Waterford, Virginia
Looking for the best hiking in Waterford? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Waterford. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Waterford
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South River, Virginia
Hike to Compton Peak
5.0This unique hike on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park is 2.4 miles round trip with an 835' elevation gain, and leads you to two viewpoints as well as a cool rock outcrop.Access this hike from the Compton Gap parking area (elevation 2,145') on the Skyline Drive at Mile 10.4. Cross ...Read more -
Eldersburg, Maryland
Mineral Hill Trail
4.02.04 mi / 282 ft gainMineral Hill Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Finksburg, Maryland.Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
4.51.5 miThe Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a unique spot in Washington, D.C. The grounds are full of ponds, boardwalks, and a trail that connects you to the Anacostia River Trail. The main draw of this park are the ponds full of lotus flowers. During the summer months, they grow tall with colors ranging ...Read more -
Appalachian Trail, Virginia
Hike North Mount Marshall in Shenandoah NP
1 mi / 350 ft gainPark at the Mount Marshall parking area at ~MP 15.6 on the Skyline Drive. From the back of the parking lot, take the white-blazed Appalachian Trail north for a short 0.4 miles to a large rock outcrop with views south. After finished exploring this outcrop, continue on the AT for another 0.1 mil...Read more -
Bentonville, Virginia
Hike the Shenandoah River State Park Loop
5.08 mi / 650 ft gainShenandoah River State Park is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The park is full of well-maintained trails great for hiking and mountain biking. The trails both parallel the banks of the river as it snakes through the Shenandoah Valley and through the rolling hills, which provides...Read more -
Owings Mills, Maryland
Serpentine Trail
4.52.39 mi / 226 ft gainPark in the area off of Deer Park road to access the trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Trail can get muddy in the spring, and there are some stream crossings.Read more -
Lorton, Virginia
Woodmarsh Trail
4.02.83 mi / 154 ft gainJust at the entrance to Mason Neck State Park is the Woodmarsh Trail. The entire loop is about 3 miles. This is a pleasant easy hike that is relatively flat with no rocks to speak of. The trail wanders through a forest and passes by a large swamp along the Potomac River. There is one well built o...Read more -
Owings Mills, Maryland
Soldiers Delight Loop
4.75.33 mi / 466 ft gainFrom Deer Park Road, parking is available at the nature center or the scenic overlook (about 100 yards up the road). I typically park at the overlook as this affords the ability to hike trails on either side of the road, and always finish the hike back at the car. From the parking area you are ju...Read more -
Laurel, Maryland
Hike the South Tract Trails at Patuxent Research Refuge
5 miFrom the visitors center, start on the Fire Road trail. From there, it's a choose-your-own adventure (choose-your-own ecosystem, actually). Pick the Laurel and Valley Trails to stay in the quiet (and maybe enchanted? It felt enchanted) forest. Goose Pond trail is a short jut to a--yup--pond, wher...Read more -
Elkridge, Maryland
Hike the Cascade Falls and Rootball Loop Trail
4.72.4 mi / 285 ft gainPark on the shoulder of Landing Drive (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is open April-September. Dogs allowed on leash.Read more -
Elkridge, Maryland
Cascade Falls Loop
3.02.31 mi / 381 ft gainThis hike is a great place to escape the city feel of Baltimore and disappear into the wilderness. Enter through the Avalon Area entrance. There is a cash fee to enter the park. Once you pass the front gate continue past the initial picnic area. Continue through the park to the Orange Grove Area...Read more -
Rileyville, Virginia
Hike to Overall Run Falls
5.06.1 mi / 1700 ft gainStart at the Hogback parking lot at MP 21.1 on the Skyline Drive. Take the Appalachian Trail south for 0.8 miles, and turn right onto the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. After 0.5 miles you will come to another intersection-keep right to stay on the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. A final intersection...Read more -
Washington, Virginia
Hike Little Devil Stairs
4.75.5 mi / 1480 ft gainThis hike starts with an immediate stream crossing -- how wet your feet get depends on the water level but bring an extra pair of socks! The first mile consists of a typical Shenandoah hike -- uphill on a dirt path and along a stream. But soon you reach the base of Little Devil Stairs. This po...Read more -
Rileyville, Virginia
Backpack Jeremy's Run Trail, Shenandoah NP
3.310 miThis hike is best done as a two-day, one-night backpacking trip, however it can be done as a day hike if you don't wish to backpack.Jeremy’s Run is a beautifully forested 10 mile roundtrip hike with numerous stream-crossing. The trailhead starts at the Elkwallow Picnic area, at about mile 24 of S...Read more