Pretty Hikes Within Two Hours of Arlington

The experts at Casual Adventure share some of their favorite spots for an escape into nature, from novice trails to serious climbs.

Warm weather is here at last! Time to dust off those hiking boots, fill up your hydration pack and lose yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the woods. We asked the staff at Arlington’s favorite camping and sporting goods store, Casual Adventure, for recommended hikes within a two-hour drive, from easy-breezy to expert–and even overnight trips. Put these destinations on your list.

Outings with Kids

Recommended by Eric Stern, Owner, Casual Adventure

Scotts Sbs 2
Children enjoy the concrete stepping stones and the Potomac River waterfront at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean.

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve

Driving distance from Arlington: 20 minutes or less

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A relatively short (1.4-mile) hike on a groomed path with several stream crossings, this out-and-back trail terminates at a scenic waterfall and rocky beach area along the Potomac River, where mini-hikers can picnic, play with rocks and look for fish. “I tend to like water, kids tend to like water, dogs tend to like water,” says Stern. “A lot of kids like to hop across the stones.” Be sure to get there early. Scott’s Run is very popular and the entrance off Georgetown Pike has a small parking lot.  Need more of a challenge? Scott’s Run connects to a longer, physically-demanding trail, aptly named Difficult Run, that more experienced hikers could add on. Difficult Run rewards adventurous climbers with water views all along the Potomac River. As with any hike, Stern recommends proper gear—comfortable, supportive footwear, bug spray, sunscreen and quick-dry clothing. Kids may need extra shoes for this wet trek. // 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia

Burke Sbs
The flat, waterside terrain, combined with kids activities such as a miniature train ride, make Burke Lake Park an ideal family hiking spot. (Photos courtesy of Lana Vu and Fairfax County Parks)

Burke Lake Park

Driving distance from Arlington: 30 minutes

Flat, scenic and tree covered, this Fairfax County park has plenty of activities and kids’ entertainment in addition to hiking. The 4.5-mile, gravel-surface loop trail follows the shoreline, with views of the lake from almost every point. You can walk, run or bike it. If the kids tire of walking (do they ever get tired though?), refuel at the Burke Lake Ice Cream parlor, stocked with several flavors of ice cream, snacks and drinks. There’s also a carousel, a train you can ride, mini golf and a playground. Or try your hand at disc golf. “They’ve got one of the best courses in the area,” Stern says. “It’s really well-kept and it’s right on the edge of the water.” // 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia

Advanced Terrain

Recommended by John Brennan, Casual Adventure Manager

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Whiteoak Canyon Falls
Left: Stern’s son Ben enjoys the natural swimming holes and water slides along the Cedar Run Trail. Right: John Brennan with hiking pal Piper on a recent trip to Shenandoah River State Park. (Photos courtesy of John Brennan)

Cedar Run-Whiteoak Circuit Trail

Driving distance from Arlington: 2 hours

This challenging, 8-mile loop in Shenandoah National Park will take you about 4-5 hours, depending on how much time you spend taking in the scenery and cooling off in its natural swimming holes. Be sure to bring your swimsuit to what amounts to a natural water park. “There are big swimming pools. There’s even a natural kind of waterslide people like to go to,” Brennan says. The hike brings you to six waterfalls, ranging from 35 to 86 feet with a swimming hole at the bottom of each. But this route is not a good option those looking for an easy stroll. It’s long and strenuous, with mostly uphill climbs, says Brennan, who adds this is one of his favorite hikes during the summer. // Skyline Drive, Luray, Virginia. Parking at Whiteoak Canyon Trail parking area: milepost 42.6 or Hawksbill Gap parking area: milepost 45.5 

Michaux State Forest

Driving distance from Arlington: 2 hours

Be prepared to run into some very serious hikers at this Pennsylvania State Park. The Appalachian Trail runs through it, so you are likely to meet people attempting to hike the entire length of the AT from Maine to Georgia or vice-versa. Brennan recommends the steep climb up the Chimney Rocks loop trail, which offers views of the forest and waterfalls. “I used to go up there with my dad,” he says. “It’s got a great overlook into the rest of the park and kind of a unique rock structure.” The tree-covered 5-mile route starts out pretty steep at the trailhead, but the trek down is more of a pleasant walk in the woods. There’s a parking lot at the trailhead, but this is a popular spot for locals, so be sure to get there early to score a parking space. //255 Forest Road, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

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Shenandoah River State Park

Driving distance from Arlington: 1.5 hours

You can choose your own adventure at this Virginia state park just west of Shenandoah National Park. “There’s a whole trail system for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding,” says Brennan, who recently spent two nights camping there.  “It was my first time there,” he says. “I was delightfully surprised how close it was and how nice it was.” Hikes here range from easy to moderate. Brennan did an 8-mile loop around the perimeter of the park but says there are a variety of difficulty and length options to choose from. // 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville, Virginia

Overnight Adventures

Recommended by Izzy Oliver, Casual Adventure Sales Associate

Sky Meadow
Sky Meadows combines wooded trails with scenic views of rolling pastures and farmland. (Photo courtesy of Izzy Oliver)

Sky Meadows State Park

Driving distance from Arlington: 1 hour

Spend a night at a campground and try primitive camping; there are no drive-up sites here. You’ll have to walk into the quiet, backcountry camping areas at this Virginia state park, which is designated an International Dark Sky Park. “It has very little light pollution, so in the summertime it’s a fantastic place to go stargaze,” Oliver says, after a day of hiking, fishing or horseback riding. The park also offers nature and history programs and a monthly astronomy night. Find trails for a wide range of abilities, from easy to strenuous, with scenic views, woodlands and a farm where you are likely to see horses and cows milling about. // 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, Virginia

Harpers Ferry Murphy Chambers Farm Trail Overlook Ctsy Npsgov
An overlook on the Murphy Chambers Farm Trail at Harpers Ferry. (Photo courtesy of nps.gov)

Harpers Ferry

Driving distance from Arlington: 1.5 hours

The Appalachian Trail Visitor’s Center is located in this historic West Virginia town and National Historical Park. “For many people it’s a really iconic stop,” Oliver says, noting that the center serves as the unofficial middle-point of the trail for thru-hikers. “It’s really popular for that reason. But it’s also an incredible place for people who like to hike and then go get a drink and eat good food,” she adds. Hiking and camping options include scenic walks around the town and along the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers and higher up into the hills. Campers can set up tents on riverside sites, or opt for a cabin. Hikes she recommends checking out in the area: Weverton Cliffs (medium difficulty/scenic), Maryland Heights (strenuous/views of town) and Murphy Chambers Farm (easy/views of Shenandoah). “People don’t realize how much beauty exists just within two hours of Washington, D.C.,” says Oliver. “The hardest thing is putting the stuff in the car, but once you’re out there, it’s fresh air—and going and moving your body in the woods is good for you.” // 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

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