By Renee Sklarew, Mathina Calliope and Nevin Martell
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Stay near the visitor center where there’s plenty of wildlife to see, or take your dog on the longer trails; there’s even one that crosses under George Washington Parkway. Dogs love the rugged Donaldson Run Trail with its dozens of small stream crossings. Take the Brown Creeper Connector to return via the Nature Center, butterfly garden and Birds of Prey House. // 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
This rugged loop trail begins at a parking lot on Old Georgetown Pike, with paths leading to the Potomac Heritage Trail. The trail has challenging sections with rolling, muddy topography and an approximately 300-foot climb, especially along the Potomac River shoreline. The payoff is a small waterfall and a place where Fido can dip his toes into the Potomac River. // 7400 VA-193, McLean
Anacostia River Heritage Trail
This 2.7-mile urban hike traverses two small islands in the Anacostia River. Cross the bridge overlooks with comfortable benches to watch the herons, ducks and cormorants put on a show. Then loop around Heritage and Kingman Islands with near-constant views of the wetlands—the scenery is captivating in every season. For a longer hike, cross the Benning Road Bridge to access the Anacostia Waterfront Park’s paved trail on the east side of the river. // 575 Oklahoma Ave. NE, RFK Lot Six, Washington DC
This post originally appeared in our April 2020 print issue. For more coverage on four-legged friends and where to take them, subscribe to our monthly Pets newsletter.
