5 Best Hikes Near Washington D.C.

5 Best Hikes Near Washington D.C.

Thomas Nelson
December 12, 2020
Travel
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Washington D.C. is known around the world as the seat of political power for the United States. It’s home to every federal branch of the United States government – executive, legislative, and judicial. The district is home to about 705,000 people and is considered quite urban. But even though it’s got a pretty big city vibe, there’s tons of nature to experience and explore around the city. These are some of the best hikes near Washington D.C.

The best hikes near Washington D.C.

Rock Creek Trail

Rock creek trail is a simple out and back trail stretching 8.8 miles and is a pretty good choice for hikers of all skill levels. This trail is accessible year round, perfect for families with younger kids, and is dog friendly.

The hike takes you through a forest environment and offers river views. Dogs need to be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

Directions to rock creek trail

Potomac Heritage Trail

Potomac Heritage Trail and C&O Canal Towpath is a loop trail 8.6 miles long. It is slightly more challenging than rock creek trail, but is still kid and dog friendly and great for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is partially paved but can be rugged in a few spots. Views of waterfalls and rivers are available on this hike. This trail is considered heavily trafficked.

Directions to Potomac Heritage Trail

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Named after the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt Island is a 1.8 mile loop hike located near Washington D.C. that’s perfect for all skill levels. It’s kid and dog friendly and fairly easy but can be muddy at times. Features river and forest views. A wooden boardwalk takes hikers over a swamp environment. This trail can be accessed all year round.

Directions to Theodore Roosevelt Island

Anacostia Riverwalk

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a 7.8 mile loop that’s moderately trafficked. This trail is good for hikers of all skill levels, is kid and dog friendly, and is also wheelchair accessible & stroller accessible. The trail, as you might imagine based on the name, runs along a river and is paved throughout. There is a 121 foot elevation gain on this trail, so those in a wheelchair my want to be aware of slight slopes along this trail.

Directions to Anacostia Riverwalk

Rock Creek Park Trail System

The Rock Creek Park Trail System is a series of trails, including Valley Trail, Holly Trail, Pine Trail, and Muddy Trail that all together form a 4 mile loop. This is the most challenging of the hikes on on this list, but is still only a moderate difficulty. This is a family friendly trail, but younger children may experience difficulty.

Locals love this trail because of the bird watching opportunities. The trail is open year round but the best time of year to hike is April through September.

Directions to Rock Creek Park Trail System

That’s our list of the 5 best hiking spots near Washington D.C. We hope you enjoy these easy to moderate hiking trails.