Just behind the D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory development is a large public park that provides so…read moremuch peace. Here's why you should visit if you're in the area: 1) Trails: There are a number of trails of all lengths perfect for a little hike with small kids. The trails are even enough that you could job on them, but they aren't paved so strollers are not recommended. 2) History: There are several plaques that tell the land's history being the property of a Revolutionary War hero. 3) Frisbee Golf: There's a long course with markers and all. 4) Workout Equipment: There are several stations to get a good arm and leg workout in. 5) Pond: There's a little pond that one of the trails leads to. Some even fish in it off of the dock. 6) Open Space: There are a few wide grassy areas on hills perfect for do walkers.

We've been here a handful of times to do the ~2 mile trail walk (Giles Run Meadow Trail) with our…read morekids. It's a nice course down around the pond, along the disc golf course, through the woods with changes of elevation, over the river on rocks, and back). The trail is well-worn and you may encounter runners, walkers with dogs, and bikers (though honestly for us it's been very few). The only somewhat bad thing is that it is very often muddy (but it's the woods so what can you do?!). There's a ton of parking, a tiny play area (I wanted to say playground but it's really not), and a floating dock at the pond where you can fish. This park is part of a bigger walkway/trail system which we have not as of yet explored. It would be nice if they had restrooms, so thankfully we live fairly close.

Holmes Run Park (never knew it was a "scenic easement" until I tried to add the Yelp listing) is a…read morelittle over 8 acres of natural wooded area and walking paths in the West End of Alexandria. There are picnic tables and grills, playgrounds, and exercise stations within the park as well. Much of it borders Holmes Run itself, which is pleasant to stroll along, especially after heavy rains when the water is high and tumbling over the small rock ledges. It's a great place to spy a wide variety of birds, white-tail deer, and even fox. In nice weather, Alexandrians take advantage of its trails and open spaces, jogging with their dogs, playing Frisbee, organizing pick-up games of soccer. We feel fortunate to live within spitting distance of the park and use it frequently. Husband is into cycling and uses Holmes Run's paths as a launching point for longer rides. I like to take long walks on the trails, which also connect to Dora Kelly Nature Preserve and Cameron Run Park. On nice days, throngs of our fellow Alexandrians do the same, enjoying this little slice of nature in the city.

This is also known as Brook Valley Park. The trail is very long and I have not been able to walk or…read morerun the whole way but it is nicely shaded. It runs along a creek so the view is cool. There is a pretty cool exercising course along the trail near Beatles Bridge. Also, across from the bridge is a good place to park your car unless you park at the main location called Brenman Park (which I will also review) which is a 5 minute drive. I do feel like the location itself is not safe to run/bike alone so do bring a buddy.

This trail is an absolute gem in Arlington! I have visited in all four seasons in the last seven…read moreyears and it is beautiful all year 'round - especially the foliage in the Fall and luscious greenery in the summer. The trail is quite versatile for runners because you can easily scale how long to run for - I have trained for 8ks through half marathons on this trail. A huge bonus is the idyllic streams and big canopy trees to look at during your runs, rather than just buildings. The trees also provide a welcome shade during the hot summer months. The trail is also quite safe and family friendly. I highly recommend this trail!

A trail running along the water. Well lit and very calming. I only did a fraction out of it, but…read morewhat I did do had an elevated deck and a small 'observation deck'.

I'm still new to cycling and have made it my business to note good local trails with scenic views…read more This is one of them. Located in Charles county, but it feels like you're far away from urban chaos. In fact, some of the views remind me of various vacation spots. I arrived at the trail head approximately 11:00am on a Saturday, which helped me avoid the early morning riders. According to my friends, even early morning rides have moderate trail usage, never crowded. They were finishing up as I got started. This is also important because parking at the trail head is limited. If you start at the beginning and go to the end, it's 13 miles of mostly smooth asphalt. Highway crossings are well marked and there are some inclines. There are also benches & a couple porta potties along the way. I'll return soon and see if I can spot a bald eagle.

If you love the great outdoor you would love the Indian Head Rail Trail. Located in southern…read moreMaryland at the end of Indian Head Hwy 210. You will find a small town with a big future. Come enjoy walking or riding the trail. You will see a lot of wildlife. Be prepared to do a lot of speaking and waving because that is what we do here. The trail is 13 miles one way. Indian Head to White Plains Maryland. One of my favorite things to do on a nice day is to grab my bike and my riding partner T'Challa - my dog literally lol and take the trail by storm. Hope to see you they one day.

Photography by 3Spade7Star (Instagram: @3spade7star_photography)…read more The Mt Vernon Trail begins by the parking lot by the historic manor Mt Vernon, the home of George Washington. It is a paved trail with dips, bridges, and little man made paths in the woods running off the trail down to the sandy coastline area of the Potomac River. An information display of the map of the Mt Vernon Trail shows how it runs through Alexandria, Riverside Park, Ft Hunt, and goes up north of Old Town Alexandria. The trail is 18 miles. It takes about a mile to reach Riverside Park. We walked back and forth the trail , the park, and back to the entrance area of Mt Vernon manor for a leisurely walk and to view wildlife & nature. There are so many beautiful sights of the Potomac River and nature on the trail. I was fascinated to read a history display informing how Mt Vernon was comprised of 8,000 acres and five farms in 1799. Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying that George Washington valued being on the farm more than his position in politics and the military. Despite running alongside the woods and a busy road, the trail is peaceful and a small distance away from where we live. It was a good first experience for both of us to just get away, exercise, and enjoy nature. We walked a total of 2.5 miles that day. It is an easy walk. Lots of free parking at the start of trail. There are many birds and wildflowers alongside the trail - great for photography.

Another nice trail right before long ridge park. A little more winding but not as nice as long…read moreridge park. Running near the water it is another nice option in the area for stroll.

Great place to take a hike on a nature trail with friends and family!! It was a crisp Autumn day…read morefor an exhilarating hike. The trail was moderately difficult but enjoyed the company and used walking sticks from broken branches! We had a big group with three teens, ranging in age from 14, 16, and 18! We all enjoyed the colorful leaves bright red, orange and yellow, just bursts of colors against a blue sky as the sunlight winnowed through the some of the bare trees! Absolutely breathtaking solace with the crunching of leaves as we traversed the trail. There were some steep grades, but fortunately we managed with the aid of the makeshift walking sticks!! Definitely, the Best prescription for the winter doldrums as they approach!!

Bull Run- Occoquan Trail has it all- water, nature, wildlife, history. NoVa's longest natural…read moresurface trail, Bull Run-Occoquan Trail spans for 5,000 acres. My family and housemate went on Memorial Day and found easy parking at 7152 Centreville Rd #7126, Centreville, VA 20121. Here's why you should go: 1) Trail: It's an easy trail. Our four-year-old daughter had no issues hiking the entire time herself. It follows Bull Run with areas to dip into the water. 2) Wildlife: You'll see it all, including snakes. Just be mindful where you step. Most of the snakes are harmless. 3) Nature: Even though close to civilization, you feel like you've escaped the city. 4) History: The trail has ties to the Revolutionary Wat and Civil War. Markers along the trail explain.

Really good trail for biking. 11 miles long and well marked. South end is Baggett Park, north end…read moreis in Hughesville. Mostly level or easy grades. Portapotties available as are benches. Winds thru fields and farms and Forest.

My wife and I frequent this trail to ride our bicycles and enjoy it. The only trail head is…read moreactually at "John V. Baggett Park" in the parking lot near Three Notch Rd. The far end of the trail doesn't have anything, not even a bench or potty. The trail is always clean and has several locations with benches and Port-a potties. The only complaint I might have would be that there are no active watering stations. Bring your drink with you. All crossings with the roads are well marked. The crossing at Leonardtown Rd can get a little crazy as twice we waited for cars to pass and some cars would come to a screeching stop. Don't be too close to the street while waiting for cars to stop at this location. Some crossings have buttons to push so the crossing lights are activated which helps but you still need to be cautious. There are no sections of this trail as to where you have to share the road.. its a full trail. There are some spots on the trail that you might want to go see, like the Amish market at the library or the BBQ restaurant that you will eventually smell and see if you go far enough. There are a few sections of the trail that have rough surface, the Amish buggies are using the trail and you'll eventually see horse poop in the middle of the way while the ruts of the buggies are bumpy. Its a nice trail with farm, city, urban views. If you're looking for a place to exercise, or a relaxing place to ride or walk you should try this trail.

First time here. The Unfinished Railroad Trail is the best. The Second Manassas Trail just leads…read moreback to the street and across to another parking lot. Shaded, but too many bugs.

Had a super awesome time exploring this historic trail which follows the cuts and fills of the…read moreunfinished grade of the Manassas Gap railroad. During the second battle of Manassas the embankments were heavily defended by Stonewall Jackson's troops against the attacks of the vigorous federal troops in Late August of 1862. The trail was well maintained with descriptive and separate signs showing the points of view of the Union and Confederate combatant of the conflict at Deep Cut and vicinity. The trailhead at Featherbed lane is easy to find and there is ample parking. Best to go during the early morning when it's not so hot. I was on a Smithsonian resident associates tour with Ed bearss and Greg clemmer