Washington D.C. Trails
![AT Hike: Harpers Ferry to Weverton Cliffs [Photo by Matt Mills]](https://www.backpacker.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTQ0OTE0MDE2NTYzMDQ1OTUz/at-hike-harpers-ferry-to-weverton-cliffs-photo-by-matt-mills.jpg)
Baltimore, MD: Harpers Ferry to Weverton Cliffs
Follow the white blazes at the symbolic halfway point of the Appalachian Trail and soak in some history.
![White Trail Loop, Rocks State Park (MD) [Photo by Matt Mills]](https://www.backpacker.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTQ0OTE0MDc2OTYxNzQ0NjEz/white-trail-loop-rocks-state-park-md-photo-by-matt-mills.jpg)
Baltimore, MD: White Trail Loop, Rocks State Park
Stretch your legs on a short loop hike and climb some natural rock outcrops at the King and Queen Seat
![Catoctin Mountain Park [Photo by Matt Mills]](https://www.backpacker.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTQ0OTE0MDE0MTQ3NjUxMTM3/catoctin-mountain-park-photo-by-matt-mills.jpg)
Baltimore, MD: Catoctin Mountain Park Loop
Experience the best of what Maryland has to offer in less than 8 miles in Catoctin Mountain Park.
![Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland [Photo by Matt Mills]](https://www.backpacker.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTQ0OTE0MTcwMzc1MjUxNTIx/sugarloaf-mountain-maryland-photo-by-matt-mills.jpg)
Baltimore, MD: Sugarloaf Mountain Summit Loop
Get a quick dose of nature on a family-friendly hike that is surprisingly colorful.
![View from Old Rag, Virginia [Photo by Matt Mills]](https://www.backpacker.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTQ0OTE0MTU2OTU0ODU1MTQx/view-from-old-rag-virginia-photo-by-matt-mills.jpg)
Washington, D.C.: Old Rag via Berry Hollow
Take the lesser-traveled route up one of Shenandoah National Park's most storied peaks.
Weekends: Mt. Pleasant, Virginia
Tour the best of the Appalachians on this easy two-nighter.
Washington, DC: Sky Meadows State Park
Centuries-old settler ruins and fabulous forest overlooks make this quiet 4.7-mile loop one of the best dayhikes within an hour's drive of downtown D.C.
Washington, DC: Blue Ridge Overlook to Cunningham Falls
Escape on a 5-mile loop through Catoctin Mountain Park, where healthy hardwoods, unique fungi, and a host of fauna conceal this area's industrial past.
Washington, DC: First Manassas Trail
March 4.2 miles back in time to July 21, 1861, where General Stonewall Jackson led an epic battle on this ground at Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Washington, DC: Three Top Mountain Loop
In just a weekend, you can travel from wooded ridges to gentle peaks to quiet hollows on this 16.5-mile lasso in George Washington National Forest.
Washington, DC: Schaeffer Farms Loop
Spin your wheels on twisty singletrack that whizzes over hills and across streams on this action-packed 3.1-mile loop through the renowned Schaeffer Farms.
Washington, DC: Wild Oak Loop
Find your inner hermit on this 26.3-mile loop in George Washington National Forest, complete with endless scenery, heaps of wildlife, and oh-so-quiet campsites.
Washington, DC: Maryland Heights Loop
Immerse yourself in history as you explore long-abandoned Civil War batteries on this 6.1-mile hike to a commanding view of Harpers Ferry.
Washington, DC: Little Bennett Regional Park
Swing off the Beltway for a 9.2-mile loop through the boggy lowlands, grassy meadows, and open ridges of this once-bustling historic valley.
Washington, DC: Perimeter Trail
This 5.3-miler in Greenbelt Park loops through a wooded urban jungle and along gentle streams, just 15 minutes from The National Mall.
Washington, DC: South Fork Quantico Creek Loop
Go ahead: Bag work early and swing off the Beltway for a quick 4-mile hike or trail run through the rolling piedmont of Prince William Forest Park.
Washington, DC: Perimeter Trail
Skip the tourist spots and take the bus to Greenbelt Park for a 5.4-mile loop through a quiet, leafy urban forest.
Washington, DC: Glover-Archbold Park Loop
Need an after-work escape? Minutes from the capital are 5.7 miles of tranquil trails along the Potomac River and C&O Canal.
Washington, DC: Manassas Bridle Trail Loop
Avoid the crowds on this 3-miler that explores less-traveled trails and an old Confederate headquarters in Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Washington, DC: Great Falls Loop
This 4.5-miler runs along steep cliffs to two photogenic overlooks above an impressive waterfall on the Potomac River.
Washington, DC: G.R. Thompson Loop
Pick a sport: fish, bird watch, or hike. Next: tour parts or all of this 5.8-mile loop for a quick getaway from the noisy Capitol City.
Prayers Answered In Virginia's Priest Wilderness
In Virginia, a miracle occurs and hikers get some new wilderness, thanks to The Priest.