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Moving to Northern Virginia

Where to hike near home.

You do not have to drive far to get into the woods here. From a 20-minute loop you can reach on the Metro to real Shenandoah summits, this is where I go to move my legs and clear my head. Sorted by effort.

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The Key
Dog-Friendly
Kid-Friendly
Big Views
Waterfalls
Quick & Close
Paved / Stroller-OK
Metro-Accessible
Strenuous

Easy & In Town

Nature without leaving the city

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Arlington / Rosslyn

An 88-acre wooded island in the Potomac with a swamp boardwalk, and you can walk to it from the Metro. My go-to when I need 30 minutes of green.

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Mount Vernon Trail

Arlington to Alexandria

Paved, flat, and hugging the river with skyline and monument views the whole way. Perfect for a walk, run, or stroller.

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Quiet wooded trails tucked into North Arlington. Easy loops and a nature center. Underrated and rarely crowded.

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W&OD Trail

Arlington through Loudoun

A 45-mile paved rail-trail that runs right through the suburbs. Do a mile or do a marathon, it is all here.

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Moderate & Scenic

A little more effort, a lot more payoff

The River Trail runs right along the gorge where the Potomac crashes through the rocks. Dramatic views, about 30 minutes out.

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A waterfall right into the Potomac and a network of rooty trails. Wear real shoes and go after a rain for the falls.

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Bull Run / Occoquan Trail

Fairfax / Prince William

Famous for its spring bluebell bloom along the water. Long, mellow, and gorgeous in April.

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Worth the Drive

Full-day mountain hikes

Old Rag Mountain

Shenandoah NP

The famous rock scramble to a 360-degree summit. It is a serious day and needs a permit, but it is the trophy hike of the region.

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Want the summit views without the scramble? These two are short, family-doable, and give you the same big Blue Ridge payoff.

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Dark Hollow Falls

Shenandoah NP

Short but steep down to a cascading 70-foot waterfall. Remember the climb back up is the workout.

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You can hop on the AT for a day section near Front Royal. Sky Meadows State Park is the easiest, prettiest on-ramp.

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Maryland Heights

Harpers Ferry, WV

The postcard shot of Harpers Ferry from above where three states meet. A steep, rewarding climb. My kind of Saturday.

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