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Sugarloaf Mountain |
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Bull Run OccoquanTrail |
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Potomac Heritage Trail |
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Billy Goat Trail |
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath |
Several circuits of varying lengths running up and around the mountain, nearby peaks and ridges make for difficult-to-strenuous hiking on this lone mountain outcrop within The Stronghold Foundation, Comus, MD. Dramatic views of raptors on clear mornings reward your efforts. Hike year round from sunrise to sunset; hazardous after ice storms. Terrain and maps: Elevation gain from upper parking lot to summits is 350 ft. (this is the strenuous route). Highest point is 1282 ft. Use USGS Maryland quads Buckeystown, Urbana, Poolesville or map at site.
Directions: Take I-270 north to Maryland Rt 109 West. Turn right on Comus Rd and follow to the Stronghold Circle and straight ahead to the top, or hike from the bottom. A great spot to view migrating hawks and eagles.
An easy hike from several round-trip or point-to-point accesses within Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA). A meandering trail along historic Bull Run from the Occoquan Reservoir offers 18.6 miles of forested stream valley and Civil War sties. Hike year round, except after heavy rain when flooding is possible. Elevation gain 300 ft. High point is 500 ft. Use REI/NVRPA map/brochure free from NVRPA headquarters (703) 352-5900.
A moderate-to-difficult 10.5 mile hike over rocky terrain with short, steep sections in George Washington memorial Parkway (NPS). traverse the Potomac River's Virginia shore from Roosevelt Island to the Capital Beltway. Enjoy inspiring views, wildlife, birds, historical landmarks, wildflowers and climbing. A short hike from public transportation. Circuit possible. High point is 310 ft. Use USGS Washington West and Falls Church quad maps. Info: (703) 528-5406.
Located near Great Falls, Maryland, the Billy Goat Trail traverses the rocky islands along the Potomac River. It is surprisingly rugged and challenging for a trail so close to a major city. For an online map, see http://www.mcmullans.org/canal/Maps/Billy%20Goat%20Trail.jpg
The Billy Goat Trail is comprised of three loops; the most popular of which circles Bear Island and uses the C&O Canal towpath to form a 4.0 mile circuit. For access directions and a description of this circuit hike, see the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club's "Circuit Hikes in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania" guidebook. The Billy Goat Trail is shown on PATC's Map "D".
Several people drown each year in the Potomac River in the vicinity of the Billy Goat Trail. Stay on the trail and do not venture into the water. It is illegal to do so for a reason. Even where the river appears non-threatening, deep powerful currents are present.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath
The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal is a National Historical Park stretching along the banks of the Potomac River from Georgetown in D.C. 184.5 miles to Cumberland, Maryland. It contains what remains of the 175-year-old canal which was dug to provide easy commerce to newly-developing areas of what was considered the "western U.S." at that time. After a series of devastating floods and inability to compete with railroads, the Canal ceased operation in 1924. It languished in disrepair for 40 years before attention was called to it as a potential site for an automobile road. Instead, conservationists aware of it's natural beauty led the successful movement to have the Canal established as a National Park.
Although it is completely flat, the canal towpath is ideal for short hikes, mountain bike rides, evening rambles, picnics, and nature study. The well-maintained towpath is quite busy with tourists, bicyclists, and runners from Georgetown (mile 0) to Seneca (mile 22), but is pleasantly less crowded for most of the remaining muddier and bumpier 162 miles westward. Many interesting features can be found along the Canal. It is one of the best places in the area to observe forest birds and wildflowers in all seasons. Summertime can be oppressively humid along the canal, with lush growth of poison ivy and swarms of mosquitoes. Spring, Fall, and Winter visits are more enjoyable.
Several detailed guidebooks are available, including Thomas Hahn's "Towpath Guide to the C & O Canal",
We are privileged to have the most famous trail in the United States at our doorstep. The 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail travels from Georgia to Maine along the Appalachian mountains. In our area, a 240-mile section of the "A.T." can be hiked from Shenandoah National Park northwards to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, then north on South Mountain in Maryland to Pennsylvania, then northeast through Pennsylvania mountainous State Parks and Forests. It is suitable for use in circuit hikes, or done in sections using a car shuttle, or can be "through-hiked" (full-time backpacking) from Georgia to Maine in about 4-5 months.
Catoctin Mountain Park/Cunningham Falls State Park
Located near Thurmont, Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park is the nearest large United States National Park that contains a variety of trails and scenic overlooks. It is suitable for easy to moderate day hikes; no overnight camping is permitted except by permit in the established campground areas. Your visitation plans may be altered by men in black when the President or Vice President is in residence at Camp David. Take I-270 North to Frederick, Maryland, then north on US Route 15 to Thurmont.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
About an hour from D.C., Harpers Ferry National Historical Park includes a very scenic climb to Maryland Heights, with a spectacular view of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Suitable for an easy half-day or full-day hike if you also arrange to climb Loudoun Heights on the Virginia/West Virginia side of the Shenandoah River. Purchase the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club's Map "5-6" which shows the Appalachian Trail in Maryland as well as trails in the Harpers Ferry area. Take I-270 North to Frederick, Maryland, then west on US Route 340 to Harpers Ferry.
Shenandoah National Park is the crown jewel of nearby hiking areas. An expansive National Park along the Blue Ridge Mountains, it contains many hundreds of miles of interconnected trails, including the Appalachian Trail. A lifetime of day hikes is possible. Car traffic along the Skyline Drive can be heavy in Autumn; campgrounds and most visitor facilities are crowded in Summer and Autumn. The trails, however (except for Old Rag Mountain), are rarely crowded. Purchase the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club's maps 9, 10, and 11 for complete coverage of Shenandoah National Park. Several circuit hike guidebooks are available from the PATC and from the Shenandoah National Park Association. Shenandoah National Park can be reached by taking the beltway to Interstate 66 West, then either I-66 to Front Royal, Route 29/211 to Sperryville, or Route 33 to Stanardsville, depending on what part of the Park you wish to visit. Consult a good Virginia state road map.
A sometimes-strenuous 9.5 mile circuit hike in Shenandoah National Park takes you scrambling up spectacularly exposed rocks to a ragged rock summit featuring some of the best views in the region. This is the region's most popular hike, so go very early or mid-week to avoid crowds. Hike year round (can be hazardous with snow or ice). This is one the of the steepest trails in Shenandoah National Park, and a great workout. but it may not be suitable for energetic young children or dogs.
Terrain and maps: Elevation gain is 2188ft in 2.2 miles. High point is 3,268 ft. Use Potomac Appalachian Train Club map 10; Trails illustrated Shenandoah National Park. Entry and parking fees charged.
Directions: Take the beltway 495 toward Virginia, then exit onto I-66 west to US 29 south to Warrenton, Va and take US 211 west to Sperryville. At Sperryville, take a left onto Rt 522 to the stoplight, turn left, still on 522, and go .6 mile to the top of the hill and turn right on Rt. 231. Follow 231 for about 8 miles to a right on Rt 600. follow600 on the left bank of the Hughes River to the parking lot on the left. Entry fee and parking charged.
George Washington National Forest
George Washington National Forest is the nearest National Forest to D.C. It includes much of the next four mountain ridges west of Shenandoah National Park. There are many hiking trails and circuit hike options available. Purchase the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maps F, G, and H to see all the maintained hiking trails. The most popular hikes are Signal Knob on Massanutten Mountain, and Big Schloss on Great North Mountain. Several circuit hikes in George Washington National Forest are described in the PATC's "Circuit Hikes in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania" Guidebook.
Big Schloss and Wolf Gap Recreation Area
A great hiking and backpacking destination, only two hour's drive from the Capital Beltway. Moderate-to-strenuous hikes (depending on the hike chosen) of 5 to 75 miles offer spectacular views, birds, wildlife and challenging climbs from valley to ridge on the George Washington National Forest. Hike year round, but call for information on hunting seasons and wear orange during those seasons, or go elsewhere.
Terrain and maps: Elevation gain: 650-1500 ft depending on circuit. High point: 3200 ft. Use Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) Map F; USFS George Washington National Forest Lee District Forest Map; USGS Wolf Gap, Lost City, Wardensville, Woodstock, Lee District HQ 540-984-4101.
Directions: Take the beltway 495 toward Virginia, then exit onto I-66 west to I-81 sourth to VA Rt 42 west 5 miles to Columbia Furnace. Turn right on Rt 675 and follow it to the top of the ridge at Wolf Gap.
Pennsylvania State Parks & Forests
The Appalachian Trail links several nearby State Parks and State Forests in southern Pennsylvania. Most are very good for hiking (except during hunting season). Purchase the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maps 1, "2-3", and 4 for map coverage of the area. Several circuit hikes in Pennsylvania are described in the PATC's "Circuit Hikes in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania" Guidebook. Pennsylvania trail areas can have restrictions and care must be taken not to trespass on private property. Contact the staff of the Park or Forest you plan to visit for more information.
Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia is a four-hour drive from D.C., but can be well worth it for the seclusion and outstanding wilderness areas. It is very remote. It can be dangerous to visit in wintertime because of the brutally harsh weather. No great maps are available, so it is best to visit with people who are experienced with the area. It is very rugged, and you are definitely on your own, so it is not recommended for beginning hikers unless they are part of an experienced group. The Dolly Sods wilderness area is part of Monongahela National Forest, and is a treasure to visit, especially in warmer weather, when it is about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than D.C.
Revised 1/3/03 by J&C
