Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, escape your daily schedule and appreciate new sights, sounds and smells. It’s fun to do with friends of all ages – even your furry ones – or to enjoy some solitude. Although many hikers gravitate towards wilderness areas, some hikers enjoy urban sightseeing or historical interests. Hiking won’t break your budget, either!
Here are recommendations for day hikes in northern Virginia, based on what you’re in the mood to see.
Spring Flowers
In April, the Virginia bluebells bloom along Bull Run in vast blue sheets. Hiking the Bluebell Trail at Bull Run Regional Park just as the trees are beginning to bud is an experience that northern Virginians should not miss. It’s an easy, level hike and can be short (1.5 miles) or quite long (17 miles), depending on the combination of trails you choose. When the bluebells are in peak bloom, expect the main trail to be crowded on weekends, and perhaps a little muddy in spots. See the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Bull Run Hiking website for details and trail access points.
History
The Manassas battlefield is a favorite historical site for hiking. This Civil War site of the Battles of First and Second Manassas covers over 5000 acres of rolling fields, streams and woodlands. Start at the visitor center to learn the history of the battles, and embark on hikes as short as one mile or much longer, self-guided or guided by a park ranger. Hikers will likely observe white-tailed deer and some of the 54 species of birds nesting in the park. Check the National Park Service Manassas Battlefield website for detailed information and special events. Note: there are bluebells along Bull Run near the Stone Bridge, if your interests include both history and spring flowers.
Urban
If you’re in the mood to hike but also stop in a pub, get an ice cream cone or browse a shop or two, try a section of the Mount Vernon Trail that passes through Old Town Alexandria. This trail runs 18 miles from Theodore Roosevelt Island along the Potomac south to Mount Vernon. It is heavily used by bicyclists and runners, so be prepared to make way those moving more quickly than yourself! There are a number of parking areas accessible from the George Washington Memorial Parkway and local Alexandria streets; see this trail map website to select your start and end points. For views of Washington DC and planes taking off and landing at Reagan National Airport, walk north of Alexandria; for sailboats and birdwatching, head south. This trail is mostly paved and level, especially around Alexandria; there are some hilly areas approaching Mount Vernon.
Waterfalls
If you’re a waterfall aficionado who’s seen Great Falls on the Potomac and want a longer, scenic day trip, the Whiteoak Canyon trail on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park has six waterfalls, ranging from the highest at 86 feet to the lowest at 35 feet. You can visit a stand of ancient hemlocks visible from the Whiteoak Canyon trail via the adjacent handicapped-accessible Limberlost trail. The Whiteoak Canyon trail can be accessed from a parking area at mile marker 42.6. This trail is steep and the shortest loop is 4.6 miles round trip and takes 3.5 – 4 hours. It is crowded on weekends. For detailed information and trail maps, see the National Park Service hiking website for Shenandoah National Park.
Panoramic Vistas
The iconic day hike to see a panoramic view from a summit is Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park. That’s a strenuous hike, so if you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, an easier short hike and a meal, try the Stony Man trail at mile marker 41.7. This 1.6 mile, fairly easy trail climbs gradually to the summit of Stony Man, featuring lovely views to the west. Plan on the hike taking about 1.5 hours. Afterward, stop by the restaurant at Skyland Resort for lunch or dinner before heading home on Skyline Drive.
Links to websites:
http://www.nvrpa.org/parks/bullrun/?pg=bridlepath.html
http://www.nps.gov/mana/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
http://home.nps.gov/applications/parks/gwmp/ppMaps/mvtrailmap%2Ejpg
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
http://www.visitshenandoah.com/lodging-food/skyland-resort.cfm
