Mountain hike near washington, dc?

imported
#1

Hi all,

I’m in a suburb of DC for this month, and I’d like to take a day hike or two on a weekend day in the next couple of weeks. I’m willing to drive up to about 2 hours each way, and I’d prefer some sort of peak as a destination. Up to about 12 miles or so should be doable for me, and lots of elevation gain is great - I’m one of those weirdos who actually likes steep trails. Finally, while crowds are ok if there’s a great hike to be had in spite of them, I wouldn’t mind something a little less traveled if it’s still a nice hike with a good view at the top.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

dhc

#2

Old Rag sound like just the hike you’re looking for. Closest thing to hiking NH that va has. South of Sperryville off of 231 near a little town called Nethers.

hokey pokey

#3

try the Washington Monument.

David Duke

#4

i’m not sure what kind of ‘peaks’ you’re looking for but a hike to annapolis rock and black rock isn’t too bad. it’s easily accessible from rt. 40 (nice parking area there) near myersville, and there’s some great views from both look outs. here’s some info on it. you’re not going to find much else in the way of peaks on the maryland side of the trail. otherwise, you’ll have to go to VA and i’m not as familiar with those parts.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/at.html

Jeremy

#5

I agree with Old Rag # 1. Annapolis Rocks # 2, SugarLoaf # 3. The C & O Canal Tow Path is nice but no mountains.

Ed

#6

thornton gap 2310ft to hawksbill peak (highest point in snp) is 13.7mls along the AT. Tons of elvation gain, some loss but not nearly as much. Beer tap near the middle, and plenty of views, water, and ditches.

ldh

#7

Awesome webite for the region http://www.midatlantichikes.com/

I forget

#8

Check out Cedar run/Whiteoak canyon in SNP and Dolly Sods in the MNF is only 3 hrs from DC for overnighters!!! Monongahela National Forest is very unique in the Md/Va/Pa region

I forget

#9

If you like less crowded areas, head to West Virginia. There are numerous cool places and trails to be found in and around the Seneca Rocks area.

Nature

#10

Harpers Ferry to Weverton Cliffs - good climb and the best overlook in Maryland.

Huh

#11

SNP, especially Old Rag, can get crowded on the weekends. Try some of the less popular trail loops in SNP or hiking M-F. Closer in, you have Sugarloaf mountain (northern Montgomery Co), Great Falls (both MD & VA sides), Rock Creek Park, Drainsville/Scotts Run park (just off the beltway on VA193), Seneca Creek State Park and Catoctin/Cunningham Falls(north of Frederick MD). Green Ridge State forest has some elevation to it in Western MD (2 hrs away). Not to forget the AT in Northern VA, which has some moderate rolling terrain.

Call the PATC headquarters for the most info locally.

30-30