Posted in D.C. January 31, 2022 by

7 Amazing State Parks Around Washington DC That Will Blow You Away

With close proximity to the beautiful natural splendors of both Maryland and Virginia, Washington DC has no shortage of beautiful state parks to explore. No matter what time of year it might be, it’s always a great time to witness the natural beauty galore in seven of the best state parks around Washington DC. Check them out and let us know your thoughts: 

1. Seneca Creek State Park
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Seneca Creek State Park is 6,300 acres along 14 miles of the beautiful Seneca Creek in Montgomery County. The gorgeous 90 acre Clopper Lake is surrounded by forests, flowers and fields and makes for a perfect spot for a picnic. Learn more on the official website!
Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
2. Mason Neck State Park
Flickr/Virginia State Parks
In Fairfax, Virginia, Mason Neck provides many outdoor activities for the whole family. There is miles of trails, a canoe launch, a playground and a picnic area. You can bird watch, rent bikes and explore the ponds and forest around the park. It also just so happens to be the best spot to watch the sunset around here, too.
Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079, USA
3. Patuxent State Park
Courtesy of Wikimedia/ Quadell
This park is along the Patuxent River in Howard and Montgomery counties. Patuxent River is popular for fishers and hunters and there are also miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, exploring the beauty of the area. Learn all about it on the official website.
Patuxent River State Park, 23222 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD 20833, USA
4. Sky Meadows State Park
Flickr/Virginia State Parks
You’ll be transported back to the past at Sky Meadows State Park. Set on historic farm land in Virginia, you can hike the 24 miles of hiking trails, bike the 9 miles of bike trails, access the Appalachian trail and learn about the post-Civil War life at year-round history programs offered by the park rangers. Read more about this Virginia gem in this article.
Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144, USA
5. Gambrill State Park
John Brighenti/Flickr
If you feel the draw of the mountains, head to Gambrill State Park, which is located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick, Maryland. The park has two areas: the Rock Run area and the High Knob area. The High Knob area is a three stone overlook with beautiful views of the valleys and surrounding towns. The Rock Run area has a campground, picnic area and small pond. There is plenty to do.
Gambrill State Park, 8602 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
6. Shenandoah River State Park
Flickr/Virginia State Parks
In the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, the Shenandoah River State Park is right on the Shenandoah River and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and park land. You can camp, picnic, hike and adventure around the area. This state park is awesome for scenic drives, too!
Shenandoah River State Park, 350 Daughter of Stars Dr, Bentonville, VA 22610, USA
7. Seven Bends State Park
Virginia State Parks/Flickr
Seven Bends is the entry to the Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by the Massanutten Mountains, the park has acres of open fields, open fields and wild life. It’s a peaceful slice of paradise to visit. Learn more about Seven Bends on its official website.
Seven Bends State Park, 2111 S Hollingsworth Rd, Woodstock, VA 22664, USA

While you are out and about doing some exploring, you must visit this amazing state park near Washington DC.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best State Parks Around Washington D.C.

February 05, 2022
Tori Jane

What are some of the best hiking trails in Washington D.C.?  

DC is a wonderland for history buffs, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its natural splendors too. There are plenty of wonderful hikes in and around the DC area that every nature enthusiast is sure to love. If you prefer not to leave the comfort of the big city, you’ll want to check out Rock Creek Park. There are plenty of paths and trails throughout the park to enjoy, as well as fascinating historic buildings like an old gristmill, a footbridge, and more. Others will enjoy the hidden-gem delight that is Tregaron Conservancy, which can be found between Woodland Park and Cleveland Park; it’s 20 acres of paradise you’ll have to see to believe. For those who don’t mind a short trek out of the city, there are the amazing trails on Sugarloaf Mountain, and Billy Goat Trail, in nearby Great Falls, Maryland, which is a challenge but worth every drop of sweat. For some more ideas and inspiration, check this article out!  

What are some fun things to do outside in Washington D.C.?  

Washington DC is a fun place to be year-round; there’s always something going on, and it’s usually outdoors. It’s seriously always a good time to get outside and enjoy the wonders DC has to offer. Some of our favorite fun things to do outside in Washington DC include places like the above-mentioned Rock Creek Park, or others like it such as Meridian Hill Park and Great Falls Park. We also enjoy heading out to the US National Arboretum on nice days to admire the plant and animal life present there; we might also learn a thing or two about the world around us! Other places to be sure to check out sometime include the Tidal Basin, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and more. Like we said – there's never a dull moment in DC if you play your cards right.