There are many great hikes in Northern Virginia, but Northern Virginia is a vast region. But because it’s so big, we can get in on the latest trend: “destination dupes.” In this case — hikes on the north side, say north of Interstate 66, that have near duplicates on the south side. You know, so you don’t need to drive as far for a good hike. Here are six to check out.
Island Hikes
Theodore Roosevelt Island (Washington, DC)
On 88.5-acre Theodore Roosevelt Island, a 1.8-mile loop trail runs the perimeter of the island in the Potomac River that features a wooden boardwalk and views across to the Key Bridge, Georgetown, and Rosslyn. In the middle is a 17-foot-tall bronze statue of its presidential namesake. George Washington Memorial Pkwy., Arlington
Government Island (Stafford)
The 17-acre Government Island is home to a one-time quarry that provided freestone for the original White House and U.S. Capitol. Today, a scenic heritage trail meanders along Austin Run, then loops around the island. Across 1.7 miles, you’ll cross boardwalk sections, savor views across Aquia Creek, and read up on recovered artifacts from the Patawomeck Indian tribe. 191 Coal Landing Rd., Stafford
River Walks
Seneca Regional Park (Great Falls)
Seneca Regional Park is a hidden gem, and one that is home to a 4.5-mile loop with footbridges, picnic tables, and benches that starts on the Potomac Heritage Trail. The trail meanders nearly 2 miles along the Potomac River before climbing back into the woods on the Seneca Bridal Trail. 101 Seneca Rd., Great Falls
Bull Run Occoquan Trail (Clifton)
The Bull Run Occoquan Trail snakes 19.6 miles along flowing Bull Run, but an easy 3-mile hike guides visitors along the red trail, down to the banks of Bull Run to walk a section of this hiking trail. Pass what was once Virginia’s first hydroelectric dam, then climb the yellow trail for a return to the parking lot. 13220 Yates Ford Rd., Clifton
Waterfall Hikes
Scott’s Run Falls (McLean)
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is home to a beautiful waterfall that’s less than 0.7 miles from the parking lot on Georgetown Pike. There’s some up and down, but it’s easy to hike there and back on the Potomac Heritage Trail. On the way, you’ll cross gently flowing Scott’s Run twice. 7400 Georgetown Pk., McLean
Prince William Forest Park (Triangle)
Quantico Falls is a small waterfall that can be reached via the Quantico Cascades Trail. Revel in the cascades of Quantico Creek at the 0.8-mile mark. Many hikers stop here, but push on another 0.2-mile on a more rustic trail to reach the waterfall that’s fed by Camp Four Lake. 18100 Park Headquarters Rd., Triangle
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our April issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
