Feature

SPRINGTrails

Spring is here and it’s time to hit the trail! Well, walking trail that is, and the Washington area has some of the best to offer. If you are up for tying your shoes and venturing into the great outdoors – so welcomed after this past winter – make sure to hit one of these paths…

Mount Vernon Trail

Arlington, VA Trail Length: 18 miles total Although it is not a “wilderness” trail, the Mount Vernon Trail is one of the best hiking trails in the area. This walking, hiking and biking path extends for 18 miles from Mount Vernon all the way to Theodore Roosevelt Island. It’s a perfect spot for families, runners, bikers, and history buffs to enjoy a historic and scenic area for hiking near DC. Of course, the bonus of this trail is in catching some of the amazing views of the DC skyline during your hike.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail

Great Falls, MD Trail Length: Varies One of the most popular trails in the DC Metro area is The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail. It’s an easy one and runs along the historic C&O canal. It’s also a perfect trail for a forest hike. If you take this trail, make sure to venture by the historic canal boat and the wooden locks that still line the canal. Also, be sure to take the turn onto the Great Falls lookout boardwalk, which brings you to the edge of the Potomac River to a stunning viewpoint of the massive falls.

Billy Goat Trail

Great Falls, MD Trail Length: 1.5 to 4.5 miles The last hiking trail that we are featuring is the Billy Goat trail – another terrific Great Falls Hike. Only this one is much more challenging. The rock trail runs alongside the Potomac River, right near the Great Falls. The entrance/trailhead starts at the parking lot of the C&O National Historic Park, and you’ll need to walk a bit along the canal before the official entrance itself. Once you are on the trail, you can choose from different sections and trails, each ranging from 1.5-2 miles in length. Once you are on the trail, there is climbing and hopping over the rocky cliffside of the river before getting to the infamous scramble up the side of a cliff. Warning: You will need to use your hands and feet for this hike.