Posted in D.C.
December 23, 2016
9 Picturesque Trails Around Washington DC That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
Spring and summer are the more popular times for hiking in the DC area. However if you want to enjoy empty trails and picturesque snowy scenes, you can find some beauty in the DC area. We recommend strapping on some hiking boots, bundling up in a coat and hat and hitting the 9 best winter hikes in Washington DC.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Sky Meadow State Park has a network of trails that offer gorgeous valley views and, of course, beautiful meadows. Just a few hours away from DC, Sky Meadow is perfect for hikers of any skill level.
Wolf Rock & Chimney Rock Trail is a 3.3 loop in Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland. The trail features two beautiful vistas with amazing views.
Located in Rocks State Park near Pylesville, MD, Falling Branch trail is a family friendly hike that takes you to the second highest vertical waterfall in Maryland. If you catch it at the right time, you can see the frozen falls.
The River Trail in Great Falls Park in Virginia is a moderate 1.5 mile hike that will take you along the tops of the cliffs, giving you spectacular views of the Potomac River. The trail can be icy in the winter so it’s recommended to wear sturdy shoes and take your time.
The Mount Vernon Trail is a multi-use trail that will take you from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. This fairly flat trail takes you alongside the Potomac River and offers beautiful views of DC’s skyline.
Old Rag is a few hours away from DC in the Shenandoah Valley. It’s an 8 mile loop with fun rock scrambles and multiple overlooks offering breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley.
If you have little ones and are looking for a good place to get out of the house, Mason Neck State Park is perfect for you! Mason Neck has tons of serene trails through forests and in the winter, after snow, it looks like a winter wonderland!
Part of the Anacostia Trail System, Lake Artemisia Trail will take you around a picturesque lake in Prince George’s County in Maryland. You can choose to wander out to the fishing pier or connect to one of the longer trails near the lake.
Crabtree Falls is a few hours south of Washington DC and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia. While you may need to go a bit slower in the winter because there are often larger patches of ice, the views are just as gorgeous in the winter as there are in the summer!
If you prefer nature that is more central to the city, you might want to visit these 10 incredible places in nature around Washington DC this winter!
