National Parks
#Dayhike
Great Falls, Virginia
We love Great Falls! Accessible from both the Virginia and Maryland side, the falls are magnificent. Portions of River Trail is closed effective December 2019 with funding in place to complete repairs.
The National Park Service received funding to stabilize and preserve Lock 2 of th Patowmack Canal, that sustained storm damage to the walls and the locks. The area around Lock 1 and 2, and the middle portion of River Trail, will be closed to visitors. Hikers will find sections of the trail closed with signs directing them to the open portions of the trail and park.
#Dayhike
Shenendoah National Park
This is where we first grabbed our pass. What a deal. The park features of remote, pristine trails, portions of the Appalachian Trail, as well as, camping, event and recreation facilities. Skyline drive is famous in the fall when the leaves turn color. The views are unmatched when the leaves are gold and red.
Entrance Fee: $30
Shenandoah National Park
3655 US Highway 211
East Luray, VA 22835
#dayhike
Raven Rocks Trailhead
Those of us keen to see some of the Appalachian Trail while in Virginia will love this one. The elevation change is fantastic and the hike culminates with a spectacular view. Well worth the hike and tight parking space at the trailhead. Start early to give yourself enough time to do it all.
Entrance Fee: $0
Google Maps:
448X+H2 Round Hill,
Blue Ridge, VA
Great Falls, Maryland
For any hiker in the DC, Maryland area and Virginia area, Great Falls is a cool, close park offering great views, challenging trails and the sights and sounds of nature.
We just hiked the VA side so our next visit will be the Maryland side.
Entrance fees are covered with the annual National Park Pass ($80) so we go often. The National Park Pass covers entry into all National Parks in the US and many state parks, too!
Visitors can get one at any park entrance directly from a brown-shirted ranger or online here:
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
For any hiker in the DC, Maryland area and Virginia area, Great Falls is a cool, close park offering great views, challenging trails and the sights and sounds of nature.
We just hiked the VA side so our next visit will be the Maryland side.
Entrance fees are covered with the annual National Park Pass ($80) so we go often. The National Park Pass covers entry into all National Parks in the US and many state parks, too!
Visitors can get one at any park entrance directly from a brown-shirted ranger or online here:
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm