Best Hiking & Walking Trails Near Arlington, VA

Arlington is the perfect jumping off point for some of the capital region’s top hiking spots. Take some time to stretch your legs on these fabulous trails during your Arlington trip.

You'll quickly find that while Arlington and the capital region are known for the urban allure, nature is never all that far away!

Pictured | Grab your friends (furry or not) and get hiking!

Great Falls National Park

Driving Time from Arlington: ~30 minutes

Perfect for Sightseers

Just a short drive from Arlington through lush green woods and sprawling estates, Great Falls National Park is a local favorite for its 15 miles of hiking trails along the Potomac River. This national park is a popular spot for viewing waterfalls and hiking along Mather Gorge's dramatic clifftops. Take an easy walk out to see the Great Falls from the viewing platforms along the water, or take the River Trail 1.5 miles to walk along the river and be treated to stunning vistas. Stop by the onsite visitor center (at the main entrance to the park) for help with hikes and points of interest. There are also onsite picnic tables for an al fresco lunch after your walk.

Burke Lake Park

Driving Time from Arlington: ~30 minutes

Perfect for Families

Spend that afternoon with your family at the Burke Lake Park. This 888-acre county park has countless activities for families during the spring, summer and fall, including fall foliage tours and star gazing. Take a 4.7-mile easy walk around the lake path, which winds its way through the woods and features exercise circuits with vistas of the lake. There are also other family-friendly activities in-season, like taking a ride on the miniature Central Pacific Huntington steam engine train, picnicking, playing mini-golf, and enjoying a scoop of ice cream.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Driving Time from Arlington: ~1 hour

Perfect for a Taste of the Country

Sugarloaf Mountain is a hidden gem in the Maryland countryside. Offering three hiking trails, this peaceful hiking spot is lesser known than others. Hop on the Northern Peaks Trail at the parking lot for a serene 5-mile walk with wooded paths and vista points, as well as spots for a picnic. Horseback riders will enjoy the 7-mile trail on the mountain. End your hike at one of the nearby wineries like Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards or a visit to Soleado Lavender Farm.

Shenandoah National Park

Driving Time from Arlington: 1 hour 15 minutes

Perfect for Seasoned Hikers and Leaf Peepers

Shenandoah National Park is a long, skinny park winding its way through the Blue Ridge Mountains and overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. It offers 200,000 acres of protected lands with waterfalls, scenic vistas and wildlife viewing. Start your park visit at the Dickey Ridge Visitors Center to get all of the best information on the condition of the trails, points of interest and facilities. Make sure to use the restrooms while onsite, as some facilities are only open seasonally. To catch great fall vistas, hike up to Mary’s Rock or take a stroll along the Appalachian Trail. Experienced hikers will want to try Old Rag, the park’s most popular and crowded hike, which is a 7-8 hour challenging rock scramble with stunning views up to the top. Hike Old Rag on weekdays or in the mornings to avoid the crowds.

Can't Make the Trek?

Check out these shorter hikes you can take right here in Arlington. For more Arlington-based hiking opportunities like these, read here.

1. Bluemont/Bon Air

Length: 2.5-mile main loop with 1.5-mile extension

Terrain: Mostly level streetscapes and adequate for all ages, with an extension to accommodate more active walkers

Highlights: This walkabout is in the Bluemont/Bon Air neighborhood, which has a network of trails, six parks, and a retail core. The walk itself showcases the Caboose at Bluemont Junction with its historical exhibit, Beaver Pond wetland, a section of the Custis and W&OD Trails, and multiple parks. Stop to refresh at the village center on Wilson Boulevard.

Download the Bluemont/Bon Air Walkabout

2. Donaldson Run

Length: 1.5 miles

Terrain: Relatively flat on sidewalks and groomed pathways, with an option for added exploration

Highlights: This walkabout includes three parks—Marcey Park, Lee Heights Park, and Zachary Taylor Park—as well as an elementary school. The path features towering beech trees as you walk on paved and unpaved parts of Donaldson Run Trail. More experienced walkers can traverse from here into Potomac Overlook Regional Park if you’d like to explore a little more.

Download the Donaldson Run Walkabout

3. Shirlington

Length: 2 miles

Terrain: Flat with a few short, steep parts; bonus viewing of dog park included

Highlights: This walkabout is full of kid-friendly sites to visit. Fire Station #7 will do tours on request (check ahead of time for opening status), the Animal Welfare League of Arlington always welcomes people to socialize with dogs and cats (check ahead of time for operating status), and Arlington Trades Center has the County’s stash of big trucks. Pop over to Four Mile Run, rest and re-fuel at the Village at Shirlington, or enjoy amenities at Fort Reynolds Park or Abingdon Elementary.

Download the Shirlington Walkabout

Courtesy of WalkArlington.com