I started hiking 7 years ago and I’ve loved it ever since. I enjoy hiking with my friends, as well as solo. I’ve explored some beautiful trails; from scenic routes to the beautiful mountain top views and more. It helps me escape from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life. The air is fresher in the mountains and the greenery is insane. Hiking is a great workout! I can knock out my daily-step quota by trekking for a few hours. No doubt, some trails are far more challenging than others. However, there’s a trail for everyone.

Here are the Top 10 Hiking Trails in the D.C., MD & VA area:

1. Catoctin Mountain Park. Catoctin Mountain Park, located in north-central Maryland, is part of the forested Catoctin Mountain ridge. Catoctin Mountain Park offers a variety of hikes with varying distances, levels of ability, and attractions.It is very close to Cunningham Falls, so you can knock both in one sitting.

2. Great Falls. Great Falls has many opportunities for you to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital. One of the most beautiful water falls located in the DMV area.

3. Sugar Loaf Mountain. Sugarloaf Mountain and Northern Peaks Trail is a 5.9 mile loop trail located near Dickerson, Maryland that features beautiful wild flowers. It has a gorgeous mountain top view, so absolute recommend!

4. Shenandoah National Park. With over 500 miles of trails, choosing the right hike for you will depend on how much time you have, where you are going in the park and your physical abilities. This park has a lot to offer, so turn it into a weekend trip.  

5. Rock Creek Park. Rock Creek Park is a gem in Washington D.C. It offers the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history.

6. Liberty Dam. Liberty Dam Trail is a 1.6 mile out and back trail located near Marriottsville, Maryland that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. This is a great Instagram photo opportunity!

7. Black Hill Regional Park. Black Hill Regional Park is a 1300-acre, lake-oriented park that features the mostly hard-surface 4.6 mile Black Hill Trail, over 16 miles of natural surface trails, and a water trail on Little Seneca Lake.

8. Bull Run Regional Park. Home to the Bull Run Festival of Lights, Bull Run Regional Park contains miles of scenic and historic hiking trails, including the trailhead for the 19.7 mile Bull Run Occoquan Trail.

9. Cunningham Falls State Park. Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. The state park is the home of Cunningham Falls, the largest gushing waterfall in Maryland, a 43-acre man-made lake.

10. Patapsco Valley State Park.  Extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,000 acres. Note that this park is difficult to navigate, even though it has a kid friendly river. This is one of my favorite state parks.

There you have it, top 10 in the DMV area! Feel free to share any personal favorites with me. I’m always looking for a new adventure.

Xx, Kris