When you need a breath of fresh air from the city, consider taking one of DC’s best easy hikes under five miles!
However much we love our beautiful city, it’s true that it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes and you need just a breath of fresh air. If you’re feeling trapped and need to relieve some stress, consider taking one DC’s best easy hikes. Each hike is under five miles and is perfect for when you need to get away!
Wolf Rock/Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain
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This easy 3.3 mile hike will leave you speechless. Not because it’s 3.3 miles of uphill climb, but because the view is beautiful! On this hike you will be able to see an abundance of rock formations and vistas. Grab a friend and grab a camera because you will want to take a lot of pictures!
Bluebell Trail in Bull Run Regional Park
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Run or walk this mile and a half loop around this lush regional park. Here you can spot over 25 different wildflowers and of course the Bluebell flower. This small trail is scenic and is great for a quick exercise. This tops the list for DC’s best easy hikes.
Maryland Heights
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Combine history AND scenery in this hike. This hike is a bit more strenuous as it is 4.8 miles around. However, since you are climbing, you will have access to some of the coolest views in and experience civil war fortifications.
Cash Lake Loop- Patuxent Research Refuge Trail
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This 2.2 mile loop is perfect for a quick entertaining stroll with your kids, friends, or significant other. On this hike, it is likely that you will see some sort of wildlife. This lush and tree dense area attracts wildlife such as blue herons, ducks, turtles, and more! This spot is especially breathtaking in the fall.
Soapstone Valley Trail
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For when you simply just need to get away from crowds of people, I recommend this as one of DC’s best easy hikes. This spot is not overly crowded and is just a quick mile and a half and leads you to Broad Branch Road.
North Valley Trail
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This trail can be found in Prince William Park and is a breezy 2.2 miles. There are many trails in Prince William Park, however, this one is the most popular. Here you will see beautiful views of Quantico Creek and old remains of a pyrite mine. Education and exercise combined in one!
Patowmack Canal Trail
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Walk along one of the first canals in the United States when you walk on Patowmack Canal Trail! This easy 1.25 miles follows the remains of an old town called Matildaville and is perfect for a flat and easy run if you so desire.
