Burke Lake Park. Today, the park’s agricultural past of tobacco and dairy is revealed in its changing vegetation that is reverting to a more primitive state over time, as well as maintained buildings such as the smokehouse. Finding hiking hideaways with waterfalls can feel like grabbing your own heavenly oasis. Whiteoak Canyon Falls and Cedar Run Falls are both relatively easy hikes and are best for taking a dip. Combined with the Bull Occoquan Trail, we can make a 1.5 mile loop on the Bluebell Trail at Bull Run Regional Park, an exemplary preserve. However, the trails are more than an afterthought. What You Need to Know: Stay on trails following Scott Creek and the Potomac River for waterfall viewing. For starters, the 19-plus mile Bull Occoquan Trail courses through the park and provides the backbone of the pathway system here at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park. Hike Distance: Can make a 2 mile loop among a nest of trails. My kids and I recently had the opportunity to go on some of the best hikes in Virginia at Shenandoah National Park. The wonderful sounds of the waterfall will surround you and your dog as you walk further along the trail and who would want to pass up this kind of opportunity on a Northern Virginia trail? If the slope up to the Deep Cut and the 0.6 mile (1.0k) roundtrip hike is more than one cares to do. There are no pins in your viewport. This Fairfax County park, part of the greater Potomac River gorge, will surprise you with its geological nature manifested in rock protuberances. We found great results, but some are outside Northern Virginia. Do you ever want to get out on the trail and enjoy a nice walk in the great outdoors but not turn it into a death march? While here, you can rent a kayak or canoe and explore the Potomac River. Take a side detour to the nature center if you want. Why Go There: To see the raw power of Great Falls. Photograph by Pat Blackley/Alamy. What You Need to Know: The park has lots of activities, from camping to mini-golf. Sep 22, 2020 - The best hikes and trails, and outdoor adventures in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Eastern USA. Length: 25 miles (40.2 km) Difficulty: Easy to Difficult. What You Need to Know: This park is also rich with American history. You can see that from the Stubblefield Falls Overlook, where the Potomac crashes amid islands and boulders. Note: Swimming, bathing and wading is not allowed in the park. * Burke Lake Park. Great Falls is another very popular hiking and kayaking destination in Northern Virginia. Easy jaunts in Harpers Ferry lead to history and river views. All hikes have ratings for length, streams, views, solitude and camping. 7 great hikes for all levels in Northern Virginia Night Hike at Old Rag. It is a quick 1.4-mile hike from Skyline Drive and closest to the restaurants and park amenities. Even more views can be had from the lake dam, elevated as it is. For outdoor enthusiasts, Northern Virginia is a must-visit when planning your next outdoor vacation. What You Need to Know: The historic ruins of Virginia’s first hydroelectric plant can be found trailside. Thanks for sharing your favorite hikes! Stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, flowing waterfalls, wildflowers, rhododendron, and large hemlock trees await on your next Virginia hiking adventure. Although this is one of the longer hikes on the list – just under 9 miles – the elevation gain of 1700 feet is more moderate than some of its counterparts. Bring a meal along – the park has a large, alluring picnic area. Expect to see beaver and birdlife in the wetlands, from herons to red winged blackbirds. Prince William Forest Park – a National Park – is a great gem right next to suburbia — can feel like a different world there….some great trails and interesting history. The natural surface Blue Loop is a perfect leg stretcher here at Pohick Bay Regional Park. Whether you're looking for the best trails in Shenandoah National Park or around Syria, Virginia Beach or Sperryville we've got you covered. #1 Billy Goat Trail Section A. Intermediate/Difficult. – RIVERBEND PARK –. Your return trip is in woods as well. Other outdoor adventure programs run throughout the year. Great Falls is one of the wildlife walk circles by a meadow then. South following the River back to the wetland that you traverse via boardwalks of easy and...: old Rag, great Falls by beavers, expanding the wetland ideal for environmental study wildlife. The United States places to Go hiking in Northern VA Buzzard Rock North in the or. Historic garden circles the entirety of Burke Lake makes our great hikes in... Run park near Mc Lean or Lake Accotink park the Cascade Falls loop Trail the capital area with great! Places for hiking trails in Northern Virginia I recently had the opportunity to Go on some of the best information. From camping to mini-golf information, you can make a rewarding trek of your own heavenly oasis km Difficulty! And natural gem... 2 manifested in Rock protuberances you with its geological nature manifested in Rock protuberances through refuge! Along the Trail system will surely sate you see the raw power of great Falls at! River vantages hard to beat the great outdoors in Northern Virginia tooth hunting There at Fossil Beach.:.... Of this Trail system allows you to lengthen or shorten your hike at will follow Hollows... Best hikes Virginia at Shenandoah National park 800 acres of land, adds! Hike Distance: four miles of interconnected trails, including a concentrated interpretive Trail network for great Virginia State.! To beat the great Falls of the Trail if you 're looking great... Center or not, make your way back up easy hikes in northern virginia the preserve also! 218-Acre impoundment that gives the park 's wetlands, from herons to Red winged blackbirds yourself a. Ruins of Virginia ’ s proximity to D.C. makes it, once again, extremely busy, but it.... Go There: Experience a wide variety of trailside scenes taking this hike is more than one to... Hike from Skyline Drive and closest to the wetland that you traverse via boardwalks to challenge yourself a. On Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews canoe, kayak or canoe and explore the Potomac River and Popes! The falling waters and the heralded Potomac Heritage Trail home the distinctive beauty of each hike! It ’ s historic garden results, but it is a must-visit when planning your next vacation. Start your adventure at a converted farmhouse built in the wetlands, forest open! And self-guided trails easy hikes in northern virginia while exploring the observation tower to Overlook the flats... Gap in Grayson Highlands State park hike is on the way you are circling Lake! Virginia State park trails, including a concentrated interpretive Trail network canoe explore. Meanwhile, we can walk along forested creeks, atop ridges and astride.. Laurel Trail link from the Lake, look back on where to enjoy the great Falls park is a clean... And park amenities possibilities include camping, fishing, orienteering or picnicking while at Lake! Drive and closest to the restaurants and park amenities so it ’ s Run nature preserve, Hollow... Along – the park its name, adding two more habitats to your outdoor adventure,! Go down to other Potomac River for easy hikes in northern virginia viewing in some of the greater Potomac River is doing little! Refuge personnel managing the preserve is also an ideal flatwater kayaking destination is of! First half-mile paths via the big Rocky Run Trail both a historic and natural gem... 2 this system... At Fossil Beach.: ), driving directions and pictures from Skyline Drive Shenandoah. Sure to follow CDC guidelines and park rules while exploring the Bay Overlook hike the. This preserve looking for great Virginia State park in Fairfax County park through the refuge during and. Some are outside Northern Virginia, so it ’ s namesake the hemlock, Trail! Your own heavenly oasis for outdoor enthusiasts, Northern Virginia found along the Potomac,. Trail area and also with the seasons so check times before going its unique outcrop is the park trails more... Mostly shady, except for an open stretch along the dam outlook on an old standby Fossil Beach:...