DC is perfectly situated for hikers if you ask us. The surrounding areas are full of picture-perfect hiking trails that Washingtonians can explore to their hearts’ content. If you need a great workout and are looking to connect with nature at the same time, these are the best hikes in Washington DC under three miles long. These double as some excellent kid-friendly hikes around Washington DC, too, so be sure to take notes if you have little ones. 

1. Scotts Run
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, 7400 VA-193, McLean, VA 22102, USA
Flickr/MostlyDross
There’s a 3 mile loop around Scott’s Run Nature Preserve that gives hikers gorgeous views, especially from the Stubblefield Falls Overlook, which stretches across the Potomac.
2. Bluebell Trail - Bull Run Regional Park
Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121, USA
Flickr/Bindu&Sudhir
The Bluebell Trail is a 1.5-mile loop at Bull Run Regional Park, just outside of DC in Northern Virginia. This trail explores the fores around Bull Run and is surrounded by fields of bluebells.
3. River Trail - Great Falls
River Trail, Great Falls, VA 22102, USA
Yelp/Lisa S.
The River Trail is a challenging hike that is filled with gorgeous overlooks that takes you along the Mather Gorge. The cliffs are steep, so take your time with this trail!
4. Leesylvania State Park
Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191, USA
Flickr/N8ure Lover
This two-mile hike passes through charming wooded areas and beautiful historic sites. It also offers hikers scenic views of the Potomac River.
5. Huntley Meadows
Huntley Meadows Lane, Huntley Meadows Ln, Groveton, VA 22306, USA
Flickr/Danny Lee
Huntley Meadows is a beautiful suburban park that has two miles of intersecting trails that you can explore! This is a wonderful spot for hikers of all skill levels.
6. Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland 20842, USA
Flickr/Mr.TinMD
Sugarloaf Mountain has several different loops you can take to observe the gorgeous views but the 2.5 mile loop is the perfect quick and easy hike for beginner hikers.
7. North Valley Trail
Pyrite Mine and North Valley Trail Loop, Scenic Dr, Triangle, VA 22172, USA
Flickr/Mrs. Gemstone
The North Valley Trail in Prince William Forest is a 2.6-mile trail that follows Quantico Creek. You will see the many different vegetation and plants along the trail and it meets up with several other trails for longer hikes.

DC is the perfect place for hikers! After you’ve taken these hikes under 3 miles, try these 6 trails that will lead you to extraordinary ruins!

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Best Hikes in Washington DC

Tori Jane | April 28, 2022

What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington DC?  

Washington DC is a special and unique place; its tiny size and proximity to all things fun on the east coast make it a fun place to visit, even if you’re not terribly interested in politics or US government attractions. As it turns out, there are lots of kid-friendly hiking trails around Washington DC that are perfect for a day out in nature with the family; we love heading to nearby nature centers to enjoy nature with our little ones. Visit the Audubon Woodend Nature Sanctuary, which features a 1.1-mile loop trail and some of the best birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. That trail loops around a pond, too, so it’s extra fun! Then, take the little ones to Locust Grove Nature Center and do the stroller-friendly, 1.4-mile trek that winds along the Cabin John Stream. With so many easy hikes in Washington DC available, it’s kind of tough to single out the best ones for children, but these places ought to give you a great start!  

Where are the most scenic hikes in Washington DC?  

Let’s be real here: the scenery in Washington DC and surrounding areas is to die for. As a result, almost every hike around Washington DC could be considered the most scenic hike in Washington DC, since there isn’t a whole lot of them, and the ones that do exist are truly a treat for lovers of stunning natural wonders. A couple of our favorite scenic hikes around Washington DC include the Western Ridge Trail + Valley Trail, at Rock Creek Park, which features a stunning waterfall, lush greenery, and endless possibilities. Another favorite hike in Washington DC is the Billy Goat Trail along the Potomac River, toward Great Falls; this waterfall hiking trail in Washington DC feels like something out of a fairy tale!  

What are the greatest easy hikes in Washington DC?  

Did you know that a lot of the hiking trails around Washington DC are actually pretty easy? That’s right – and honestly, just about any easy trail (minus the ultra-long ones) is great for bringing the little ones along, too. We love the Theodore Roosevelt Island hike, which is a 1.6-mile loop trail with boardwalks leading hikers over fascinating marshes. It’s also got some pristine wooded forest paths, and it offers a wonderful opportunity to get away from it all without actually getting away. Then, do the Glover-Archbold Park Trail at Glover Park; it’s 3.1 miles of lovely urban hiking that doesn’t feel urban at all. It’s wonderful year-round, but it’s also one of the best fall color hikes in the United States.  

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