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HIKE

Old Rag Mountain, VA

Moderate to Difficult

Old Rag Mountain (3291ft) is the most spectacular mountain in the northern Virginia Blue Ridge. Unlike most of the mountains in the Blue Ridge, it stands alone as an outlying mountain rather than as part of a continuous chain. Old Rag is a popular hike in all seasons; on weekends it can be crowded. Old Rag's attractions include a rugged scramble over and through boulders on the Ridge Trail and spectacular views in all direction. This circuit includes two shelters with fireplaces that can be used for cooking. Camping is not permited above 2500 ft.

Directions:

Take US 522 to SR 231, which is 0.8 mi south of Sperryville, VA and 12.7 mil north of Madison, VA. go south 8.3 mi on SR 231, cross Hughes River, and immediately rutn right (west) onto SR 602. Stary on left side of Hughes River. route number changes to 601, 707, and then 600. do not cross Hughes River. After 3.5 mi from SR 231, just beyond Nethers, VA, and SNP parking area accommodates 200 cars. Park here and walk 0.8 mi to small parking area at end of SR 600. A $5 to $8 fee will be charged for each person over 16.

Ranger Contact: National Park Service 1-540-999-3500

Billy Goat Hike

Moderate

Begin this hike along the towpath of the historic Cheasapeake and Ohio Canal, completed in 1850 after 22 years of work and mishap, and operated for 73 years between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. The blue-blazed Billy Goat Trial turns toward the Potomac River at Widewater (a natural wide basin where the barges were able to pass) and leads backwards in history 180 million years to the time when the palisades of the Potomac were first forming. The trail skirts the edge of Bear Island, passing giant potholes as it follows along the top of the cliffs of Mather Gorge. This portion of the hike is quite rugged and necessitates a good bit of rock scrambling. The blue blazed painted on the rocks help to locate the route. The return trip is an easy stroll along the towpath. Although this hike is only 4 miles in length, it may be rather slow going on the rocks - and the view will invite you to stay awhile.

Directions:

I-495 to Exit 41 (Carderock and Glen Echo); follow Clara Barton Pkwy towards Carderock, passing David Taylor Model Basin and Naval Surface War Center on right. At junction with MacArthur Blvd turn left and continue West to Old Anglers Inn on right at sharp turn in road. Park in lot on left opposite the inn.

Dark Hollow, Shenandoah National Park, VA

Moderate

Circuit passes Rose River falls and the site of an old copper mine. Erosion has all but obliterated all traces of this mine. The circuit continues on past Dark Hollow Falls and offers view points from the Appalachain Trail as it circles the Big Meadows picnic and camping areas.

Directions:

Drive to Big Meadows, just south of MP 51 on Skyline Drive. Turn in and follow signs to Amphitheater parking area. Trail begins behind amphitheater.

Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, DC.

Easy

The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Association purchased this 88.5-acre island in 1932 and dedicated it to the public in memory of Roosevelt. Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr., a leading landscape architect, worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps to bring a neglected island into a mature woodland sanctuary. Architect Eric Gugler designed the memorial and Sculptor Paul Manship created the central statue. The dedication ceremony took place in October 1967. The island has a diverse history. Evidence shows that Native Americans used the island as a seasonal fishing village. The site was named "My Lord's Island," when King Charles I granted it to Lord Baltimore. Today, the National Park Service protects the island, while providing for public enjoyment. While you are here, savor the sounds of the outdoors as you travel through marsh, swamp, and forest.

Directions:

395 N to exit 10C. Follow George Washington Parkway pas the Pentagon, and exits for Key Bridge. Parking for Theodore Roosevelt Island is on your left, and only accesible from the northbound side of the highway.

Series Hikes- This is grouping of different trails that start easy and get more strenuous as the series progresses. If you are a beginning hiker, this is a great way to work your way up to more intense hikes. If you are an intermediate or advanced hiker, this is a great way to see the area!

Series 1:

Hike 1:

Billy Goat (sections B and C)

Easy-Moderate

7 mile loop (around 4 hours depending on pace)

Summary: Scenic river views and a small waterfall are encountered on this trail. You begin with a gentle stroll along the C & O canal. Hikers may access the trail via the East, or West trailhead along the canal. Parking across from the Old Anglers Inn fills up fast. Alternate parking is available at Carderock recreation center. Minimal rock scrambling.

Directions: I-495 to Exit 41 (Carderock and Glen Echo); follow Clara Barton Pkwy towards Carderock, passing David Taylor Model Basin and Naval Surface War Center on right. At junction with MacArthur Blvd turn left and continue West to Old Anglers Inn on right at sharp turn in road. Park in lot on left opposite the inn. (Lat:38.99 Lon:-77.24)

Hike 2:

Billy Goat (sections A and Gold Loop Mine)

Moderate-Strenuous

8.5 mile loop (around 4.5 hours depending on pace)

Summary: Begin this hike along the towpath of the historic Cheasapeake and Ohio Canal, completed in 1850 after 22 years of work and mishap, and operated for 73 years between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. The blue-blazed Billy Goat Trial turns toward the Potomac River at Widewater (a natural wide basin where the barges were able to pass) and leads backwards in history 180 million years to the time when the palisades of the Potomac were first forming. The trail skirts the edge of Bear Island, passing giant potholes as it follows along the top of the cliffs of Mather Gorge. This portion of the hike is quite rugged and necessitates a good bit of rock scrambling. The blue blazed painted on the rocks help to locate the route.

Hike 3:

Old Rag

Strenuous

7 mile loop (around 4 hours depending on pace)

Summary: Old Rag Mountain (3291ft) is the most spectacular mountain in the northern Virginia Blue Ridge. Unlike most of the mountains in the Blue Ridge, it stands alone as an outlying mountain rather than as part of a continuous chain. Old Rag is a popular hike in all seasons; on weekends it can be crowded. Old Rag's attractions include a rugged scramble over and through boulders on the Ridge Trail and spectacular views in all direction. This circuit includes two shelters with fireplaces that can be used for cooking. Camping is not permitted above 2500 ft.

Directions: Take US 522 to SR 231, which is 0.8 mi south of Sperryville, VA and 12.7 mil north of Madison, VA. go south 8.3 mi on SR 231, cross Hughes River, and immediately rutn right (west) onto SR 602. Stary on left side of Hughes River. route number changes to 601, 707, and then 600. do not cross Hughes River. After 3.5 mi from SR 231, just beyond Nethers, VA, and SNP parking area accommodates 200 cars. Park here and walk 0.8 mi to small parking area at end of SR 600. A $5 to $8 fee will be charged for each person over 16. (Lat:38.56 Lon:-78.3)

Series 2:

Hike 1:

Sky Meadows 1

Easy-Moderate

8.5 mile loop (around 5 hours depending on pace)

Summary: This hike makes use of most of the trails within one of Virginia's newest state parks. Sky Meadows, located on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge, was opened in 1983 and encompasses nearly 1900 acres of rolling pastures and woodlands. A three-mile section of the Appalachian Trail passes through the western edge of the park.
A Visitor Center is located in the old Mount Bleak House, built around 1820 and furnished as a typical middle class farmhouse of the 1860's. It is open daily during the summer and weekends in the spring and fall. Tours are given on weekends.

Directions: I-495 to I-66 west; I-66 west to US 17 (Exit 23); north on US 17 approx. 7 mi. to park entrance on left. $3 entry fee (as of 08/08/03) (Lat:38.9925 Lon:-77.9679)

Hike 2:

Sugarloaf Mountain

Moderate

5.5 mile loop

Summary: Sugarloaf Mountain is an attractive draw for DC dwellers as it is perhaps the closest “mountain” to the district. As such the more accessible scenic overlooks are often crowded (though still worth visiting). So, if you want to avoid the crowds, just pack a lunch and take the blue-blazed Northern Peaks trail to the White Rock overlook. This trail will afford you the opportunity to see some of the more remote and less traveled areas of the mountain and enjoy some equally stunning vantage points. Being a monadnock (a mountain exposed after surrounding areas erode away) it is characterized by a considerable amount of exposed rock. Unlike many of the other mountains in the area, you will find mostly quartzite here, though the occasional metabasalt can also be found. The trails are well maintained and the scenery is quite nice. You will enjoy the cover of large Oaks as well as the beautiful Mountain Laurel and abundant ferns, and soon a return of the American Chestnut.

Directions: Sugarloaf Mountain lies within Frederick County, on the southern border. The easiest way to get to the mountain is via route 109, either south from Interstate 270 or north from Route 28. Route 109 will lead to Comus where you will head West on Comus Road. Comus Road will take you to the base of the mountain and the Stronghold entrance (Stronghold is the private corporation which owns the land). Upon reaching the Stronghold entrance (an odd meeting of five roads), bear right into the road marked as "Mountain Entrance". Follow road up mountain to West View parking area. Trail head will be just to left of covered pavilion, the trail is blue blazed. (Lat:39.26179 Lon:-77.39773)

Hike 3:

White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run

Strenuous

8 mile loop (5 hours depending on pace)

Summary: If you like water this is a great hike. If you want a great view at the top, pick another trail. You can go clockwise or the reverse. The Whiteoak Canyon trail is a much better trail so if you prefer coming down on the best footing trail, go clockwise. That is go up Cedar Run. If you do this just remember to look back a lot while coming down the White Oak Trail because it has most of the waterfalls. Cedar Run has some beautiful emerald green pools. Both trails stay very close to the streams. The connection at the top is partly by fire road and partly by a trail that parallels the scenic highway on top of the range. If you come up Cedar Run the trail will go off to the right just before a parking lot. It will take you to the fire road where you turn right. At the end of the fire road you will be at White Oak Canyon. There is a trail that heads up on the South side but you want to cross over the foot bridge and then head down along the stream on the north side.

Directions: Take I-66 W to US 29/Lee Hwy. Take a slight right on Lee Hwy./ US-211 and follow until taking a left at Sperryville Pike/ US- 522. Pick up route 231 just south of Sperryville, headed south. At Etlan turn right on Rte 643 and about 4.5 miles down 643 turn right on Rte 600. 4.7 miles up Rte 600 is the parking lot on the left. (Lat:38.32305 Lon:-78.20862)

Series 3: (Adventure Series)

Hiking and then some…

Hike 1:

Patapsco Valley 1

Moderate

.75 out and back (30-40 minutes depending on pace)

Summary: This is very short hike, 0.72 miles round trip, through open forest to a meadow at the top of the hill (ultimate frisbee anyone?). The trail is clear and not too rugged. In late fall and winter, you should have a lovely view of the river below. In the summer, the river here is calm enough to offer swimming and rafting fun for older kids and adults. The trail is shared with horses. The first part of the trail is quite steep, but it becomes gentler as you continue. There are over 170 miles of trails in the park, mostly unmaintained, which afford hikers wonderful opportunities to enjoy the forest and the river.

Directions: Follow Old Henryton Rd. North from Old Frederick Rd. until it dead ends. Though most maps show a bridge over the Patapsco River at this point, it is long gone. Once at the small parking lot near the river, there are trails in several directions. Follow the trails down to the east (right), and stay on the right most trail. It will quickly ascend. (Lat:39.35035 Lon:-76.91382)

Recommendations: Bring a Frisbee for tossing in the meadow and your swim suit for a dip after the hike!

Hike 2:

Maryland Heights

Moderate

5.3 mile loop (3 hours depending on pace)

Summary: History combined with beauty! This is a hike over well-marked trails with many interpretive signs along the way. There are some steep climbs and some rocky terrain. The first park of the hike features a spectacular overlook of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. However, it doesn't come easily. The trail climbs steadily up a picturesque stream valley to a side trail leading to the overlook. The Overlook Trail descends for .5 mi, but is worth it! For a shorter hike (2.8), return the same way you came. The second part of the hike is extremely historical. The trail climbs to the ridge passing remains of fortifications built by the Union forces in 1862 after their defeat at Harpers Ferry. There are ammunition pits, breastworks, powder magizines, and gun batteries along the trail. The remains of the main fort are at the summit of Maryland Heights. A military camp was located in the level area just below the summit.

Directions: I-495 to VA 7; west on VA 7 around Leesburg, then right onto VA 9. In about 10 mi turn right ont VA 671, then right (north) ontu US 340. Follow signs to Harpers Ferry National Park visitors center. (Lat:39.32 Lon:-77.73)

Recommendations: Take the time to take in the history! The interpretive signs offer a lot of information about this area.

Hike 3:

Matthew’s Arm- Overall Run

Strenuous

8.8 mile loop (5 hours depending on pace)

Summary: The trails in the Mathews Arm - Overall Run area are, for the most part, horse/foot trails that were farm roads in pre-Park days. The circuit goes past two waterfalls which are spectacular after heavy rain, or when frozen in the winter. This hike will give you a good workout. You descend a long way down into the valley, and then, of course, back up again. At times the trail is "in" Overal Run, and leads to a great swimming hole near the bottom.

Directions: 0.2 miles south of MP 22 on Skyline Dr. is Mathews Arm Campground. Descend 0.7 miles to campground registration station. Turn right just beyond station and go 0.1 miles into parking lot. Trail begins in northeast corner of the lot (Lat:38.7635 Lon:-78.2925)

Recommendations: Bring your swimsuit for a nice dip in the swim holes. Black bears are known to be heavier in this area, so be aware!

Hike 4:

Monocacy Natural Resources Area

Strenuous

12.8 miles (7 hours depending on pace)

Summary: This hike can be an adventure in finding your way around. However, you can gain a great sense of accomplishment if you can cover all the trails shown on the map. The trails are unmarked and appear to be maintained only by the passage of feet, hooves (shod and cloven), and water. Some of the trails are the 200-year-old remnants of wagon trails. The quarry and lime kiln are reputed to be over 200 years old and were used for construction of the Monocacy River Aqueduct which is nearby and worth a side trip.
From the Route 28 parking area, Trail A is about 2.6 miles one way. Trail B is about 1.6 miles one way. Trail C is about 2.14 miles one way. The Long Trail is the subject of a separate hike page. The Monocacy NRA is a hunting area in season. Check the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources for info. Some low-lying trails can be muddy and the numerous crossings of Furnace Creek can be wet in high-water conditions. Unsuitable for bikes.

Directions: From the Washington, D.C. area take I-270 north toward Rockville and exit at Route 28 west toward Frederick County. Approximately one mile after crossing the Frederick County line you will see the main parking area marked before reaching the Monocacy River Bridge. (Lat:39.241812 Lon:-77.43907)

Recommendations: Bring your compass and practice some of your map and compass skills! Many of these trails are unmarked so make sure you are comfortable with a compass or GPS before attempting this hike.

Series 4: This series is different in that it does not increase in difficulty from hike to hike. Rather, it is a progression of 4 day hikes that takes you though the entire Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail (can be taken all at once or split up depending on your time availability).

Hike 1:

PenMar to ENS Cowell

Moderate

9.5 mile point to point (5 hours depending on pace)

Summary: This hike begins just north of the Mason Dixon line. Shortly after passing the Mason Dixon line you enter Pen Mar Park, once an amusement stop along the Western Maryland Railroad. Portions of the trail follow old rail grades here. Almost immediately you begin the ascent of Quirack Mountain, reaching the highest point of the AT through Maryland. The trail is sometimes rocky and slow going, but most of the way is well cleared and smooth. This section also boast the steepest grade of the AT in Maryland and you will be going UP, but it is fortunately for just a short distance. A nice spring/stream serves Ensign Cowell shelter, which you can make your first night's destination, or push on just 2/10 of a mile to Wolfsvill Road, where there is room to park a second car if day hiking.

Directions: Begin at PenMar Park. Take US15, North from Frederick and then pick up MD 550 West. When you reach Fort Ritchie, turn right, staying on MD 550. Almost immediately turn left and pass under train bridge. Next, turn right onto Pen Mar Road. You come upon a spot where the AT crosses the road. There is room for two cars to park here. (Lat:39.67502 Lon:-77.53136)

Hike 2:

ENS Cowell to Dahlgrens

Moderate

14 mile point to point (6.5 hours depending on pace)

Summary: There are spots requiring careful footing across rocky terrain, but this section is largely smooth and enjoyable. You will enjoy some splendid walks through long stretches of forest along the ridge of South Mountain, leading to spectacular views from Black Rocks and Annapolis Rocks. After descending from the rock vistas and crossing I-70, you will begin the gentle climb up to Washington Monument, the first monument to the first president, built in 1827. Spend time here learning about some war history and visiting the museum. Descending again, the trail is gentle for the last couple of miles where you pass an interesting Gothic Chapel and Stone Mountain Inn, a 200 year old inn, visited by many presidents. This will end your day hike or pitch a tent at nearby Dahlgren's campground.

Directions: You can start this hike from Wolfsville Road. From the east, take I-70 Exit 35 and go right onto Myersvill Road. Turn right onto MD 64, and again right onto Foxville Road. Turn right onto Wolfsvill Road. You will cross the AT shortly and just after there is a small parking area on the right. Follow the blue blazed trail back to the where you crossed the AT and begin your journey south. (Lat:39.5609 Lon:-77.5955)

Hike 3:

Dahlgrens to Ed Garvey

Moderate

11 mile point to point (5.5 hours depending on pace)

Summary: After departing Dahlgren's Backpacker Campground you will gently climb to an interesting historical marker for a battle in which Major General Reno was killed during the Battle of South Mountain. This area is Fox's Gap. Future President Rutherford B. Hayes was wounded here. You will next begin the tough, steep, rocky climb up Lamb's Knoll, that last major up-hill push of the Maryland sections of the AT. After reaching the top, you will enjoy a very nice, gentle hike to Gathland, home of the Cival War era War Correspondents Memorial. Nice park with restrooms and soda vending.
Continue gentle hike for next several miles to Ed Garvey shelter, your destination for the night or push on an additional 3 miles and a steep descent to Weverton Road. Make sure you stop at Weverton Cliffs!

Directions: You can begin this hike at Turner's Gap. From the east take I-70 to US ALT 40 west. You will come upon Dahlgren's and the South Mountain Inn. You may park at the Inn if it isn't crowded and you have obtained manager permission. (Lat:39.5609 Lon:-77.5955)

Hike 4:

Ed Garvey to Harpers Ferry

Moderate

6.5 mile point to point (3 hours depending on pace)

Summary: This hike begins near Weverton at Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter, one of the finest shelters along the AT. If you've spent the night you will wake to a southern view of an awesome sunrise, giving warmth to the start of a new day. The hike out to Weverton is along smooth, flat trails. Prior to the tough switchback descent you will do well to take the side trail (blue blazed) down to Weverton Cliffs. The views both east and west along the Potomac are awesome. To the west you can just make out the Episcopal Church steeple in Harper's Ferry. The descent is steep and rocky but this is followed by several miles of flat, wide, smooth towpath hiking to Harper's Ferry, thus completing the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail.

All of this information was obtained from localhikes.com, a great resource for hikes in the area!