Are you a nature lover on the lookout for a fast escape from busy Washington D.C.? Then you definitely’ll be comfortable to be taught the nation’s capital is intently surrounded by gorgeous peaceable mountain landscapes and seaside adventures.
From climbing alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains within the Shenandoah Nationwide Park to kayaking within the Chesapeake Bay, there’s one thing for everybody.
In case you’re on the lookout for one thing nearer to town, at Nice Falls Park you’ll be able to hike alongside the Potomac River whereas discovering gorgeous waterfalls. And it’s below a 30 minute drive from town.
For an oceanside seaside day, head to Assateague Island Nationwide Seashore on Maryland’s Jap Shore, the place you’ll be able to swim, sunbathe, and even spot wild horses.
It doesn’t matter what you’re on the lookout for, Washington D.C. has loads of shut by locations for nature lovers in below a 3 hour drive.
Key Factors You’ll Uncover
- Shenandoah Nationwide Park and Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park are common day journey locations with tons to do for nature lovers close to Washington D.C.
- Nice Falls Park is nice choices for these on the lookout for outside adventures nearer to town.
- For seaside lovers, Assateague Island Nationwide Seashore on Maryland’s Jap Shore has trails, seashores, guided adventures, tenting and wild horses.
- With so many gorgeous pure landscapes only a brief drive away, Washington D.C. is the right vacation spot for nature lovers.
1. Shenandoah Nationwide Park
One of the crucial common day journeys from Washington D.C. for nature lovers is the gorgeous Shenandoah National Park.
Situated simply 75 miles and about 2 hours away from town, this beautiful park is house to over 500 miles of climbing trails, together with the well-known Appalachian Path, gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and quite a lot of outside actions..
You’ll have the chance to see breathtaking waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and an abundance of wildlife all through.
Listed below are a few of the issues you are able to do in Shenandoah Nationwide Park:
Skyline Drive
The Skyline Drive is a scenic drive that runs the size of the park. It’s an effective way to soak up the gorgeous views of the mountains and valleys.
Alongside the best way, there are a number of overlooks the place you’ll be able to cease and take photos or have a picnic.
Hold a watch out for wildlife, together with black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
Outdated Rag Mountain
For a more difficult outside journey, think about climbing Old Rag Mountain. This 9-mile hike is taken into account the most effective on the East Coast, with gorgeous views from the summit.
The hike contains rock scrambles and steep climbs, so it’s not for the faint of coronary heart. Ensure to deliver loads of water and snacks, and put on sturdy climbing footwear.
Darkish Hole Falls
For a shorter hike, Dark Hollow Falls is superb. This 1.4-mile hike takes you to a stupendous waterfall, with a number of smaller falls alongside the best way. The path is well-maintained and comparatively simple, however there are some steep sections.
Ensure to put on comfy footwear and convey a digital camera to seize the gorgeous surroundings.
Total, Shenandoah National Park is a superb day journey choice for nature lovers. With gorgeous views, difficult hikes, and simple trails, there’s one thing right here for everybody.
Entrance passes are and might be purchased online or on the park.
2. Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park
In case you’re a nature lover, you’ll discover lots to discover at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Situated on the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, this park is a well-liked vacation spot for climbing, exploring historical past, and having fun with river actions.
A few 90 minute drive from downtown D.C., right here, you’ll be able to hike the Appalachian Path, go whitewater rafting, or discover Harpers Ferry, the historic city that performed an important function within the Civil Conflict.
Listed below are a few of the issues you are able to do in Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park:
Mountaineering the Appalachian Path
One of the crucial common actions at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is climbing the Appalachian Path. The path runs by the park and presents gorgeous views of the encircling mountains and rivers.
You possibly can select from quite a lot of hikes, starting from simple to strenuous. The park presents several styles of trails which can be good for households with younger kids, in addition to longer hikes for knowledgeable hikers.
Exploring Civil Conflict Historical past
Harpers Ferry performed a major function within the Civil Conflict, and you’ll discover its historical past on the park. The city was the positioning of a well-known raid by abolitionist John Brown in 1859, and it modified arms between Union and Accomplice forces a number of instances through the battle.
You possibly can go to a number of historic websites within the park, together with the John Brown Museum and the ruins of the city’s armory.
River Actions
In case you love water actions, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park has lots to supply. You possibly can go tubing, kayaking, or rafting on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.
The park has several outfitters that supply leases and guided excursions, so you’ll be able to benefit from the rivers even when you don’t have your individual tools. You too can go fishing within the rivers, that are house to quite a lot of fish species.
Total, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park is a superb vacation spot for nature lovers who wish to discover historical past, hike by lovely surroundings, and revel in river actions. You possibly can buy entrance passes on-line or on the customer heart entrance station.
3. Nice Falls Park
In case you’re a nature lover on the lookout for a day journey from Washington D.C, Great Falls Park is a must-visit vacation spot. Situated simply 15 miles from town and 800 acres (3.2 km2), this park presents gorgeous views of the Potomac River and its waterfalls.
Listed below are a few of the issues you are able to do in Nice Falls Park:
The Potomac River and Waterfall Views
The park’s principal attraction is the Shenandoah Nationwide Park Wildlife, which presents breathtaking views of the waterfalls and rapids. You possibly can take a leisurely stroll alongside the paths or hike to the highest of the cliffs for a panoramic view of the river. You should definitely deliver your digital camera to seize the gorgeous surroundings.
For motion on the river, try kayaking or whitewater rafting.
Billy Goat Path
One other common exercise at Nice Falls Park is climbing the Billy Goat Trail. This path is split into three sections, every with its personal degree of issue. The path presents lovely views of the river and the park’s surrounding panorama.
You should definitely put on applicable footwear and convey loads of water, because the path might be difficult.
Customer Middle Reveals
Cease into the Nice Falls Park Tavern Customer Middle for displays on the park’s historical past, geology, and wildlife. The displays are informative and interesting, making them an effective way to be taught extra concerning the park and its environment.
The customer heart is presently closed for renovation, so check the website for opening dates earlier than planning a go to.
Total, Nice Falls Park is a superb day journey vacation spot for nature lovers. With its gorgeous views, climbing trails, and informative displays, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from. All visitors require an entrance pass.
4. Assateague Island Nationwide Seashore
In case you’re on the lookout for a nature-filled day journey from Washington D.C., Assateague Island National Seashore is a wonderful choice.
This lovely 37 mile, 48,000 acre barrier island with quite a lot of bayside and oceanside tenting areas is situated simply three hours from D.C.. And there tons to do. Well-known for its wild horses, and numerous wildlife right here it’s also possible to discover its pristine seashores, trails, coastal bays, salt marshes and maritime forests.
Right here’s what else there may be to do on Assateague Island:
See Wild Horses
One of many principal points of interest of Assateague Island is the a whole lot of untamed horses that roam freely on the island. Made well-known from Marguerite Henry’s ebook Misty of Chincoteague, recognizing them of their pure habitat is an expertise you gained’t overlook.
Whereas many imagine the horses are the decedents of survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast, the Nationwide Park Service says:
“Whereas this dramatic story of battle and survival is common, there are not any data but that verify it. Essentially the most believable rationalization is that they’re the descendants of horses that have been delivered to barrier islands like Assateague within the late seventeenth century by mainland homeowners to keep away from fencing legal guidelines and taxation of livestock.”
Whereas there’s not strategy to know precisely the place the horses shall be, you’ll be able to take a guided kayak or boat tour to extend your possibilities of seeing them. Each Assateague Explorer and Assateague Outfitters supply cruises, kayak, canoe and wildlife excursions.
In case you’re exploring by yourself, the horses are sometimes be seen roaming the seaside, marshy areas, or noticed on the Nationwide Park’s Over Sand Automobile part of the park. If you would like to have the ability to drive on the seaside, you want a four-wheel drive car and permits are required.
No matter method you determine to discover Assateague, bear in mind to maintain a secure distance from the horses, since they’re wild animals and are unpredictable.
Head to the Seaside Actions
Assateague Island is house to a few of the most lovely seashores on the East Coast. The island has two public seashores, the Maryland aspect and the Virginia aspect accessed in close by Chincoteague, VA, each of supply miles of pristine sand and waters.
You possibly can swim, sunbathe, or go for a stroll alongside the shore. The seashores are additionally nice for fishing, crabbing, and clamming.
In case you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll be able to rent a kayak or paddleboard and discover the island’s waterways.
Tenting Choices
If you wish to spend greater than a day on Assateague Island, there are a number of camping options available. The island has two campgrounds, each of which provide tent-only and RV tenting. Assateague additionally presents horse camping, the place equestrians can deliver their horses in a single day and journey the paths through the day.
The campgrounds are situated within the Maryland District and the Virginia District, and each supply easy accessibility to the seaside and different island actions. Understand that tenting on Assateague Island requires a permit, and reservations are advisable, particularly through the peak season.
Total, Assateague Island Nationwide Seashore is a must-visit vacation spot for nature lovers within the D.C. space.
With its wild horses, lovely seashores, and numerous wildlife, it’s the right place to flee town and immerse your self in nature. You possibly can visit the park’s website to plan your visit, make tenting reservations and purchase passes.
5. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Nationwide Historic Park
In case you’re a nature lover on the lookout for a day journey from Washington D.C, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a superb selection.
Again in 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower determined to show the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal right into a Nationwide Monument. Why? To guard this historic canal and its unique buildings which carried coal, lumber, and items all through the area.
These days, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Nationwide Historic Park is sort of a treasure hunt. You possibly can discover historical past, nature, and enjoyable stuff alongside its banks.
The park stretches 184.5 miles tracing the Potomac River, and connecting Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown part all the best way to Cumberland, Maryland.
Listed below are a few of the issues you are able to do within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Nationwide Historic Park:
Towpath Biking
The towpath is a flat, gravel path that runs alongside the canal. It’s good for biking, and you’ll lease bikes on the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center entrance of the canal.
The park presents 10 tips for biking the C&O Canal that will help you plan your journey. You too can deliver your individual bike and journey your complete size of the towpath.
Lockhouse Stays
If you wish to spend greater than a day within the park, stay in one of the historic lockhouses for a singular expertise.
In line with the Nationwide Park Service:
“A lock is an elevator for boats. It lifts boats up or right down to the following degree on the canal. There are 74 locks on the C and O Canal. Just one boat at a time can match within the lock. Locks are 100 ft lengthy and 15 ft huge.”
The lock home historic buildings have been initially utilized by lock keepers within the nineteenth century and have been restored for in a single day stays. You possibly can rent a lockhouse for an evening or longer, and expertise what life was like for the lock keepers.
Water Actions and Boat Journey Experiences
Water lovers can take a mule-towed boat ride on the canal. This one isn’t your common boat journey. The boat rides are common, so it’s greatest to make a reservation upfront.
The Nice Falls aspect of the park presents rides on a reproduction 1870’s packet boat whereas the Williamsport, MD launch web site offers guests rides on a reproduction 1900’s electrical launch boat.
Whether or not you’re biking, staying in a single day, or taking a ship journey, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a superb day journey from Washington D.C.
6. George Washington & Jefferson Nationwide Forests
In case you’re a nature lover on the lookout for a day journey from Washington D.C., the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests are an incredible choice.
Overlaying land situated in western Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky these forests cowl almost 1.7 million acres and supply quite a lot of outside actions for guests to get pleasure from.
Listed below are a few of the issues you are able to do within the George Washington & Jefferson Nationwide Forests:
Mountaineering Trails
The George Washington & Jefferson Nationwide Forests have over 1,925 miles of climbing trails, making it an incredible vacation spot for hikers of all ranges. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a brief day hike or a multi-day backpacking journey, there’s a path for you.
Some common trails embrace the Appalachian Trail, the Crabtree Falls Trail, and the Dragon’s Tooth Trail.
Fishing and Looking
In case you’re an angler or hunter, the George Washington & Jefferson Nationwide Forests supply loads of opportunities to get a great catch.
The forests have over 2,000 miles of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams and almost 40 species of fish, together with trout, bass, and catfish. There are additionally searching alternatives, with quite a lot of recreation species corresponding to deer, turkey, and bear.
Campgrounds
If you wish to spend greater than a day within the forests, there are a number of campgrounds to select from.
Along with 3 cabins The George Washington & Jefferson Nationwide Forests has over 40 campgrounds, starting from primitive websites to fully-equipped RV websites.
Some common campgrounds embrace the Sherando Lake Recreation Area and the Loft Mountain Campground.
Total, the George Washington & Jefferson Nationwide Forests are an incredible day journey vacation spot for nature lovers. With loads of climbing trails, fishing and searching alternatives, and campgrounds to select from, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from. You possibly can purchase park passes and plan your trip here.
7. Catoctin Mountain Park
In case you’re on the lookout for a nature-filled day journey from Washington D.C, Catoctin Mountain Park is a must-visit. Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park is house to 25 miles of climbing trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Listed below are a few of the highlights of Catoctin Mountain Park that you simply gained’t wish to miss:
Waterfall Enjoyable at Cunningham Falls
One of the crucial common locations within the park is Cunningham Falls, a 78-foot waterfall that cascades right into a crystal-clear pool.
Cunningham Falls is the most important cascading waterfall within the state of Maryland. To entry it, you’ll must take a 2 mile round trip hike on park’s Falls Nature Path that leaves off the car parking zone throughout from the customer heart.
There are additionally loads of alternatives for swimming and picnicking within the space.
Catoctin Wildlife Protect
One other must-see attraction in Catoctin Mountain Park is the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve.
This unimaginable 50-acre protect is house open seasonally April by November is house to over 300 unique animals, together with zebras, giraffes, and kangaroos.
Guests can take a guided safari tour of the protect or discover on their very own.
Tenting and Picnicking
If you wish to spend greater than a day within the park, there are many lodging, tenting and picnicking alternatives out there. The park has three campgrounds with a complete of 100 campsites, cabin rentals and a number of other picnic areas with grills and tables. If you wish to camp, make sure you make a reservation .
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a day of climbing, an opportunity to see unique animals, or a peaceable picnic in nature, Catoctin Mountain Park has one thing for everybody. You possibly can plan your trip and buy entrance passes on the park’s web site.
8. Mason Neck State Park
In case you’re a nature lover on the lookout for a day journey from Washington D.C., Mason Neck State Park is a superb selection. Situated in southern Fairfax County, the park is only a brief drive from town and presents quite a lot of outside actions multi-use trails, a big picnic space, a playground, canoe and kayak leases.
Listed below are a few of the highlights of Mason Neck State Park that you simply gained’t wish to miss:
Chicken Watching
Mason Neck State Park is a well-liked vacation spot for hen watchers. The park is house to quite a lot of hen species, together with bald eagles, ospreys, and nice blue herons.
There are a number of commentary areas all through the park the place you’ll be able to watch these birds of their pure habitat.
Kayaking and Canoeing
In case you get pleasure from kayaking or canoeing, Mason Neck State Park is a superb place to go to. The park presents a car-top boat launch for simple entry to the water.
You possibly can rent kayaks and canoes from April by October and discover the park’s wetlands and bay.
Mountaineering Trails
Mason Neck State Park has a number of hiking trails that supply lovely views of the park’s pure magnificence.
The Bay View Path is a 3-mile loop that takes you thru the wetlands and presents views of Belmont Bay.
The Excessive Level Path is a 2.5-mile loop that takes you thru the forest and presents views of the Potomac River.
Total, Mason Neck State Park is a superb day journey vacation spot for nature lovers within the Washington D.C. space. Whether or not you get pleasure from hen watching, kayaking, or climbing, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from at this lovely park.
Entrance passes are required to get into the park and might be bought on-line.
9. Prince William Forest Park
In case you’re on the lookout for a nature escape from the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C, Prince William Forest Park is an ideal selection. Situated simply half-hour from the White Home, this park is a pure refuge with aromatic woods, trickling streams, and over 37 miles of climbing trails.
Right here just a few issues to do in Prince William State Park that you simply gained’t wish to miss:
Cabin Tenting
Keep in a single day in one of many park’s five rustic cabins and revel in a real wilderness expertise. 4 of the cabins are listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
The cabins are outfitted with primary facilities corresponding to beds, a desk, chairs, and a wooden range. There are additionally campsites out there for tent tenting. You should definitely make cabin reservations earlier than you go.
Nature Walks
Discover the park’s numerous ecosystem on one of many many nature walks out there. The park’s trails vary from simple to strenuous, so there’s one thing for everybody.
Hold a watch out for the park’s wildlife, together with deer, foxes, and even black bears.
Historic Websites
Prince William Forest Park has a wealthy historical past, courting again to the Nineteen Thirties when it was used as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. At present, you’ll be able to discover the remnants of the camp, together with the unique mess corridor and cabins.
The park additionally performed a job in World Conflict II as a coaching floor for spies and saboteurs.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a peaceable retreat or an out of doors journey, Prince William Forest Park has one thing for everybody. Don’t overlook to pack a picnic and revel in lunch within the nice outdoor. Park passes can be purchesed online or on the park with a debit or bank card.
10. Rock Creek Park
In case you’re a nature lover visiting Washington D.C, then Rock Creek Park is a must-visit attraction. It is likely one of the largest and oldest city forests within the nation, spanning 4.4 sq. miles throughout the northwestern quadrant of town.
Listed below are a few of the superb issues to do at Rock Creek Park:
Nature Middle and Planetarium
The Nature Middle and Planetarium is a superb place to begin your go to to Rock Creek Park. Situated on the northern finish of the park, it presents a spread of instructional displays and interactive shows which can be good for all ages.
The planetarium presents a spread of reveals that can take you on a journey by the celebrities and past.
Horseback Using
Within the woods of the park, you’ll discover Rock Creek Horse Center. The one public driving facility in Washington D.C., this steady presents horseback driving classes, barn excursions, pony rides and guided path rides. It’s an effective way to discover the park’s trails and see the pure fantastic thing about the world.
The steady is open year-round, and the rides are appropriate for riders of all ranges. Reservations are required.
Peirce Mill
Peirce Mill is a historic gristmill situated in Rock Creek Park. It was constructed within the 1820s and operated till the early Eighteen Nineties. At present, this museum presents a glimpse into the historical past of milling and the significance of water energy within the improvement of the nation.
Guests can take a tour of the mill and be taught concerning the milling course of and the individuals who labored there.
Rock Creek Park is a superb place to flee from the hustle and bustle of town and benefit from the pure fantastic thing about the world. Whether or not you wish to go climbing, horseback driving, or simply calm down and benefit from the surroundings, there’s something for everybody at Rock Creek Park.
Often Requested Questions
What are the highest nature locations inside a day’s drive from Washington D.C.?
A few of Washington D.C.’s the highest nature locations inside a day’s drive embrace Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia, and Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland. These parks supply scenic drives, climbing trails, and gorgeous views of the pure fantastic thing about the area.
Which close by parks supply the perfect outside expertise for a day journey from D.C.?
If you’re on the lookout for the perfect outside expertise for a day journey from D.C., then head to Great Falls Park in Virginia or Rock Creek Park in D.C. Each parks supply climbing trails, picnic areas, and gorgeous views of the Potomac River.
You too can go to the Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland, which presents wildlife viewing, climbing trails, and academic applications.
How can I plan a romantic nature getaway day journey from Washington D.C.?
If you’re on the lookout for a romantic nature getaway day journey from D.C., then head to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The valley is understood for its gorgeous mountain views, wineries, and charming small cities.
Take a scenic drive on the Skyline Drive, hike to a waterfall, or get pleasure from a picnic with the one you love. You too can go to the Shenandoah Caverns or for unimaginable views take a sizzling air balloon journey over the valley.
What are some distinctive pure points of interest for a day journey accessible from D.C. by practice?
If you’re on the lookout for a singular pure attraction for a day journey accessible from D.C. by practice, then head to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, Virginia close to Norfolk.
The refuge is house to quite a lot of wildlife, together with black bears, bobcats, and river otters. Guided boat excursions can be found or hike on one of many many trails within the refuge.
The place can I discover scenic winter landscapes for a day journey close to Washington D.C.?
If you’re on the lookout for scenic winter landscapes for a day journey close to Washington D.C., then head to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.
The mountains supply gorgeous views of snow-capped peaks and frozen waterfalls.
You too can go snowboarding, snowboarding, or snowshoeing at one of many many ski resorts within the space. Bryce Resort is one ski resort about two hours west of Washington, D.C.
What are the perfect car-free choices for experiencing nature on a day journey from D.C.?
If you’re on the lookout for car-free choices for experiencing nature on a day journey from D.C., then head to the National Arboretum in D.C the place you’ll be able to discover 446 acres of wildlife.
The arboretum has a variety of gardens and collections and ongoing occasions. Don’t miss their well-known magnolia, azalea, or Asian Collections.
An alternative choice is to take a motorbike journey on the Capital Crescent Trail, which presents gorgeous views of the Potomac River.
