The best hikes in Washington DC can be enjoyed year-round. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, these trails are an amazing place to escape to if you’re looking to get some exercise and rejuvenate in nature. When you’re ready to get out for a hike, be sure to save this list because we’ve rounded up 10 incredible hikes. These trails are all under 5 miles, so they are some of the more kid-friendly hikes around Washington DC. Check out these great trails and add them to your bucket list.

1. Patowmack Canal Trail
Potowmak Canal, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102, USA
Flickr/BrownPau
The Patowmack Canal Trail is located inside Great Falls National Park at 9200 Old Dominion Drive in McLean Virginia. The trail is 1.25 miles and follows the remains of the Patowmack Canal, which was one of the first canals built in the United States. You can also see some amazing ruins of the town Matildaville.
2. Western Ridge Trail
Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC, USA
Flickr/Jeremy Riel
Located in Rock Creek Park, this moderate hike will take you pass two historic structures from the 1820s, the Peirce Mill and Eprice Barn. There are a few rocks to climb over and beautiful views of the flora and fauna.
3. Wolf Rock/Chimney Rock at Cactocin Mountain
Catoctin Mountain, Maryland 21788, USA
Flickr/TrailVoice
This 3.3 mile trail will take you past beautiful vistas and rock formation in Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont, Maryland. The trail is not long but you will want to spend some time snapping photos of the views. Learn more about one of the most scenic hikes in Washington DC, and then go visit.
4. North Valley Trail
18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA 22172, USA
Flickr/Linda Thomas-Fowler
Prince William Park has many trails to explore but the North Valley is one of the most popular. On this 2.6 mile trail, you will enjoy a wooden footbridge, beautiful views of Quantico Creek and historic foundations from an old pyrite mine.
5. Soapstone Valley Trail
Soapstone Valley Trail, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Flickr/Park Van Ness
Soapstone Valley Trail is one of the lesser trafficked trails in Rock Creek Park, but it's one of the best hikes in Washington DC. You will hop stones across the rippling creek into the valley. The trail is only about a mile and half before it drops you off at Broad Branch Road.

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6. Bluebell Trail in Bull Run Regional Park
Bluebell Trail, Unnamed Road, Centreville, VA 20121, USA
Flickr/Trail Voice
The Bluebell Trail is a mile and half loop in Bull Run Regional Park in Northern Virginia. This trail is a smaller trail off of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail where you can see 25 different types of wildflowers, including the beautiful bluebells. Read more about one of the best easy hikes in Washington DC, and then check it out yourself.
7. Black Hill Trail
Black Hill Regional Park, 20930 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841, USA
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Black Hill Trail is a paved trail through Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds Maryland. You start at the visitor center and then wind through the woods between Little Seneca Lake and Little Seneca Creek, catching beautiful views of the water. Read more about one of the more kid-friendly hikes around Washington DC, and then pay it a visit.
8. Sky Meadows Gap Run, North/South Ride Loop
Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144, USA
Flickr/Virginia State Parks
Just off the Appalachian Trail in Delaplane, VA, Sky Meadows Gap Run is a 4.6 mile loop trail that has many beautiful overlooks and scenic views.
9. Maryland Heights
171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Flickr/brownpau
Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, an hour outside of Washington DC is a beautiful place to see nature and experience history. Maryland Heights is a 4.8 loop that combines history and beauty. You’ll pass scenic overlooks and civil war fortifications on this beautiful hike.
10. Cash Lake Loop - Patuxent Research Refuge Trail
Cash Lake Trail, Cash Lk Trl, Maryland, USA
Flickr/U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
Cash Lake - Patuxent Research Refuge Trail is a 2.2 mile loop near Laurel MD. This short hike is an animal lovers dream. You may find a variety of wildlife on the trail including blue herons, ducks, turtles, egrets and more!

Have you tried any of the best hikes in Washington DC? While you are hiking around Washington DC, take a look at what might be the most beautiful hike in the area!

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best hikes in Washington DC

Jessica Bohl | August 02, 2022

Are there any historical trails in Washington DC?

There are some great historical trails in Washington DC that are definitely worth checking out. History buffs and nature enthusiasts alike will enjoy these hikes. For instance, the Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail in Maryland has a replica of an old whiskey still and provides information on the history of distilleries during Prohibition. The Fort Circle Trail is another great historical trail. It is a 7.9-mile trail that leads you along the part of chains of forts that used to defend Washington DC. The Henry Hill Loop Trail in Manassas Battlefield Park in Virginia connects many of the battlefield’s major landmarks with informative postings along the way.

Are there any waterfront trails near Washington DC?

For some lovely water views, check out some waterfront trails near Washington DC. These hikes are a great way to get outdoors for some exercise while taking in some peaceful views. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a 20 mile trail along the river. The path is wide – 12 feet – so you have plenty of space to bike, run, rollerblade, or walk. The Capital Crescent Trail is 11 miles long and goes from Georgetown in to Silver Spring, Maryland. The Potomac River borders the trail in Georgetown, providing lovely scenery. Another great waterfront trail option is the Rock Creek Trail. This narrow, winding trail will bring you from the district to Lake Needwood Regional Park in Maryland. It is a lovely escape into nature!

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