A great day for a hike on the A.T. This one is just o/s Fauquier County on Mt Weather. I took the…read moreSOBO trail a couple years ago. This time I went North to the waterfall. Let me give some mad respect to whomever dug out the spot to put in a rather large parking area for us! For years we've been on side of this narrow dirt road. * Thank. (Virtual fist pump). This was 3 miles out and 3 miles back. The waterfall is around 1 mile mark. It's off to the right. *please understand, ricks are slippery whether they're wet ot not. How someone brings three toddlers here with no backpack, water or first aid is beyond me. I had to leave the area. But it was really nice. Very relaxing and you did have to hand/foot climb to get up there. Be careful please. I double backed and got on the A.T. Couple more miles to the secret cliff I saw in another Yelp post. :) . Lots of people walked by, no one knew I was there. I had it all to myself. Its better than the actual lookout. Anyway. I scanned the rocks for danger, shot some pics and sat down for water and dry crackers. I look over and there are 2 snakes curled up by a small tree about 6 feet from me. I spoke to them. "Thought you'd hide from me. I got you!" It was funny. I took a couple pics and kept my eyes on them. Only takes a second to lose track and they end up right at me saying, "HA got you back!" I sat a while then headed back down. I enjoyed it! I'd like to section hike and have a car waiting to take me back to my own car where I started. They should have an Uber Hikes App available for that. ;) This way I can hike for as far as I want without turning around to come straight back.

Short trail, pretty and cool, but the waterfall wasn't what I expected. The trail was well kept,…read moreand trimmed back, some areas were steep, and can be slick if it rains.

Great hike, go on a weekday morning. Otherwise there is way too many hikers on the trail.read more

Great hike, bring some good bug spray! Overall though nothing bad to say about ravens rock !read more

An interesting story and a nice view above Harper's Ferry…read moreJefferson Rock is one of the highlights of Harpers Ferry. It gives a good mix of history, scenery, and a bit of historic adventure that personifies the town. The hike to the rock takes you up the hillside, passing by the iconic St. Peter's Catholic Church along the way. The path itself is fairly manageable, and most sections have railings, but once you reach the rock the protection stops. Because of this, I would recommend the visit only for those who are sure-footed and comfortable with uneven ground, as the drop-offs can be intimidating without barriers. The payoff, however, is worth the effort. From a position next to the rock you get a sweeping view of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, as well as the historic town of Harpers Ferry nestled below. The vantage point is both dramatic and peaceful, giving you a sense of why, according to the stories, Thomas Jefferson, during his travels, found this very spot so moving that it now bears his name. For those who wish to explore more, you can continue on the trail past Jefferson Rock and make your way to the Appalachian trail, which adds another layer of history to the walk. The informational sign could use a little care but, overall, this is a scenic and meaningful stop, best enjoyed with good shoes and sure footing. Enjoy.

Rock formation on ApplachainTrail, a short distance from lower town of Harpers Ferry, yet a steep…read moreand very uneven climb to get there - be careful. The rock/area is famous for Thomas Jefferson standing there in 1783 and stating "worth a voyage across the Atlantic." It is a breath taking view! You pass the remains of St Johns Episcopol church and St Peters Church along the way. Worth the walk!

Field Trip Fairy made me another offer I couldn't refuse: a glorious fall day spent on the idyllic…read morecampus of Madeira School in Great Falls, ziplining down a hillside and watching 6th graders try to figure out how to ring a tractor tire around a 15-foot pole sticking straight up in the air? Yes, please. Sign me up. Inner Quest is an awesome little adventure-learning company based out of Purcellville, but with various sites and programs around the Virginia/West Virginia/Maryland area. Their challenge course at Madeira is huge and elaborate, encompassing several acres in the woods. Elements range from freakishly hard to anxiety-inducing heights to deceptively simple team-building. This was my second time undertaking the Madeira challenge course with Inner Quest: the first was 17 years ago as a scared-witless high school freshman. We'd moved from Texas that summer, and I was friendless since school hadn't started yet. Ma O. thought an Inner Quest program would be a great way for me to make friends. A random group of 12 of us spent a day on the challenge course, and the next 5 days hiking the Appalachian Trail in VA and MD, schlepping our packs, pitching our tents, cooking our food, and digging our own latrines. Ma O. was right: Inner Quest *was* a great way to make friends. Nothing bonds you quicker than mole-skinning blisters and burying your TP with strangers. I still remember our counselors, too -- unkempt adventurers with the nicest, most soothing, and helpfully instructive demeanors. Today's counselors were equally patient and kind with our kiddos. Our guys enjoyed themselves tremendously at Inner Quest, as did the adults (hello, zipline, I feel like a kid again!). Teamwork, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, taking calculated risks, trusting others -- these are life lessons you just can't teach in the classroom.

Inner Quest has been maintaining our low ropes course at are summer camp facility for as long as I…read morecan remember and they have always done a professional job. They insure that are obstacles are up to code and safe. They also train our Ropes Instructors each summer and they are very patient with our counselors and really take pride in making sure that everyone knows what they are doing. Keep up the good work and we will see you this summer. Camp Moss Hollow Butch

It's closed for months to repair a sewage siphon in spring, which is ridiculous. There's a sewage…read morepipe that empties into the waterfall area, but people don't seem to care and they swim, even though you can smell the sewage. The whole place and even the forest is littered with hard lemonade and beer bottles, babies diapers, dog poop and all kinds of food wrappers.

Amazing hiking trails! Trails are pretty accessible for all levels…read more The trail maps need updating as there are some new trails.

Historic field that hosts events. They have a nice indoor facility for events and a field for…read moreoutdoor events.

Great city park for events. Lots of soccer games here!!! Good place to take out-of-town guests who…read morewant to walk around a bit but not hike through the forest or shop. You never know what you'll see: soccer game, tent sales, festivals, wildlife. Good family fun. The skating rink is located in this park in case you feel like trying that again!

I was late to enjoying the ginkgo garden but it's still beautiful. The facility was clean and…read moreorganize.

It's amazing after all the years I've lived in and around the Winchester and Fauquier County areas,…read morethat I've never visited (BlandyFarm). State Arboretum of Virginia. -It's beautiful. Especially on Nov 1st 2024 when it's just at 80 degrees, wow. The sun was out. There was a slight breeze. The leaves were falling. What a great day! My daughter in law and my grandson came with me today. Area is 100% stroller friendly. Great places to throw down a blanket and have lunch. A couple picnic tables onsite also. Beautiful tress. Beautiful pollination fields. We had a really good time. I know I'll be back.

Started out from the Bears Den Trail Center. This 9+ mile out and back hike is a great calorie…read moreburner with all the elevation change (translation: LOTS of hills). Near the parking lot, before you hop on the AT there are some nice overlooks from Bears Den Rocks. As for the trail to Buzzard Hill, it's very rocky and there are some shallow slippery stream crossings so bringing trekking poles or a walking stick are helpful. On your hike you will probably pass a few thru hikers, the majority of which are friendly and willing to chat. No views along the trail. Buzzard Hill itself is not too difficult to find provided you follow the directions on HU (Hiking Upward). Also helps if you use GPS to track your distance so you know you're getting close. I used EveryTrail on my iPhone. Make sure to pace yourself appropriately. Remember all those downhills you are facing on the way to Buzzard Hill will all be uphills on the way back. The last mile in fact is all uphill. And that is after 8 + miles of hiking.

Do you need to find a happy place or do you need to unwind from electronics?! Look no further. One…read moreof the nicest trails in MOCO ... its a very easy path. Not that many steep hills. Depending on time of year, you can rent boat..or canoe. You can see different types of birds here if your a bird watcher. You can plan a nice picnic here too. There are a few different entrances. The most convenient one for me is off Needwood Rd or you can enter from Avery Rd.

First, if you need an address to find this park, you can use either 15700 Needwood Lake Circle,…read moreRockville, MD or 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Derwood, MD. This park has two entrances - one on Avery Road and the other on Needwood Road. The one on Avery Road is closer to Go Ape Adventures which is located within the park (at a cost). As you enter this part of the park, and go down a hill, the road will eventually end at a stop sign. It is here you will see a sign that says, "Rock Creek Regional Park, Lake Needwood". You then have to decide if you want to go right or go left. If you turn right, you will come across the Golf Course, Picnic Area, and Archery. If you turn left, you will come across the Boat Shop, Picnic Areas, and Hiker/Biker Trails. Going Right at the "Rock Creek Regional Park, Lake Needwood" sign If you turn right, you will go over a few speed bumps. After you pass this area (and you will see Go Ape to your right), you will also see part of the lake to your left and a little crossing bridge (not for cars). On this side, I have seen people have picnics, go fishing, and hiking as well. If you continue on the road, you will come across a playground to your left and a parking lot - I guess there are more trails back there (I have not gone in the area beyond the playground). To the right of that lot is a place for archery. If you continue on this road, you will exit the park onto Needwood Road. Going Left at the "Rock Creek Regional Park, Lake Needwood" sign If you turn left, you will see a parking lot on your immediate right. Next to this lot, is a volleyball court - I have seen folks play volleyball here. If you continue through a walking path in the trees, you will come across some covered picnic tables and more trails taking you closer to the lake. As you get back in your vehicle, past this parking lot and follow the road, it will steer you to the right and you go down towards the lake. In this area of the road, I have seen people park on the road whenever the park gets crowded (there are marked spaces). As you continue down, you will see a much smaller parking area which is next to the boat house. You can walk through the boat house to another part of the lake, but as far as renting boats, that is only available during the summer months. Most times, this lot is filled, but not to worry, because if you continue traveling just a few feet more, you will come across an even bigger parking lot. It is in this bigger lot, you will come across a map layout of the whole park - more of Lake Needwood. There are also a few porta-potties. Within the area is a huge grassy field that is perfect to just lay a blanket and chill, but you may have to complete with geese in the area. There are 2 trails on this side by the map - if you go to the left, the trail is on a very flat surface - be careful when walking as you will end up crossing a few roads like Southlawn Lane and Avery Road, to name a few. By that same map, if you take the trail to the right, you will go up a hill, cross over the lake and continue on even more trails in this park. I like coming to Lake Needwood. I have done walks here on a few of the different trails and have even gone off the beaten path. Had lunch on a picnic table or two and even did pedal boating, however you won't ever find me in a kayak. Overall, it is nice to come here to just chill and enjoy nature. To gather more info on your own, check out these links: Lake Needwood Trails: https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/rock-creek-regional-park/rock-creek-trails/lake-needwood-trails Lake Needwood Boats: https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-needwood-boats

We stumbled upon this gem after visiting a nearby orchard. Just a gorgeous autumn afternoon to take…read morepictures. The Love sign is near the parking lot. We did not take advantage of the trails, but is definitely something to do in the future!

Absolutely love this park. It is an area treasure. The trails all are amazing. I like that some are…read moremore laid back, while several are quite challenging. This is a gigantic place. Also it's parallel with the Appalachian Trail. That is an added bonus. What I love it for is astronomy. NOVAC does its telescope events here, because the light pollution is almost nothing. By all means I recommend going to one of these free events. The clear skies are a real treat. This is a family friendly park, and if in the area a must!