7 Beautiful Hikes Near D.C. For Fall Foliage

There is something magical about the colors of Fall. Nothing feeds the soul more than seeing the colors of autumn come to life. The crisp air swirling through your hair, crunchy leaves under your feet and colors you couldn’t think possible all around you. This is what you experience during the Fall in the Washington, D.C. area. The DC metro region is fortunate to have many beautiful parks flush with color where you can hike, reduce stress and clear your mind! They aren’t just for nature enthusiasts and avid hikers, but a chance for everyone of all skill levels to experience the beauty of the season. Enjoy nature by hitting one of these 7 Beautiful Hikes Near D.C. For Fall Foliage!

7 Beautiful Fall Hikes Near Washington, D.C.

The DC area is home to some of the most beautiful parks and nature reserves. To catch the best of Fall colors, the peak foliage time often depends on the weather. Warmer temperatures have allowed the trees to hold onto their green color longer. Signs of Fall are finally here, so get out and enjoy the colors with a Fall hike! Just a short drive will take you to several parks in and around Washington, D.C. to experience the Fall foliage!

3 Fall Hikes Under 90 Minutes From D.C.

Hit the trails at these top Fall foliage destinations within 90 minutes from Washington, D.C.:

• Harpers Ferry National Historic Park:  A 90-minute drive from DC brings you to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where you feel like a million miles away from the city! Immerse yourself in nature and history as you hike up trails of all levels! The Maryland Heights Trail and Maryland Heights Loop provide beautiful views of Harpers Ferry, the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, and the surrounding countryside. The trail is moderately challenging and offers historical insights along the way, such as Civil War remnants. Or try the more challenging Loudoun Heights trail, iconic Appalachian Trail or Bolivar Heights trails to catch a glimpse of some Civil War history! You can plan your visit there by reading more at Hiking In History At Harpers Ferry!

• Shenandoah National Park, VA: A short 1.5 hour drive takes you to 100 miles of Appalachian Trail and Skyline Drive filled with beautiful views and waterfalls! Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Shenandoah National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. The park has over 500 miles of trails to explore. Some popular trails include Old Rag, Hawksbill, Whiteoak Canyon, and Dark Hollow Falls. Choose a trail that matches your fitness level and preferences! Stay overnight and enjoy some local wineries afterwards!

• Old Rag Summit: Feel like you are on top of the world at Old Rag, located within Shenandoah National Park. As one of the most popular destinations within the park, you must come prepared with proper clothing and footwear, food and hydration! The Old Rag Circuit Hike is a 9-mile loop with a combination of strenuous uphill climbs, rocky terrain, and the famous rock scramble. It’s considered one of the most challenging hikes in the Shenandoah region. Your hard work will be rewarded with gorgeous 360-degree views of the valley!

4 Fall Hikes In and Around Washington, D.C.:

• Great Falls Park, VA:  Located just 20 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., Great Falls National Park has stunning, roaring waterfalls and dramatic cliffs — a must see in the area. Loved by both locals and visitors, this 800 acre park sits along the Potomac with over 15 miles of trails! The Billy Goat Trail is a popular choice for its rocky terrain and beautiful scenery.

• C&O Canal Towpath:  Take a brisk walk or slow jog for miles on this relatively flat towpath along the Potomac! The C&O Canal towpath follows the historic C&O Canal, which stretches for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. It offers a scenic and relatively level trail that is popular for hikers. You can access this trail in various locations, including Georgetown. Perfect for long walks/hikes, walking your dog or catching up with a good friend in beautiful nature. Good shoes are still needed, as some areas can be washed out or muddy.

• Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, McLean,VA: Hike up and down the nature preserve along the Potomac River! Scott’s Run is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and offers several hiking trails that vary in length and difficulty. There are several trails within the preserve. Try Scott’s Run Trail, about 2.2 miles long and follows Scott’s Run, a scenic stream with small waterfalls. Or head to Potomac Heritage Trail, with stunning views of the Potomac River and is part of a larger network of trails.

• Rock Creek Park, DC:  Located inside the Nation’s Capital, this park is one of the oldest parks in the country. In 1890, it was designated by the government as the third national park in the country. It boasts over 1754 acres in Washington, D.C. It is a national beauty with by over 32 miles of trails! You can explore the Valley Trail, Western Ridge Trail, and more. Take a break and enjoy this urban oasis!

Plan Your Hike For Breathtaking Fall Foliage Near Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers several fantastic places for beautiful Fall hikes to see autumn foliage. These 7 Beautiful Hikes Near D.C. For Fall Foliage will soothe your senses while you enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn. Remember, timing of peak fall foliage can vary from year to year, but generally, the best time to see the fall colors in the D.C. area is from mid-October to early November. So make some plans, be sure to have proper gear and hit the trails. These are experiences you will always remember!