Arlington
Top Spots
Potomac Overlook Trail
Arlington, Virginia
1.01 mi
/ 49 ft gain
Potomac Overlook Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Arlington County, Virginia.
Donaldson Run Loop
Arlington, Virginia
1.51 mi
/ 210 ft gain
Donaldson Run Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Arlington County, Virginia.
Donaldson Run Trail and White Trail
Arlington, Virginia
1.85 mi
/ 289 ft gain
Donaldson Run Trail and White Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Arlington County, Virginia.
Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island
Arlington, Virginia
4.3
2 mi
It seems only fitting that the president who gave us our national parks would have one all to his own.
Located on the edge of Washington D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a glimpse of what the city may have looked like before the politicians, before the marble buildings, before the traffic-choked streets, before the city was even a city.
Accessing the island is easy. Visitors can walk, b...
Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge
Arlington, Virginia
5.0
8.4 mi
/ 300 ft gain
Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail through forest, hill and valley landscapes, as you follow along the river, itself. Starting at Roosevelt Island, you can hike as far as 8.4 miles roundtrip to Chain Bridge, with great views along the way.
Make sure to check the Potomac River water gauge ahead of time, in case the trail may be flooded in some areas.
Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail
Arlington, Virginia
5.0
14 mi
Start your ride at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking area and head southbound towards Mt. Vernon. You'll be riding next to the Potomac the entire time, with great views of the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Memorial Bridge. The ride is as long as you want to make it, but a great ride is to Old Town Alexandria and back (14 miles total)! You can stop for lunch i...
Washington and Old Dominion Trail
Arlington, Virginia
44.43 mi
/ 1565 ft gain
Washington and Old Dominion Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Arlington County, Virginia.
Hike the C&O Canal Towpath: Carderock to Great Falls
Washington, District of Columbia
4.5
6.28 mi
/ 141 ft gain
Park on the road adjacent to the canal as indicated on the map (see below). This is a popular trail which is dog friendly and accessible year-round.
Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.
Washington, District of Columbia
4.6
7 mi
Everyone has so many things on their plates these days that take all their time up. It is hard to get away for adventures or to experience new things. The National Mall in Washington D.C. is within an hour from millions of people on the East Coast. This centralized location makes the National Mall a great opportunity for a micro adventure and simple day trip or partial day trip. I chose to take...
Places to stay
Washington, Virginia
Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts
Overview
The Parkway Drive Volleyball courts are located along the Potomac River, northwest of the Lincoln Memorial. The Parkway Drive Vo...
Washington, District of Columbia
Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)
Overview
Hains Point Picnic Areas are located in East Potomac Park. Reservations for picnic areas (A, B, C, D) are required seven days a ...
Washington, District of Columbia
Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
Overview
Eight group picnic areas in Rock Creek Park are available for advance reservation from May through October. These picnic areas a...
Washington, District of Columbia
Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Overview
Fort Dupont Park has three picnic areas that can be reserved for use by groups from spring to fall each year. There are also pi...
Alexandria, Virginia
Fort Hunt
Overview
Located only two miles from Mount Vernon, the historical home of George Washington, Fort Hunt Park is a local favorite for picni...
Fort Washington, Maryland
Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities
Overview
Fort Washington is located 15 miles south of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. Part of the National Park Service, it is...
Guides and stories
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in Arlington
- The best backpacking in Arlington
- The best camping in Arlington
- Top adventures in Arlington
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy