Hiking

Example Hikes

 

Mason Neck State Park

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/mas.shtml

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This state park is just 45 minutes south off of I-95 (Exit 163 - Lorton, VA). There are picnic tables, visitor center, and a number of hikes along the banks of Kanes Creek and wetlands. There's also the opportunity to rent canoes and see Bald Eagles. Geocaching GPX file below.

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Potomac Overlook Park

https://www.novaparks.com/parks/potomac-overlook-regional-park

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This hike in Northern Virginia has lots of stream crossings and ends at the Potomac. You can also follow the Potomac River North to the Gulf Branch Trail (provided you left a car at Gulf Branch Park). See the GPX file below, which you can open in Google Earth (free application).

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Scotts Run Nature Preserve

http://www.hikingupward.com/ovh/scottsrun/

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This 3.7 mile loop hike in Northern Virginia is an easy hike with a waterfall and long stretches along the Potomac River. The entrance to the park starts in a gravel parking lot at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Swinks Mill Road. See the GPX file below, which you can open in Google Earth (free application). 

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Old Rag Mountain

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https://www.nps.gov/places/old-rag.htm

Hiking around Old Rag Mountain (located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia's Madison County, near Sperryville). It's a very challenging circuit hike (about 8 miles) with a long stretch of scrambling over granite boulders. You can also get a permit from NPS to set up camp. See the attachment below for the circuit hike and best places to camp.

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North River Gorge, VA (George Washington National Forest, Virginia)

http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/NorthRiverGorge/

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This is a very challenging hike that follows a river in the Todd Lake area of the George Washington National Forest. Viewing spots are great, as is the 4.2 mile hike along the banks of the North River - but be mindful of the river’s height before going.

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Lake Anna Virginia State Park

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Rental cabins, camping, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnicking, a swimming beach, and a boat ramp. The camping site has bathhouses with running water. This is about two hours away from Arlington and is a very easy car camping. You can even go camping in the winter by reserving the cabins.

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Between the Hills Conservancy

https://www.betweenthehillsconservancy.org/

11661 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville, VA

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Camping and hiking opportunities about 1.5 hours from Arlington. The camping site has showers and bathrooms.  

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 Shenandoah River State Park

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river#general_information

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The Shenandoah River State Park is on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. The park opened in June 1999. In addition to meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. This nearby day long loop hike (Overall Run/Beecher Ridge) is also a good activity for Scouts. 

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Kepler Overlook hike

This secluded hiking area has several campsites and views from Tea Mountain, a panoramic Kepler Overlook, and the picturesque Cedar Creek. It's car camping friendly.“

https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/KeplerOverlook/

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