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The Potomac Conservancy's favorite C&O spot, the River Center at Lockhouse 8, plays host to a National Trails Day event. Register here with REI Bailey's Crossroads.Towpath treasures await...

Forget triathlons, how about an adventure quintathlon on the C&O Canal? It's not a stretch - we count no less than five outdoor activities favored by park users: jogging/running, biking, kayaking/canoeing, rock climbing, and fishing (yes, we're counting fishing as a sport). The Georgetown to Anglers Inn Canal corridor is a multi-sport athlete's paradise.

And to think, fifty years ago, our favorite 19th century waterway almost got paved over.

View C&O Canal Towpath - Georgetown to Angler's Inn Images on Flickr

Trail Profile

The C&O Canal Towpath runs 184.5 miles, but for brevity, we'll focus on the Georgetown (mile 0) to Angler's Inn (12.6) section. Continuing west from Anglers Inn, you enter the Great Falls Park area, which features additional natural surface hiking trails (like Billy Goat Section A), and of course, the Falls itself.

This map highlights the Palisades District of the C&O Canal which includes the Georgetown to Angler's Inn section.

Georgetown

If you've set foot in Georgetown within the last 180 years or so you're probably familiar with its unique setting on the Canal. Running parallel to M Street, the Georgetown section of the Canal starts (or ends) at Rock Creek.

Note: Don't plan on racing against the clock through Georgetown. The trail is narrow, heavily used, and crosses several roads.

Highlights: The Georgetown canal boat; Georgetown Visitor Center; views of Key Bridge and Rosslyn 

Fletcher's Boathouse

The crowds can be thick between Georgetown and Fletcher's Boathouse (mile 3.1), a DC landmark and a bustling hub of activity. Many visitors use Fletcher's as the launching point for their hike/bike/paddle/fishing adventure. The Capital Crescent Trail more or less converges with the Towpath near the Boathouse.

Highlights: Kayak/canoe rentals at Fletcher's Boathouse; access to the Capital Crescent Trail

Chain Bridge / Little Falls

Beyond the Capital Crescent Trail trestle (mile 3.6), trail activity quiets down. Wildlife activity, meanwhile, perks up. The Great Blue Heron is a mainstay, but also keep an eye out for box turtles and toads.

Lockhouse 6 (mile 5.4), near the Little Falls Dam, isn't just your everyday run-of-the-mill historic structure. This lockhouse is open for overnight guests thanks to the hard work of the C&O Canal Trust.

Highlights: Chain Bridge bike/ped access; Lockhouse 6 (parking and lodging); Little Falls Dam; Lock 7 (parking); Sycamore Island 

Seven Locks

The Seven Locks section references Locks 8-14, all of which are located within a mile-long stretch of the Canal (mile 8.5-9.5). Engineer-types can spend a day here marveling at the feats of their early 19th century colleagues.

Highlights: Potomac Conservancy River Center at Lock 8; Lock 10 (parking); Lockhouse 11

Carderock

For rock climbers, Carderock (mile 10.4) is your final destination. Some of the best top roping in the DC area is just steps away from the parking lot. Carderock also features large picnic areas and the Billy Goat Trail Section C (not quite as spectacular as Section A but still a hoot).

Highlights: Access to Carderock (parking, restrooms, and water)

Angler's Inn

The Angler's Inn area (mile 12.6) is named for the local cantina / pricey restaurant located directly across MacArthur Boulevard from the main parking lot. This lot is favored by many park users - notably, whitewater kayakers. Our friends at Potomac Paddlesports meet there for lessons 3-4 times a week. Angler's is also a prime base for tackling the Billy Goat Trail Section A. Access to the eastern end of the trail is less than half a mile from the lot.

Highlights: River access / kayak launch; Billy Goat Trail Section A; Old Angler's Inn (restaurant)

Trail Stewardship

The National Park Service provides numerous opportunities to give back to the park that is loved by millions year after year. The stewardship team at C&O Canal National Historical Park even have their own dedicated website: http://www.chohvip.org/

Two programs, in particular, may catch your eye:

Canal Stewards: This relatively new program offers organizations, businesses, or individuals a chance to "adopt" a section of the park. Your job is then to maintain and enhance that particular area - taking your cue from the Park Service. The North Face, the Potomac Conservancy, and several Brookmont neighbors are already signed up - if you'd like to get involved, contact Rebecca Jameson (Rebecca_Jameson[at]nps.gov).

Bike Patrol: The Bike Patrol is just as it sounds - you cycle along the Towpath providing information for users and first aid when necessary. The Bike Patrol is always looking for new volunteers - Norman Liebow (liebow[at]comcast.net) coordinates the team in the Palisades District of the Canal.

Another good resource for volunteer opportunities is our friends at the C&O Canal Trust. Canal Pride Days (May-June) attracts hundreds of dedicated volunteers each and every year.

Whether you hike, bike, run, climb, kayak, or fish, the C&O Canal Towpath serves as your human-powered highway to local outdoor adventure.

Location / Directions: Georgetown (mile 0)Trail Distance: 12.6 miles, Georgetown to Angler's InnSurface / Difficulty: Hard-packed dirt/gravel; EasyTrail Map: C&O Canal National Historical Park - Palisades District MapAdministration: National Park ServiceSocial Media: Facebook, Twitter

Not familiar with the trail? No problem. Contact Dan Fitzgerald, MORE Trail Liaison, to join one of his weekly Wednesday rides. The Nature of Forts

During a recent ride on the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail, Dan Fitzgerald, a Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) trail liaison, was approached by a group of neighborhood youngsters excited and awed by his fancy mountain bike.

Kids: "Hey man, where are you going?"Dan: "On the trail in the woods."Kids: "You go in there?"

While the value of natural forest settings may be a no-brainer to most of us, the kids' reaction outlines a fundamentally different perspective. Many organizations are working to change that perspective and at the center of the renaissance is the Fort Circle Hiker-Biker Trail, a 7-8 mile linear trail extending through several of Washington DC's "east of the river" communities. Fort Circle offers pleasant natural surprises and depressing urban-neglect reminders wrapped up into one unique trail experience.

View the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail Slideshow on Flickr      

Trail & Terrain

For the purposes of this article, the Fort Circle Trail is divided into north and south sections starting from the Ridge Road / Fort Davis Drive intersection in the northern portion of Fort Dupont Park. To reach the intersection from the Fort Dupont Activity Center, take Fort Dupont Drive or the partially paved trail adjacent to the stage. If you only have time for one direction, we recommend the Southern Section.

Southern Section

Fort Davis Drive to Massachusetts Avenue: This is the longest, cleanest, flowy-est, and all-around finest cross-section of the entire trail. You'll pass a steep, rutted trail (stay right to avoid it) leading to ruins of the earthworks fort that gives the park its name.

Massachusetts Avenue to Branch Avenue: Deep stream valleys and ridge riding remind you that yeah, DC can be hilly. The best hill climbs are yet to come, though. his section is Fort Davis Park and features a wetland area near 28th Street.

Branch Avenue to Naylor Road: The trail entrance is on the right after a short stretch on Park Avenue. Enjoy the sketchy downhills! After crossing 28th Street, drop in and pedal hard to build up speed for "Gumball Alley." Good luck with the ascent (you'll need it).

Naylor Road to Anacostia Community Museum: Cruise downhill to Good Hope Road, cross it, and meander through the stream valley over some quaint wooden bridges. The meandering ends abruptly with a steep hill climb leading to the Anacostia Community Museum and Fort Stanton.

Northern Section

Ridge Road to East Capitol Street: The trail is fast and smooth but the roadside refuse erodes your enjoyment. The trash issue improves after crossing C Street into Fort Chaplin Park, where the fort's earthworks are in relatively good condition.

East Capitol Street to Fort Mahan: You'll need to cross busy Benning Road to get there, but the Fort Mahan trail section offers both a fun interpretative loop and a treasured trail connection to the 1.6 mile Marvin Gaye / Watts Branch Park trail.

Trail & Neighborhood Characteristics

By now, we've mentioned "road crossing," "trash," and "urban-neglect" enough times for you to probably realize that this isn't Schaeffer Farm. Mountain bike purists with easy access to the suburbs may want to look elsewhere for fresh singletrack. However, many others will enjoy Fort Circle for what it is. Here's a look at the pros and cons of the trail from a mountain biker's point of view:

Pros

This is the only legal mountain bike trail in the District. That fact alone makes this trail a worthy addition to the city slicker's repertoire. There are enough steep hills to keep your lungs interested.Generous tree shade makes this a decent choice for summer rides.

Cons

Your personal safety comfort level on this trail depends on your individual nature, but MORE recommends always riding it with a buddy.Road crossings are numerous and some crossings (Pennsylvania, Benning, Naylor, etc.) can be a major pain during rush hour.  The Park Service works hard to keep the trail in good shape but downed trees seem to be a constant issue.The Fort Circle Trail is to poison ivy as the Tidal Basin is to cherry blossoms. Get your Technu ready.    MORE Stewardship

Without MORE's steady support for this high-potential but often-neglected trail destination, the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail would suffer. The Fort Circle community of riders is led by Dan Fitzgerald (email: dbfitzgerald[at]yahoo.com). Dan schedules weekly Wednesday rides and occasional trail work days - stay tuned to the MORE website or contact Dan directly for updates.

Future of the Trail

Over the years, the Fort Circle corridor has been threatened by many ill-advised development plans. For the most part, the city now recognizes its value as a natural and recreational resource for a neglected, but vibrant, community clinging to few remaining green spaces.

The CapitalSpace Initiative planners and the National Park Service have expressed their shared intentions to connect the Fort Circle parks which, as the name indicates, form a partial circle of Civil War defenses around Washington DC. In the case of this article's featured trail, Union Army soldiers once walked the same sacred ground that mountain bikers and hikers now prowl.

Do you think they appreciated the lung-busting climbs?    

Location / Directions: SE Washington, DC; Metro - Benning Road (Blue)Trail Distance: 7-8 milesSurface / Difficulty: Mostly natural or crushed gravel; ModerateTrail Map: Fort Circle Hiker-Biker Trail MapAdministration: National Park Service - National Capital Parks-EastSocial Media: Twitter

No longer Awakening, but still very much Awake

In February 2008, a 27 year struggle came to an end. The struggling giant that is The Awakening emerged from his Hains Point perch only to be carted off and reburied in suburban Prince George's County. For many Washingtonians, it was the end of an era for East Potomac Park and Hains Point.

The Awakening will be missed, but East Potomac Park Park (EPP) should not be. With its riverside, tree-lined setting devoid of the bumper-to-bumper traffic mere meters away, EPP is exactly the kind of outdoors escape we all need.

View the East Potomac Park Slideshow on Flickr

Geography

While many people refer to East Potomac Park as a "peninsula," the park is actually an island (look closely at the Satellite map), which was man-made in the late 1800's from Potomac River dredging material. Other noteworthy geographic facts include:

The Jefferson Memorial anchors the northern tip of the island and Hains Point the southernThe island is bordered by the Tidal Basin (north), Washington Channel (east), and Potomac River (west)Hains Point is referenced as the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia RiverOutdoor Activities

By all accounts, the dominate feature of the 328 acre park is the golf course - or rather three golf courses (18-hole par 4, 9-hole Executive, and 9-hole short course). We can only imagine how valuable East Potomac Park is to downtown cubicle-dwellers who dream of donning a green jacket. Alas, this isn't a golf website so our Links analysis ends there.

For walkers, runners, and cyclists, EPP is an outdoor playground that can be as pleasant, or painful, as you make it. There are two main recreational components of the park:

Paved Walkway - The narrow, paved walkway, which is in varying degrees of disrepair, lines up against the seawall. On weekends, it's a fishermen hot spot, but does anything ever bite? Ohio Drive Loop - Without a doubt, the loop is a local favorite for cyclists and runners. It measures 3.2 miles - an almost perfect 5K distance - and cars are few and far between.

Visit East Potomac Park on any sun-drenched weekend and you're bound to see a whole host of characters - from the speed-racer cyclist riding time-trail laps (Mayor Fenty style) to the stroller-pushing mom out for a visit to the playground.

Cherry Blossoms

Fifty weeks a year, East Potomac Park enjoys a serenity not found in its monument-wielding neighbor, the National Mall. Cherry Blossom Festival time, however, is somewhat of an exception. The park features 1,681 cherry blossom trees, many of which are the Kanzan varietal. Kanzan trees bloom about two weeks later than the Yoshino trees that dominate the Tidal Basin. Assuming the Kanzan blossoms last beyond the two-week window of festival madness, visit EPP and perhaps your DC Blossom experience can be one of peace and quiet.

Although East Potomac Park lost its favorite (aluminum) son, the park has certainly not lost its allure to Washington DC locals, and the occasional Cherry Blossom tourist, alike. 

Location / Directions: Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DCPark Size / Trail Distance: 328 acres; 3.2 mile loopSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyAdministration: National Park Service

Tales from the Trail

Every trail has a story to tell. For some, it's a story of the past - from Native American settlements to Civil War garrisons. For other trails, the story begins and ends with the environment - the degradation caused by our damaging habits and what we can do to buck the trend. Last but not least, the drama queen trails tell the story of political and administrative struggles - different user groups with different priorities.

Only in DC can the story of a trail span history, environment, and politics. Such is the story of the Rock Creek Park Trail.

View the Rock Creek Park Trail Slideshow on Flickr

Paved Trail

The setting is Rock Creek Park, Washington DC's most popular green space not named the National Mall. The park hosts approximately 2 million visitors per year - many of whom tread on the paved Rock Creek Park Trail.

The 6.5 mile paved trail is is divided into sections detailed below (mileage markers in parentheses). The official southern terminus of the trail is just south of the Tidal Basin, parallel to Ohio Drive.

Tidal Basin to Georgetown/C&O Canal (2.1 miles): Part trail and part large sidewalk, this section is adjacent to the National Mall and the Kennedy Center. The C&O Canal intersection is your best Georgetown access point.  Georgetown/C&O Canal to P Street Bridge (0.5): The P Street bridge is your last chances to exit the trail (safely, at least) until Connecticut Avenue. The bridge is just four blocks west of Dupont Circle.P Street Bridge to Connecticut Avenue Bridge (1.3): The grandest of Rock Creek's bridges is Connecticut Avenue. This area features a very popular large grassy area at Shoreham Drive.National Zoological Park (1.0): This section includes a 0.5 mile detour that avoids the Parkway tunnel, but it's only open from dawn to dusk. Zoo access is available at National Zoo Drive.Zoo to Broad Branch Road (1.7): After winding 1.7 miles passed the Zoo, the paved trail ends at Broad Branch Drive.Beach Drive

Six and change miles of trail may be great for a jogger, but most cyclists will be itching for more. Riding on a weekend? You're in luck. Beach Drive, north of Broad Branch Road, is, in The WashCycle's words, DC's very own "ciclovia." On weekends, from 7 AM Saturday to 7 PM Sunday, this section of Beach Drive is closed to cars. For 36 straight hours every week, one of the region's most scenic roads is a two-wheeled and two-feet wonderland.

Beach Drive's car-free section lends itself to a two-part breakdown.

Broad Branch Road to Joyce Road/Military Road (1.6 miles): The crossing at Joyce Road provides trail access to the Nature Center. Military Road to Maryland/DC border (2.7): The most remote-feeling section, the DC/Maryland border is the northern terminus of Rock Creek Park.

To view the full 10.8 mile excursion (Rock Creek Park Trail plus Beach Drive), check out this map featuring Google's new Bicycling map layer.

Trail Highlights

Several features and characteristics of the route make it a classic Washington DC outdoor adventure.

Bridge Architecture: This is not an architecture website, but even a casual observer is awed by the massive concrete bridges crossing Rock Creek. The Connectict Avenue bridge is the largest, but Trail Voice's favorite is the tiny Boulder Bridge on Beach Drive.19th Century History: Pierce Mill is the featured attraction, but we also like Mt. Zion Cemetery, a reminder of the vibrant history of free blacks in the District. Trail Connections: Rock Creek Park, in and of itself, features a vast network of natural surface trails. Cyclists and joggers/hikers can also take advantage of the following trail connections: National Mall, C&O Canal, Melvin C. Haven/Glover-Archbold Park, and Montgomery County's extension of the Rock Creek Trail.Trail Future

No stranger to the DC political scene, Rock Creek Park was a favorite getaway for Teddy Roosevelt and his unsuspecting foreign guests. Lately, it's been the scene of a different kind of politics. Loved to death by walkers, joggers, and stroller-pushers, the narrow, winding paved trail has long been a point of contention with cyclists; but that may change. After several years of WABA advocacy efforts, DDOT and the National Park Service have decided to widen the trail and improve the surface.

Park & Trail Volunteering

For the stewards among us, Rock Creek Park provides a full slate of volunteer opportunities including Bike Patrol, Pierce Mill guiding, and Nature Center programs. The busiest day of the Rock Creek spring volunteering season is April 10th in conjunction with the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. Visit our dedicated event page to learn more about joining the Trail Voice/Friends of Rock Creek's Environment team and thousands of other volunteers.

No other DC trail offers urbanites an experience quite like the Rock Creek Park Trail. Whether you visit to stretch your legs or take in the history, we think you'll enjoy the story.

Location / Directions: NW Washington, DCTrail Distance: 10.8 miles total; Rock Creek Park Trail - 6.5 miles, Beach Drive - 4.3 milesSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyTrail Map: Map of Rock Creek ParkAdministration: National Park ServiceSocial Media: Facebook, Twitter

Unless your name is Bear Grylls, brushing up on camping skills probably isn't a bad idea. Join Sky Meadows staff for the Primitive Camping Series workshops starting May 8th.Hike the friendly skies

As day-hike destinations within a one hour drive of Washington DC go, three parks rise above (literally) the rest: Catoctin Mountain Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Virginia's Sky Meadows State Park. From a terrain and scenery perspective, Catoctin and Sugarloaf are relatively similar. Sky Meadows, however, stands alone.

The magic of Sky Meadows is in its unique blend of pastures, high meadows, and hardwood forests. The setting is conducive to scenic vistas overlooking rolling hills, farmland, and small towns (Paris, Virginia). The trails themselves feel tame and manageable, but the hills are not an illusion (1000 foot ascent in under two miles). The only illusion is the seclusion: the bright city lights of DC are just 50 miles due east.

View the Sky Meadows Slideshow on FlickrHiking Trails

Ask five different people for their favorite Sky Meadows day-hike route and you're bound to receive five different answers. Two routes, detailed below, have been published (in print and online, respectively).

60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Washington, DC: Paul Elliott's 10.3 mile hike includes a full out-and-back on the Appalachian Trail portion of Sky Meadows.

Out: Access trail > Gap Run Trail (Orange) > South Ridge Trail (Yellow) > Left on North Ridge Trail (Blue) > Right on Appalachian Trail (White) to Ashby Gap (Route 50)Back: Retrace route on Appalachian Trail (White) > Left on North Ridge Trail (Blue) > Left on Piedmont Overlook Trail

Hiking Upward: With his 8.4 mile route, Tony Van Vugt hits more trails and avoids back-tracking.

Access trail > Snowden Interpretative Trail (Silver) > Gap Run Trail (Orange) > South Ridge Trail (Yellow) > Left on North Ridge Trail (Blue) > Right on Appalachian Trail (White) > Left on Old Trail (Purple) > Right on Appalachian Trail (White) > Ambassador Whitehouse Trail (Light Blue) > Left on North Ridge Trail (Blue) > Left on Piedmont Overlook Trail (Red)

Neither route will leave you disappointed, but if you're the vista-type, we recommend including the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail and the Piedmont Overlook Trail. When time is short, trek up the South Ridge Trail and down the North Ridge/Piedmont Overlook Trail for a hilly 3.5 miles.

Regrettably absent from most Sky Meadows hiker write-ups (including this one) is the bridle trail section of the park east of Route 17. We intend to change that; keep your eyes peeled for Sky Meadows: Part Deux. 

Events and Activities

Besides hiking, Sky Meadows is best known for two things: astronomy and strawberries.

Astronomy: Monthly "astronomy nights," featuring expert presentations and ample star-gazing, dot the Sky Meadows calendar.  Strawberries: The Delaplane Strawberry Festival , a Memorial Day weekend tradition, may be better known than the park itself. Interestingly enough, very few strawberries are commercially grown in Virginia.When to Go

Due to the distinctive setting, the Sky Meadows experience changes dramatically in accordance with the seasons.

Spring/Summer: Wildflower season and green pastures as far as the eye can seeFall: Spectacular foliage on the nearby hillsWinter: Stark high meadows and open vistas on the ridge

In truth, any month of the year offers a top three experience for day-hikers. When the sun is shining and the breeze is blowing, this Virginia state park makes a strong push for #1.

Location / Directions: Delaplane, VAPark Size / Trail Distance: 1862 acres; 14+ milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural; DifficultTrail Map: Sky Meadows State Park Guide

In typical We Love DC fashion, Donna C. highlights a bakery and a winery to accompany your visit. The Delaplane/Paris area is a hotbed of wineries, but we're partial to Naked Mountain.

Arlington's Greenest Citizen

The envy of public transportation and smart growth proponents nationwide, Arlington County is a model "green" citizen. But with land at a premium, the County lacks undeveloped green space. Beyond the trail corridors (W&OD, Potomac Heritage), does Arlington County have a signature nature park?

In answer to that question, Trail Voice nominates Potomac Overlook Regional Park. At only 67 acres, this park is dwarfed by its Fairfax/Montgomery/Prince George's County counterparts. In this case, however, the old adage rings true: good parks come in small packages.

View the Potomac Overlook Slideshow on FlickrHiking Trails

Within its boundaries, Potomac Overlook boasts a respectable 2.5 miles of natural surface hiking trails. Shenandoah it is not, but for many, 2.5 miles provides a satisfying trekking experience - especially considering the terrain. Sitting high on a bluff overlooking the Potomac (hence the name), Potomac Overlook Regional Park has enough steep (but brief) hills to raise your heart rate.

With your map in hand, park in the main lot by the pavilion to start your hike. Here's the loop we recommend:

Farm Road / Overlook Trail (Black) > Left turn to Red Maple Trail (Red) > Heritage Loop Trail (Green) > White Oak Way (White)

For additional mileage, access the park via N. Randolph St. and include Blue Jay Way (Blue) or the Red Maple Trail (Red) extension.

Trail Connections

If you're a hardcore hiker with a penchant for mileage, hopefully we haven't lost your attention. As all heavy trail users realize, the key is in the connections. Via the Brown Creeper Connection (Brown), the park links to the Donaldson Run Trail which in turn intersects with the Potomac Heritage Trail. Starting from the Virginia side of Chain Bridge, follow these directions for an approximately six mile route (mileage in brackets):

South on Potomac Heritage Trail [1.0] > Left turn to Donaldson Run Trail [0.8] > Left turn to Brown Creeper Connector Trail [0.1] > Potomac Overlook loop [~2.0] > Retrace route

Park Programs

Through the years, Potomac Overlook Regional Park has dedicated itself to serving the community in more ways than one ("one" being hiking). The park's nature center, a retrofitted 20th century home, is the centerpiece of its community and environmental stewardship programs.

Nature Center

For many visitors, the grand tour of Potomac Overlook starts with the Nature Center.

Energerium: The main floor exhibit is devoted to exploring the interconnectivity of energy and living systems. For more information, check out the GreenMan video.Auditorium: The bottom floor auditorium holds up to 50 people (open for birthday parties!) and features plant and animal exhibits.

Environmental Stewardship and Cultural Programs

Several environmental organizations, including Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment and the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists, are regular park stewards. Not to be left out, school groups, scout groups, and even local companies arrange volunteer and educational programs with park staff. Considering the busy calendar of events, it's easy for you to get involved: 

Volunteer Work Days (monthly, first Saturday): Indoor and outdoor projects around the parkEarth Day Celebration (April 17): Plant trees and milkweed for the monarch butterfliesOpen House & Heritage Festival (May 2): Music, food, exhibits, and games for the familySummer Concerts (starting May 22): Free Saturday evening performances

As treasured landscapes, public parks bring people together. In north Arlington, Potomac Overlook Regional Park fills that crucial role.

Location / Directions: Arlington, VAPark Size / Trail Distance: 67 acres; approximately 2.5 total milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural; ModerateTrail Map: Map of Potomac Overlook Regional ParkAdministration: Northern Virginia Regional Park AuthoritySocial Media: Facebook, Twitter

"The strongest man in the world is he who stands alone." - Henrik Ibsen

If the same can be said for mountains, Maryland's Sugarloaf Mountain is a gold medal weightlifter. Just ten miles south of Frederick, Sugarloaf rises dramatically from the surrounding farmland of the Maryland piedmont. The 1,282 ft. mountain is a monadnock, which means, to reiterate, it stands alone. As such, Sugarloaf beckons to DC area hikers from miles away - just begging to be climbed.

Hiking Trails

Thanks to its switchback roadways, Sugarloaf is an easy mountain to peak. Three different 1/4 mile trails access the summit; they are arranged below in ascending order of steepness:

Red (The Monadnock Trail)Don't be fooled by the super-steep beginning section; the trail mellows out nicely as it approaches the summit. Accessed via the Blue Trail (1/4 mile from the West View parking area).

Green (A.M. Thomas Trail)Stone steps built by Sugarloaf's first superintendent lead the way to the top, passing beneath the summit's protruding cliffs. Accessed from the West View parking area and the White Trail.

Orange (The Sunrise Trail)Hike this east-facing trail on cold, sunny mornings and you'll warm up in no time. The steepest of the three, it is also the most technical. Accessed from the East View parking area and the Blue Trail.

Hikers looking to notch serious mileage have additional trail options:

Yellow (Saddleback Horse Trail) - 7 milesSugarloaf's designated multi-use trail (open to mountain bikers in the summer) will get its own Trail Voice feature next summer (stay tuned!). Accessed near the mountain entrance (Comus Road).

White (Mountain Loop Trail) - 2.5 milesAscending from the base of the mountain, the white-blazed trail loops 200-300 feet below the summit. Accessed near the mountain entrance.

Blue (Northern Peaks Trail) - 5 milesAny Sugarloaf epic will undoubtedly include a trip to White Rocks and the northern peaks. Skirting the mountain ridge, the blue-blazed trail features scenic vistas and varied terrain. Accessed from the West View parking area and the White or Yellow trail.

How to Hike Sugarloaf

With 15 total miles of interconnecting and easily accessible trails, loop options are plentiful. However, one circuit route stands alone (like the mountain itself). Get yourself a map [PDF] (also available at the trailhead) and add this 7-mile loop to your to-do list.

Starting point: Mountain entrance on Comus RoadTrail Sequence: White > Blue > Red > Orange/Green > WhiteDirection: Either

The sequence detailed above saves the summit for the end of the hike. Hoping to catch the morning rays from 1,282 feet? No problem - access the Orange or Green trail directly from the White.

When to Go

Alas, fall foliage season, featuring Sugarloaf’s red and white oaks in all their glory, is behind us. But with unobstructed vistas and diminished crowds (250,000 people visit per year), some would argue that winter is the best time to visit. Add an "après-hike" body-warming glass of Merlot from Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard to the equation and you have a bonafide winter wonderland.

How to Help

Sugarloaf's story is not complete without mentioning one last wrinkle; this mountain is privately-owned. Stronghold, Inc. - a trust set up with the specific intent of preserving Sugarloaf Mountain - administers the 3,300 acre property. If you'd like to help Sugarloaf carry on the tradition of free public access, make a donation or call Stronghold to arrange your project with the Park Manager.

Location / Directions: Dickerson, MDPark Size / Trail Distance: 3,300 acres; 15 milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural; ModerateTrail Map: Sugarloaf Mountain [PDF]

This trail's namesake stream flows cold and clear...but for how much longer?

The spawning-season swim upstream may not be as smooth as a paved trail, but Paint Branch watershed's brown trout don't seem to mind because at least they're alive. Their DC metro area cousins have not been as lucky. Paint Branch, due to its cold water temperature and low pollution level, is home to the last self-sustaining brown trout population in the region. Or at least it is for now.

The Trail

Recession notwithstanding, compared to the brown trout, times aren't nearly as tough for joggers and cyclists zipping along eastern Montgomery County, Maryland's Paint Branch Stream Valley Park Trail. This 3 mile paved trail near Colesville parallels Paint Branch between Fairland Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park. Featuring stream valley flora and the photogenic ripples of Paint Branch, trail users emerge in droves on sunny weekend days. If you're out for more than just a workout, here's what to see:

Historic Mills - Four different mills, including the Valley Mill, churned the water of Paint Branch between the late 18th century until the 1930's.Pilgrim Hill Nature Trail - If you're traveling south from Randolph Road, this half mile natural surface trail detour starts just beyond the Pilgrim Hill Local Park ball field.Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park

Prior to Paint Branch's intersection with Columbia Pike (Rte. 29), the trail extends westward into Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park. Designed as an "Active" park - which means it's highly developed for recreational uses - MLK Jr. Park offers its own set of paved trails to complement your Paint Branch experience. The system is a series of three separate paved loops varying in distance:

Pond Loop (0.4 miles)Heart Smart Trail (0.8 miles)Perimeter Trail (1.2 miles)

Check out the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational  Park Trail Map to get your bearings.

Paint Branch & the ICC

The ICC footprint does not directly interfere with the trail itself - the east-west route of the future highway is a short distance north of Fairland Road. However, as watershed ecologists can attest, negative impacts upstream tend to be magnified downstream. The scope and expenditure of the ICC Compensatory Mitigation and Environmental Stewardship program is unprecedented for a highway project. With this monetary investment and the engagement of environmental organizations, it is our hope that Paint Branch will continue to flow cold and clear for generations to come.

Location / Directions: Colesville, MarylandTrail Distance: 3 milesSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyTrail Map: Paint Branch Trail Map

The Maryland Sierra Club lost the Paint Branch fight, but the Mattawoman Creek tussle is just starting to heat up...and they need your help.

Wildlife reigns supreme at Maryland's other bay

During a recent "Wilderness in Washington" segment of the Kojo Nnamdi Show, outdoor gurus Candy Thompson and Paul Elliott gushed about Jug Bay Natural Area, a Patuxent River Park property in eastern Prince George's County, Maryland.

Candy Thompson: "Fabulous...You can paddle there, you can hike there, you can fish there..."

Paul Elliott:"One of the remarkable things about Jug Bay is that you can stand there looking out over the river, and it's very hard to determine what century you're in. It's a timeless landscape."

Not yet convinced of the merits of Jug Bay Natural Area? Perhaps, these additional accolades will help... Recognized as a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area locationComponent of Maryland's National Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research ReservePart of the Chesapeake story as told by the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network"Two thumbs up!" - Siskel & EbertRecreation and Nature on the Land

Jug Bay Natural Area attracts two main types of outdoor enthusiasts: aquatic paddlers and terra firma hikers. This article is geared towards landlubbers, but check back with us in the future - we'll test the Patuxent River waters (literally) during the warmer months.

Featuring 8+ miles of natural surface trails, Jug Bay's hiking network is understandably overshadowed by the park's namesake tidal wetland. With that said, motivated hikers can easily make a day out of it. Trail highlights include:

Brown Trail (Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area): Directly accessible from the Visitor Center, this hiking trail network (not open to bicyclists) includes a half mile boardwalk through marshes and wetlands.Green Trail: Connecting to Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area, the Green Trail follows the ridge offering excellent Jug Bay views once the leaves have fallen.Red Trail: The park's longest trail, the Red Trail accesses historic Croom Airport, now a large, open field, and the starting point of Chesapeake Critical Area Tour.

Featuring colorful underbrush, towering hardwoods, wetland amphibians, and melodic songbirds, this Patuxent River Park location is a naturalistic feast for the senses. Birders in the know should check out the Patuxent River Bird Checklist brochure available in the Jug Bay Natural Area Visitor Center. Naturalists, amateur or otherwise, are invited to join a Park Ranger on guided woodland hikes, which are scheduled for Saturday afternoons several times a month.

Blessed as it is with natural beauty and recreational opportunity, Jug Bay goes one step further in an effort to lure inquisitive history buffs. Tucked into a wooded clearing just a few hundred yards from the Visitor Center, Patuxent Rural Life Museums is a collection of buildings and exhibits designed to represent Prince George's County living during a less complicated time. Visit on weekend afternoons (1-4 PM) for the guided tours and demonstrations.

Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour is a four-mile dirt roadway hugging the Patuxent River shoreline. Open to walkers, bicyclists, and cars (only on Sundays), the main draw of the tour is the 1,000 foot wooden boardwalk bridge connecting Jug Bay Natural Area to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. Overlooking the Mattoponi Creek marshlands, the bridge sports a tower ideal for bird watchers.

Jug Bay 10K/5K Run for Wildlife and 3K Fun Walk

A paddling and wildlife-viewing haven like Jug Bay Natural Area forces visitors to slow down their busy lives and appreciate nature. But on Jug Bay 10K/5K Run for Wildlife race day,  scheduled for 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2009, the slow down concept need not apply. Expected to attract about 300 participants, event organizers welcome runners and walkers (either pre-registered or walk-ins), spectators, and volunteers. As Kyle Lowe, Park Ranger and Run for Wildlife creator, states, "The race location sells itself."

Spotting Blue-winged Teals (a migratory type of duck) may not be on the minds of oxygen-starved runners, but race day funds have been a boon to the Jug Bay wildlife. All event proceeds go towards conservation/environmental projects like osprey nesting tower construction, Sora Rail tracking research, and the expansion of outdoors education. 

With ecosystem preservation a top priority, it's clear that Prince George's County Parks and its partners recognize the real stars of Jug Bay.

Location / Directions: Upper Marlboro, MarylandPark Size / Trail Distance: 2,000 acres; 8+ milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural; EasyTrail Map: Jug Bay Natural AreaMore Information: For events and programs, visit Jug Bay Natural Area online

Jug Bay is just one of the many Prince George's County Parks offering frequent volunteer opportunities. Learn more about how to get involved.

- Osprey image courtesy Flickr user Renee Belisle

Popularized by the President, prized by the People.

Tucked into the secluded shadow of Catoctin Mountain sits the country's most famous vacation home. Technically-speaking, Camp David is a military base and not a vacation home. However, in a natural setting as alluring as Catoctin Mountain Park, it's easy to mistake this high-security military base for a Frederick County, Maryland mountain house.

Understandably, the Camp David compound is cut off and separated from the main Catoctin Mountain Park hiking area. No worries though, the Executive Branch left plenty of park for the rest of us.

Trails and Vistas

Six featured attractions grace the park's hiking trails:

Chimney Rock: Expansive view from a visually-stunning rock outcroppingWolf Rock: No vista to speak of, but a large rock formation with interpretative signs and rock climbing opportunitiesThurmont Vista: Self-explanatory - the town of Thurmont is visible to the southeastBlue Ridge Summit Overlook: Tree-lined view of the park's expansive northern section Hog Rock: The highest overlook on the trail at 1610 ft.Cunningham Falls: A cascading 78-foot waterfall along Big Hunting Creek

The last attraction on the list, Cunningham Falls, is actually in Cunningham Falls State Park, which borders Catoctin Mountain Park directly to the south.

The National Park Service website has a page dedicated to the many different hiking circuit and loop options available for Catoctin hikers. However, two loop options stand out from the rest.

Full Loop (8.5 miles): If you have the time and energy, there is no better way to experience Catoctin Mountain Park than hiking the full length of the outer loop in Catoctin's main hiking area. This loop features stops at all six of the main attractions.Cunningham Falls / Hog Rock / Blue Ridge Summit Loop (5 miles): This loop cuts out three of the features, but adds the the experience of the pleasant, moderately-pitched central connector trail.When to Go

The trees of Catoctin Mountain Park offer generous shade in the summer and enhanced vistas in the winter. However, the deciduous hardwood forest that makes up the park truly shines in the fall. By mid to late October, the maples, oaks, and tulip poplars paint the landscape in a dizzying array of autumn colors. If you visit during the weekends of October 17-18 or October 24-25, join a Fall Color Walk with a Catoctin Park Ranger.

Day Hiking Paradise

With multiple loop options, easy access trail heads, and eye-popping vistas, Catoctin Mountain Park is a day hiker's paradise. Chris Elbich, a Catoctin Park Ranger, notes:

We see a lot of people with heavy backpacks using our park as a training ground for longer trips. It's a great place to stay fit.

Chris is being modest - Trail Voice proclaims Catoctin as a must-hike destination for any Washington DC area outdoors enthusiast.

Location / Directions: Thurmont, MDPark Size: 5,770 acresSurface / Difficulty: Natural; ModerateTrail Map: Maps page for Catoctin Mountain ParkAdditional Info: See the park's website for upcoming events and more

Prince or pauper alike can enjoy the arboreal wonderland that is Prince William Forest Park.

In the words of America's Best Idea documentarian Ken Burns, the "most special places in the nation [national parks] should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone." Originally designed to serve the recreational needs of urban Washington DC youth, Prince William Forest Park exemplifies this democratic commitment. After all, what can be more democratic than 37 miles of hiking trails located just 35 miles south of the nation's capital?

The Setting

Considering the relentless pace of Northern Virginia development, the very existence of Prince William Forest Park (PWFP), a 15,000 acre parcel of Eastern Piedmont forest, is a pleasant surprise. With sustenance from the free-flowing Quantico Creek, deciduous trees like the Red Maple, American Beech, and White Oak call this home - as do the Eastern Box Turtle and the American Beaver. The preserved eco-system of PWFP represents our land before it was our land.

As usual, the best way to experience the magic of Prince William Forest Park is on your own two feet. The South Valley Trail, the park's longest at 8.7 miles, is fan favorite. The linear trail extends from the Oak Ridge Campground in the northwest corner of the park to Pyrite Mine Road in the southeast corner near the visitor center. Sections of the trail vary greatly in their scenery and popularity.

Oak Ridge Campground to Mawavi: Most remote - features significant tree casualties from the April 2006 forest fire.Mawavi to Taylor Farm Road: Follows Quantico Creek, switching between creek bank and ridge walking.Taylor Farm Road to Orenda Road: Most popular and most accessible section featuring generously-sized boulders ideal for relaxing by Quantico Creek.How to Hike the South Valley Trail

One foot in front of the other.

But seriously, unless you're willing to put in a very long day, hiking from one end to the other and back may not work for you. For a leisurely experience, you can park in a lot on Scenic Drive with easy trail access. For a challenge, try one of these options:

Car/Bike Shuttle: If you're hiking with a friend, park one car at the visitor center and the other at Oak Ridge Campground. Solo hiker? Make it a multi-sport adventure and shuttle yourself by bicycle along Scenic Drive.Beaver Loop (6.9 miles): Park at the Turkey Run Education Center and hike west on the High Meadows Trail. Bear left at the High Meadows / South Valley intersection and head south on the trail. Return to the lot via the Turkey Run Ridge Trail. Looking for less mileage? Cut the loop down to 4-5 miles by using Taylor Farm Road.When to Go

Prince William Forest Park is a top-notch hiking destination in any of the four Northern Virginia seasons. In the spring, the park is teeming with wildlife and flowering shrubbery. In October and November, shades of orange, red, and yellow dominate the park. PWFP may not offer the sweeping fall foliage vistas of Shenandoah, but don't let that dissuade you - this deciduous forest puts on a show.

Location / Directions: Triangle, VATrail Distance: 8.7 milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural; ModerateTrail Map: Maps page for Prince William Forest ParkFacebook: Prince William Forest ParkTwitter: @PWForestParkAdditional Info: See the park's website for upcoming events and more

Quantico Creek's most famous citizen - the American Beaver - has a new neighbor. Volunteer with the Spooky Beavers crew of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club to do your part for the park.

You are escaping to freedom and have made it to Woodlawn. Now you must travel through woods and skirt the edges of farm fields to safely reach the Sandy Spring itself. Can you do it?This excerpt from the interpretive guide [PDF] of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, sets the stage for a journey that is one part hike, and two parts fascinating history lesson. The trail  is a natural surface path cut through a stretch of Montgomery County woods steeped in Civil War era history. The trail head at Woodlawn Manor is near the Quaker town of Sandy Spring - a town that historians believe was an active stop on the legendary underground railroad. The trail itself is open throughout the week, but we highly recommend joining a 10 AM Saturday morning guided hike. Your "Conductor" (volunteer trail guide) is a wealth of knowledge and an ideal hiking companion. The Trail Experience

From Woodlawn Manor - former home of Dr. Palmer, a Quaker slave owner - the Conductor leads you to the relative safety (from a runaway slaves' perspective) of the forest cover. At this juncture, your challenged to use the mind, a runaway slave's best weapon, to imagine the sacrifices required to survive. Proceeding north on the trail, it's necessary to start thinking about shelter - do you opt for the prickly bramble patch or the hollowed tree? With that said, shelter is temporary and danger lies ahead in the form of a stream crossing (now a bridge). Your hiking experience ends at the Sandy Spring, but for runaway slaves, Sandy Spring was just one stop on the long road to freedom.

The Underground Railroad

Men and women, white and black, working together to right a wrong. Morality does not have a color.- Mike Robinson, Volunteer Conductor

In today's world, it is difficult to understand the underground railroad from either the perspective of a runaway slave or that of the selfless citizen willing to risk his or her life for the cause. The Underground Railroad Experience Trail is an educational path that helps us to understand this important piece of our history.

Maryland Emancipation Day

The last day of the scheduled guided tour, November 7th, doubles as Maryland Emancipation Day. Dedicated to showcasing Maryland's, and specifically Montgomery County's place in history, this event offers a number of family-friendly activities including a special evening edition of the guided tour entitled, "The Night Sky and the Underground Railroad." For more information as the event approaches, visit the Montgomery Parks website.

Location: Woodlawn Manor in Sandy Spring, Maryland Distance: 2 miles one way; 3 mile circuit for guided option Surface / Difficulty: Natural; Easy Trail Map: Trail Map and Guide of the Underground Railroad Experience [PDF] Additional Info: Guided tour every Saturday at 10 AM (until November 7th)

The Underground Railroad Experience Trail has been invaded by non-native plants! Help the Weed Warriors fight back!

Meadowood celebrates another year of National Trails Day with a full day of action: nature hikes, light trail maintenance, and new trail construction.New to the Mason Neck Peninsula neighborhood, Meadowood Recreation Area is making a splash in the Northern Virginia outdoor community - and that's despite its landlocked location! About eight years ago (in 2001), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acquired the Meadowood property from a private landowner. Wasting no time in its new digs, the BLM set up an office - officially called the Lower Potomac Field Station - and published an Integrated Activity Management Plan. The Plan outlined their vision of Meadowood as an outdoor recreation destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Developing the trail potential of the western portion of the park, also known as "Meadowood West," is a key component of this vision. Meadowood West Trails - Now

The original farm access road to Meadowood West still exists on the property and is now branded as the Meadowood Trail. Recognizing the preferences of hiking and biking types for a narrower and more sustainable trail, the BLM team created a much-improved alternate Meadowood Trail running roughly parallel to the original. This new incarnation of the Meadowood Trail conveniently links to three other recently developed trails: Holly Ridge, Sapling, and Red Fox. Though lacking in serious mileage, this trio of well-marked forested trails offer a peaceful hiking experience with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. As of now, the Meadowood West trails are not open to mountain bikers, but that policy is set to change.

Meadowood West Trails - Future

With trail building experts joining the staff, the future is bright for Meadowood as a Fairfax County outdoor recreation hot spot. The work agenda includes building a three mile perimeter trail that will effectively double the trail mileage of Meadowood West. Local hiking and mountain biking organizations (including MORE and the PATC) are working with the Meadowood staff to design and develop the new trails.

Although not as well-known as its more established neighbors (Pohick Bay Regional Park, Mason Neck State Park, and Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge), Meadowood Recreation Area is clearly a recreation destination on-the-rise.

Park & Trail Stats: Approximately 800 acres (total), 350 acres (Meadowood West); three miles of natural surface trails (Meadowood West)Trail Map: http://ow.ly/nR24How to Get Here: MapAdministration: Bureau of Land Management - Lower Potomac Field Station

In the 1880's, Walter B. Shaw set out to start a garden on his east-bank Anacostia River property. He began his work unceremoniously - laboriously cleaning out a small ice pond (since reclaimed by nature). However, with help from his talented daughter, Helen Fowler, that ice pond became Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Sweeping her gaze from the ice pond to the stunning aquatic plant landscape, Kathleen Bucco, a Kenilworth park ranger, exclaims, "What's amazing is how he could look at that [the small ice pond], and envision this."

Aquatic Gardens

High-time for the dazzling display of water lilies and lotus flowers, visitors flock to Kenilworth during the warm summer months. Gardening enthusiast or not, Walter B. Shaw's creation is inspiring. For the best experience, especially from a photographic perspective, arrive early (the park opens at 7 AM) to stroll around the ponds as the flowers glow in the morning rays. Also, be sure to join a ranger-led Garden Tour (weekends at 9 AM and 11 AM) to learn about Kenilworth's fascinating history and its present-day challenges (request to hear the "Turtle War" story).

Kenilworth Marsh and the Anacostia River

As beautiful as Kenilworth's cultivated gardens may be, the real action is around its perimeter. The gardens are essentially surrounded on three sides by an Anacostia River wetlands area known as Kenilworth Marsh. This tidal marsh, the last of its kind in the District, is a wildlife haven in an otherwise hostile urban area. With a fascinating history of its own (a dredging plan was narrowly averted in 1938), the marsh is home to beavers, muskrats, turtles, frogs, and the majestic great blue heron. Kenilworth visitors can stroll out on the boardwalk trail for an expansive view of the marsh.

Overshadowed by the gardens and marsh, many visitors miss out on Kenilworth's 0.7 mile-long (one-way) River Trail. As an informed Trail Voice reader, make sure you do not! The River Trail leads to the channel connecting Kenilworth Marsh and the Anacostia River. Venture down to the river's edge for an up-close inspection of the Anacostia seawall, built in the 1920-1940 timeframe. The infamous seawall changed the ecological health of the Anacostia for the worse - and it didn't prove to be much of a flood barrier either. Kenilworth Marsh, however, shows what the Anacostia River can be, and hopefully will be, when nature prevails.

Park & Trail Stats: 8 acres (ponds), 70 acres with wetlands; approximately one mile of natural surface and boardwalk trailsHow to Get Here: Map; Metro - Deanwood (Orange line)Administration: National Park Service - National Capital Parks-EastTwitter: @DCParksEastNPS

The Appalachian foothills of northwest Loudoun County are full of surprises. One such surprise is the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES) (map). It's a unique natural area with an interesting story - the 900 acre property is privately owned by the environmentally-supportive Leggett Foundation. The foundation has opened the Blue Ridge Center to the public - operating it as both an outdoor recreation playground and an environmental classroom. For the Birds

The protected forest landscape of the Blue Ridge Center is a hotspot for birds and birders. Joe Coleman of the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) delivers the BRCES lowdown on all things bird-related. Equipped with a list of 130+ identified birds, Joe leads early morning bird walks on the fourth Saturday of each month. For those without the luxury of an expert guide, the Blue Ridge Center developed the Birds of the Ridge Trail - a self-guided trail complete with a series of educational interpretive plaques.

Hiking the Blue Ridge Center

Perhaps birding is not your bag - what does the Blue Ridge Center offer if you do not share a passion for yellow-bellied sapsuckers? The Blue Ridge Center's nine miles of natural surface hiking trails, designed as a series of manageable loops, satisfies hikers uninitiated to the "Aves" class. With your map in hand, link up some loops, starting with the Farmstead, for your preferred mileage.

Farmstead Loop (1.3 miles): Part of the self-guided birding trail - highlights include homestead ruins and trail extensions for Jonathon's Rock and the Mountain View Vista.Little Turtle Trail (0.25 miles): The connector trail to Legacy Loop and Sweet Run Loop from the Farmstead Loop - fun bridge crossing over Piney Run.Legacy Loop (1.2 miles): A less traveled (i.e. duck for spiderwebs) path passing Gordon Pond in the northwest corner of the park.Sweet Run Loop (1.9 miles): A lively stream valley trail following Sweet Run - the southern portion of the trail is accessible for equestrian parking.

Park & Trail Stats: Approximately 900 acres; nine miles of natural surface trailsMap: http://www.brces.org/pdfs/BRC_map_8x11_w_contours.pdfAdministration: Blue Ridge Center for Environmental StewardshipDonate: Donate to the Blue Ridge Center

For those about to rock, we salute you!

An urban oasis for generations of Washingtonians, Rock Creek Park (map) has helped define our city. We are a city of parks, and Rock Creek Park is the largest (over 2,000 acres). Hikers and bikers flock to its forested confines just minutes away from the bustling city streets.

For hikers, it's quite easy to forget you're in a city when exploring the spacious central section of the park (north of the zoo). Local resource, rundc.com, mapped out a stellar, moderately difficult, hiking option in this section - the 4.3 mile Western Ridge Trail loop. Start your trek near the Military Road bridge and walk the trail hugging the western shore of the cascading creek. As you approach the Beach Drive and Bladgen Avenue intersection, the Western Ridge Trail beckons to your right. The Western Ridge Trail, deftly maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), tops out near the Nature Center. Stroll back down to the valley via the natural surface connector trail, passing the Civil War relic of Fort DeRussy. This section of trail, which runs parallel to busy Military Road, is your gentle reminder that city life, and city traffic, await.

Trail Stats: 4.2 miles (as reviewed) of natural surface trails; bicycles prohibitedPark Map: http://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/upload/ROCRmap1.pdfAdministration: National Park Service - Rock Creek Park

Read more about this hike and 59 others in 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Washington, DC.

The view from Mary's Rock rings true - we are lucky to have Shenandoah National Park virtually in our backyard. The Panorama area of Shenandoah (map), accessible via Thornton Gap at MP (Mile Post) 31.5, is the second most convenient Skyline Drive entrance for Washington DC locals. Panorama, located seven miles west of Sperryville, marks the northern boundary of the central Shenandoah section - it's where the hills become mountains.

Your hiking options in the area are many, but here are a few highlights:

Easiest access: The Buck Hollow / Buck Ridge loop, which is accessed 3-4 miles before the Thornton Gap entrance. Look for the small gravel lot on the left side of the road.Best overnight shelter: Byrd's Nest No. 3 puts a roof over the head of many wary Appalachian Trail hikers. If you plan on camping here, be sure to get a backcountry permit from the park rangers at the Thornton Gap entrance.Best View: Mary's Rock...period.As mentioned earlier, this list barely scratches the proverbial surface. Make your own itinerary in the Panorama area of Shenandoah - it's an adventure waiting to happen!Park Stats: The Panorama area roughly extends from MP 30 to MP 38 of Skyline DrivePark Map: http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/panorama_area.pdf Administration: National Park Service - Shenandoah

The Washington DC fort building industry just ain't what it used to be. No matter, both history buffs and outdoor recreation enthusiasts can still appreciate a visit to Fort Washington Park (map), located in Prince George's County, Maryland. Flanked by Swan Creek to the north and Piscataway Creek to the south, Fort Washington Park is strikingly set on the steep banks of the lower Potomac River. The fort itself was originally completed in 1809, rebuilt in the 1820's, and opened as a National Park in 1946. Much of the concrete structure from the early to mid 1800's remains standing today, offering a glimpse into 19th century history for 21st century adventurers.

Although most park visitors cluster near the main fort structure, Fort Washington Park has not ignored the needs of hikers. The River Trail and the Swan Creek Trail (designated sections of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail), circle the perimeter of the park, totaling a three-plus mile loop when combined. Extending south from the main fort, the River Trail tiptoes (sometimes steeply) along the picturesque banks of the Potomac and the Piscataway, eventually turning inland to connect to the park entrance road. The hike continues with the Swan Creek Trail, the entrance to which is a few hundred feet outside of the park gate. With heavy tree cover, steep gorges, and marshy habitats, the Swan Creek Trail traverses a much different landscape than its counterpart. However, the trails do share one similarity - fascinating relics and ruins from the fort's early days dot the trail-side.

Hiking and history at Fort Washington Park - not a bad way to get into the 4th of July mood.

Park Stats: 341 acres; approximately three miles of natural surface trailsPark Map: http://www.nps.gov/fowa/planyourvisit/upload/FOWAmap1.pdfAdministration: National Park Service, National Capital Parks - East

Located two miles and change from the Annapolis City Dock, the aptly-named Quiet Waters Park (map) offers the summer tourist (and local) a welcomed respite from the crowded city streets. The "Waters" part of Quiet Waters Park references the South River, the park's southern boundary, and Harness Creek, its tributary. The "Quiet" designation is a relative term. Most visitors to the park, including families and dog walkers, head straight to the South River Promenade with its impressive Chesapeake Bay vista. However, for the active type, six miles of trail and some "quiet water" paddling beckon.

The entrance to the park is off Hillsmere Drive, which as mentioned earlier is a little over two miles from downtown Annapolis. If bicycling is your preferred mode of transportation, the ride to the park is a straight shot down Bay Ridge Avenue after crossing the 6th Street bridge. Inside the park, the main trail loop, known as the Bike Path (open to walkers and joggers as well), connects to the entrance road. Taking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction, the paved path will meander leisurely through the leafy forest towards Harness Creek. For a multi-sport adventure, stop by Paddle or Pedal, accessible via the Harness Creek Trail. Rent a kayak (they also rent bikes) and explore the nooks and crannies of Harness Creek. Back on the bike (or your two feet), continue the loop, with a required detour to the Kodak-worthy South River Promenade. The return trip also passes the summer concert site and the native plant meadow - two examples of ongoing (and very different) projects organized by Friends of Quiet Waters Park.

Park Stats: 340 acres; approximately six miles of paved trail - multi-usePark Map: http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/quietwaters/map.cfmAdministration: Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks

The Accotink Creek Trail, also known as section two of the Fairfax Cross-County Trail, extends south from Lake Accotink Park (map) - Springfield, Virginia's recreation hotspot. If you have hiked or biked this section of trail in the past, you may notice something different about it now: 2.3 miles of trail, from the main parking lot in Lake Accotink Park to Hunter Village Drive, have been re-routed, paved, and adorned with three steel bridges that cross the creek along the way. In many ways, it's a striking change from the natural surface trail that existed prior to the construction of the paved trail. But was it change for better or for worse? Therein lies the dilemma.

Trail Voice believes that the key to protecting the outdoors is first to get people outdoors. Offering a recreational option in the form of a paved trail through the forest has the potential to draw individuals who otherwise would not be interacting with the natural environment. As Fairfax County contends, pavement stabilizes the trail and opens it to all users (including users with disabilities). However, in the over-stressed Accotink Creek watershed, the consequences of paving (i.e. tree cutting, increased impervious surface area, and wildlife habitat disruption) draws the ire of local environmental organizations like Friends of Accotink Creek and Lands and Waters. These organizations are concerned with the health of the stream - a concern at odds with the concept of pavement.

As the Accotink Creek Trail illustrates, balancing the need for recreation facilities with natural environment protection can be a tricky endeavor - in some cases, with no obvious answer.

Trail Stats: 2.3 miles - Lake Accotink Dam to Hunter Village DriveTrail Type: Paved surface (8 ft wide); multi-useTrail Map: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cct/downloads/cct2.pdfAdministration: Fairfax County Park Authority