an easy woods walk, eventually getting steeper until you reach the ridge. The cliffs are quite impressive and the views are great! There is a gravel parking lot at the trail head for hikers, but when we arrived, it was nearly full. I would imagine on a busier day it would be easy to arrive and not have a spot to park. We didn't have any trouble navigating the trail, although the trail does continue when you reach what I assume to be buzzard rocks. At that point, we walked for a few more minutes just to see where the trail took us and then decided to turn around in the interest of time.
Cross County Trail
Parking Coordinates: Occoquan end: 38.680761, -77.252734; Difficult Run parking lot (not at the end, but about a mile out): 38.978338, -77.249228
Difficult Run Trail/Old Carriage Loop
Length: ~40 miles
Difficulty: moderate (it's long, but I see it as more of a biking trail than a hiking trail)
Payoff: you get to say you biked across Fairfax county!
Parking Fee: no
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Cross County Trail
This trail is a pain to follow, but it's a neat experience. It takes you through tiny wooded trails, along neighborhood streets, across well-trafficked bike trails and everything in between. I encourage you to use this website to get an idea of the trail (there are basic maps on the right side of the page). However, the park authority website maps are not particularly detailed and it would be wise to bring along additional navigational support unless getting turned around is your idea of a good time. Although I didn't use it, this interactive map seems to be a bit more detailed. You'll see a big sign on the trail at each entrance to a new section. Otherwise the CT markers along the trail are going to range from obnoxiously present to entirely missing,
Parking Fee: no
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Cross County Trail
This trail is a pain to follow, but it's a neat experience. It takes you through tiny wooded trails, along neighborhood streets, across well-trafficked bike trails and everything in between. I encourage you to use this website to get an idea of the trail (there are basic maps on the right side of the page). However, the park authority website maps are not particularly detailed and it would be wise to bring along additional navigational support unless getting turned around is your idea of a good time. Although I didn't use it, this interactive map seems to be a bit more detailed. You'll see a big sign on the trail at each entrance to a new section. Otherwise the CT markers along the trail are going to range from obnoxiously present to entirely missing,
Difficult Run Trail/Old Carriage Loop
Parking Coordinates: 38.97838, -77.24913
Length: ~ 5 miles as we did it
Difficulty: easy
Payoff: nice walk, some pretty views, not too tough
Parking Fee: no (if you park in the lot at the coordinates provided). There is paid parking at the main entrance to the park.
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Difficult Run
This area has plenty of intersecting trails, so it is not imperative that you do the same loop that we did; however, we generally followed the Difficult Run Trail to the River Trail to Old Carriage Road back to the Ridge Trail and then to the Wolfpack trail. You can see a similar loop here: http://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/DifficultRun/. The only thing that we did differently was take the Old Carriage Road most of the way back instead of the Swamp Trail. The trail is busy at parts and will take you straight into the main picnic/parking area for the Virginia side of Great Falls, but it was a fun change of scenery from the Maryland side of Great Falls.
Parking Fee: no (if you park in the lot at the coordinates provided). There is paid parking at the main entrance to the park.
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Difficult Run
This area has plenty of intersecting trails, so it is not imperative that you do the same loop that we did; however, we generally followed the Difficult Run Trail to the River Trail to Old Carriage Road back to the Ridge Trail and then to the Wolfpack trail. You can see a similar loop here: http://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/DifficultRun/. The only thing that we did differently was take the Old Carriage Road most of the way back instead of the Swamp Trail. The trail is busy at parts and will take you straight into the main picnic/parking area for the Virginia side of Great Falls, but it was a fun change of scenery from the Maryland side of Great Falls.
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| View from the main overlook |
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| One of the campsites |
Parking Coordinates: 38.97137, -78.56316
Length: 6 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Payoff: gorgeous views, campsites, not too many other hikers
Parking Fee: no
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Kepler Overlook
I loved this hike. When Casey and I hiked it, we didn't see a single other soul. I used HikingUpward as my navigation for this hike and found the directions to be generally good, but I would elaborate by saying that there are two "permanently closed gates." The last car camping area is a turn off to the left, but the gate/fire road that you should follow is the one before the left turn off (i.e. straight ahead). You'll notice a trail sign and map at the beginning of this fire road that are not present on the fire road closer to the camping area. Take the fire road with the map! After that, it's pretty easy to follow the directions laid out on the Hiking Upward site.
Parking Fee: no
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Kepler Overlook
I loved this hike. When Casey and I hiked it, we didn't see a single other soul. I used HikingUpward as my navigation for this hike and found the directions to be generally good, but I would elaborate by saying that there are two "permanently closed gates." The last car camping area is a turn off to the left, but the gate/fire road that you should follow is the one before the left turn off (i.e. straight ahead). You'll notice a trail sign and map at the beginning of this fire road that are not present on the fire road closer to the camping area. Take the fire road with the map! After that, it's pretty easy to follow the directions laid out on the Hiking Upward site.
Laurel Hill Trails
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| A view of the fields, plus some (re-purposed) prison buildings in the background |
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| Boo wandering through the fields |
Parking Coordinates: N38° 41.94667 W77° 15.32663
Length: varies (~10 miles of total trails here)
Difficulty: easy
Payoff: one of the quieter walking/biking trails in the area. If you're a biker, it provides mountain biking trails
Parking Fee?: no
Rock Scrambling?: no
These trails are very much walking and biking trails as opposed to legitimate "hiking," but they're still a nice getaway from the typical Northern Virginia bustle. Although they've become more popular as people have discovered the area, the trails are still much less crowded than the nearby Burke Lake Park or Occoquan. In the summer, you can come here and pick bowls and bowls of blackberries if you're willing to risk the thorns and ticks (wear LONG pants in the summer and use bug spray). Be aware that bikes and the occasional horse also frequent these trails. From the parking coordinates, you'll need to walk back in the direction of Lortion road and you should see a small trail offshoot to the right. This narrow trail will lead you down a hill, to the right across an old, broken down parking lot and then to the left onto a much wider trail. From that wide trail, you'll see an offshoot to the right that will put you on the laurel hill trails.
Difficulty: moderate-strenuous (it's steep)
Payoff: gorgeous view of the confluence of the Potomac and Shendoah rivers
Parking Fee?: not at the lot, but there is a fee station shortly into the hike
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Maryland Heights
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| View at the overlook |
Parking Coordinates: 39.329369, -77.731798
Length: ~2.8 miles (you could make this longer by taking the blue blazed trail - see map)
Difficulty: moderate-strenuous (it's steep)
Payoff: gorgeous view of the confluence of the Potomac and Shendoah rivers
Parking Fee?: not at the lot, but there is a fee station shortly into the hike
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about Maryland Heights
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| Old Rag Mountain on a gorgeous autumn day |
Parking Coordinates: 38.57036, -78.28705
Length: 8 miles round trip
Difficulty: mildly strenuous
Payoff: some fun rock scrambling, beautiful views (so I've been told... I've never gone on a clear day)
Parking Fee?: yes
Rock Scrambling?: yes, at points.
Free Camping Opportunities?: backcountry permit required, not sure if it's free
Pet Friendly Hike?: no
Longer Post about Old Rag (1)
Longer Post about Old Rag (2)
Old Rag is an extremely popular hike, and there's reason why. It's a beautiful mountain and as far as I've seen about the closest real mountain to Northern Virginia with hiking and views. That being said, I've been here twice, and neither time was especially crowded. Both times I went in the winter on a groggy day, so that may explain part of it. The photo above was taken on a beautiful fall day as I was driving past the mountain. The hike is enjoyable and offers a bit of rock scrambling (including one rocky portion that I can't seem to get up without assistance!) When you get to the top, you can choose to take the main path back down or take a fire road. I've taken the fire road back both times, and although it's easier, it gets quite monotonous after the first mile or two.
My first trip to Old Rag was uneventful. The second, however, provided a little bit of a story. I was determined to hike the mountain again with a few friends who wanted to go. We picked a date that worked for everyone; however, as the date neared, it became clear that the weather was not planning to work in our favor. Fortunately, it was warm enough on that December day that snow was not in the forecast, and so we decided to go forward with the hike. An hour and a half later, we were at the (empty) trail head. We set off. The rain came in spurts and by the time we got to the top, we were soaked through our gloves and pants and quite cold. Although there was no "view," the wall of fog that met us was unforgettable. Looking off of the mountain was nothing but a wall of white. The trip back down the fire trail was long, boring, and very very wet, but overall, it was a memorable experience. I look forward to going back in better weather.
Payoff: some fun rock scrambling, beautiful views (so I've been told... I've never gone on a clear day)
Parking Fee?: yes
Rock Scrambling?: yes, at points.
Free Camping Opportunities?: backcountry permit required, not sure if it's free
Pet Friendly Hike?: no
Longer Post about Old Rag (1)
Longer Post about Old Rag (2)
Old Rag is an extremely popular hike, and there's reason why. It's a beautiful mountain and as far as I've seen about the closest real mountain to Northern Virginia with hiking and views. That being said, I've been here twice, and neither time was especially crowded. Both times I went in the winter on a groggy day, so that may explain part of it. The photo above was taken on a beautiful fall day as I was driving past the mountain. The hike is enjoyable and offers a bit of rock scrambling (including one rocky portion that I can't seem to get up without assistance!) When you get to the top, you can choose to take the main path back down or take a fire road. I've taken the fire road back both times, and although it's easier, it gets quite monotonous after the first mile or two.
My first trip to Old Rag was uneventful. The second, however, provided a little bit of a story. I was determined to hike the mountain again with a few friends who wanted to go. We picked a date that worked for everyone; however, as the date neared, it became clear that the weather was not planning to work in our favor. Fortunately, it was warm enough on that December day that snow was not in the forecast, and so we decided to go forward with the hike. An hour and a half later, we were at the (empty) trail head. We set off. The rain came in spurts and by the time we got to the top, we were soaked through our gloves and pants and quite cold. Although there was no "view," the wall of fog that met us was unforgettable. Looking off of the mountain was nothing but a wall of white. The trip back down the fire trail was long, boring, and very very wet, but overall, it was a memorable experience. I look forward to going back in better weather.
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| A view of the river from part of the trail |
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| trail! |
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| one of the plentiful creeks and runs |
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| a bit of an overlook |
Parking Coordinates: 38.966383,-77.181018 (Live Oak Drive); 38.897571,-77.067564 (Roosevelt Island)
Length: 10 miles (one way - plan to bring two cars and park one at the beginning, and one at the end)
Difficulty: moderatePayoff: many creek crossings, many river views, relatively lengthy (wooded) hike right on the outskirts of DC
Fee to Park?: no (but may be a 2 hour parking limit at Roosevelt Island - we didn't realize this and didn't get ticketed, but worth noting)
Rock Scrambling?: yes - one section where hands are required, but mostly just a rocky trail with quite a bit of stepping up and down over rocks
Longer Post about Potomac Heritage Trail
This is a nice little trail that's pretty close to the hustle and bustle of the DC metropolitan area. It's pretty obvious that it is so close to the urban activity, as the sound of the highway is noticeable through much of the hike, there are several areas where you must hike under large bridges, there is one road crossing, and at times the trail puts you out right along the grassy shoulder of the highway. That said, even more of the hike is nicely wooded, with pretty views of the river and surrounding forest area. It's a nice get away without having to drive the distance to really get away from Northern Virginia. Plus, the bits of rock scrambling made for added benefits.
Raven Rocks
Parking Coordinates: 39.11665, -77.85239 (according to HikingUpward.com, you should not park on Pine Grove Road)
Length: 5.5 miles total (this is an out and back hike)
Difficulty: moderate
Payoff: pretty views
Fee to Park?:
This trail can't seem to decide if it wants to go up or down. Instead, it climbs and descends, and climbs and descends again.
Sky Meadows
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| One of several little overlook areas |
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| Another overlook |
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| Jenny, Casey, Boo, and I at the start of the trail |
Parking Coordinates: 38.99169, -77.96594
Length: varies (rough average 4-6)
Difficulty: easy-moderate
Payoff: good views of the rolling hills
Fee to Park?: yes
Rock Scrambling?: no
This hike was a nice one for a day with a little bit of snow because it was hilly, rather than mountainous. There are several trails in the area and you can combine them as you please to make a loop of a length that suits you (for a day hike). The park closes at dark. There is a large hill to climb shortly after the start of the hike from the parking area that proved to me too much for me to handle without stopping! Fortunately, I must not be the only one, because benches were placed at nice little intervals so I could look out over the rolling hills while I stopped to catch my breath. Overall, it was a nice little trip, but I have no immediate desire to go back.
Parking Coordinates: N 38.6915 W -78.5800 (Scothorn Gap Trailhead)
Difficulty: moderate (but good rock scrambling at the end)
Payoff: amazing (and varied) views, rock scrambling
Fee to Park?: no
Rock Scrambling?: yes
Longer Post about Strickler Knob
This was a great hike - right up there with Old Rag. The parking area is well labeled and you'll cross a stream right when you begin hiking. Go past the "road closed" sign and follow Scothorn Gap Trail until you reach a meadow. In this little meadow is a campground right off of the trail and a yellow arrow painted on a tree that points right. Bear right and follow the trail until you reach a trail junction sign. Go straight (this will be the Massanutten Trail). Follow for about .6 miles. Right as you reach the top of the ridge, look to the right. It might take some searching, but you'll see a rocky trail with a pink blaze. Follow this to the knob. Great effort to reward ratio on this one!
Parking Coordinates: 38.585895, -78.382952
Payoff: views of a waterfall
Fee to Park?: yes (fee to enter the national park)
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about White Oak Canyon
This hike is a moderate climb downhill to the falls and then a hike back up to get back to the car. The descent is moderate to the upper falls, but if you choose to make your way beyond that point, the trail will descend much more steeply.
Stony Man Trail
Parking Coordinates: 38.59325, -78.375933
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| View from one of the overlooks |
Length:
Difficulty:
Payoff: gorgeous views!
Fee to Park?: yes, $20 fee to get into the National Park
Strickler Knob |
| a vulture flies near the overlook at the peak |
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| me near the peak |
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| Casey at the peak |
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| view from the peak |
Parking Coordinates: N 38.6915 W -78.5800 (Scothorn Gap Trailhead)
Length: ~5.5 (from the Scothorn Gap trailhead)
Difficulty: moderate (but good rock scrambling at the end)
Payoff: amazing (and varied) views, rock scrambling
Fee to Park?: no
Rock Scrambling?: yes
Longer Post about Strickler Knob
This was a great hike - right up there with Old Rag. The parking area is well labeled and you'll cross a stream right when you begin hiking. Go past the "road closed" sign and follow Scothorn Gap Trail until you reach a meadow. In this little meadow is a campground right off of the trail and a yellow arrow painted on a tree that points right. Bear right and follow the trail until you reach a trail junction sign. Go straight (this will be the Massanutten Trail). Follow for about .6 miles. Right as you reach the top of the ridge, look to the right. It might take some searching, but you'll see a rocky trail with a pink blaze. Follow this to the knob. Great effort to reward ratio on this one!
Sugarloaf Mountain
White Oak Canyon - Upper Falls
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| One of the overlooks |
Parking Coordinates: 39.260301, -77.390392
Length: 6.8 miles for the route we took (but in my opinion, it feels shorter)
Difficulty: easy-moderate (you drive most of the way up the mountain, so although there was one very steep part in our hiking route, most was fairly easy [but not handicapped accessible or walkable for a person who needs even ground])
Payoff: nice views, lots of trails in the area so you can vary your route,
Fee to Park?: no, but there is a "donations appreciated" box at the bottom of the mountain.
There are quite a few trails on Sugarloaf Mountain and because you drive most of the way up, it's not a strenuous 6.8 miles (with the exception of a few steep, but short spots). We used these directions which proved to be good. Only hiccup? When the directions say "and at the hairpin turn remain straight on the one-way section," listen to them! Remain straight on the road (walking into the oncoming traffic on the one lane road). If you don't pay attention and bear right down the road, you'll start walking down the mountain. We learned the hard way because apparently I cannot read!
Tibbet Knob
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| At the tibbet knob overlook |
Parking Coordinates: 38.92404, -78.68949
Length: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Payoff: views!
Parking Fee?: no
Rock Scrambling?: some very steep trail that might warrant hands, but no bouldering
Free Camping Opportunities?:
Pet Friendly Hike?:
Longer Post about Tibbet Knob
To get to the trailhead, park at the Wolf Run Recreation Area (see coordinates) and walk across the main street that the recreation area is off of (675). The trail is right there (yellow blazed) and easy to follow the whole way up.
Longer Post about Tibbet Knob
To get to the trailhead, park at the Wolf Run Recreation Area (see coordinates) and walk across the main street that the recreation area is off of (675). The trail is right there (yellow blazed) and easy to follow the whole way up.
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| a view of the upper falls |
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| Skyline drive overlook on the way |
Length: ~4.6 miles total (this is an out-and-back hike)
Difficulty: moderatePayoff: views of a waterfall
Fee to Park?: yes (fee to enter the national park)
Rock Scrambling?: no
Longer Post about White Oak Canyon
This hike is a moderate climb downhill to the falls and then a hike back up to get back to the car. The descent is moderate to the upper falls, but if you choose to make your way beyond that point, the trail will descend much more steeply.
so good job i like this///
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