Fun times. good memories. Definitely recommend giving it a shot. I'll go back for sure.read more

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.

Awesome hike. I wouldn't say it's "hard" but "moderate" is fair, mostly for the distance I guess…read more The trail is not flat or even, so don't expect that. There are easier shorter trails in the area if you need them. VERY close to Bear Chase which makes a great post hike drink and meal!

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

I look forward to walking through the Preserve with my little dog on a weekly basis. I'm not sure…read moreif it is my dog or myself who likes the Preserve better! Even with the recent hot, humid weather, the hike has been enjoyable because of the shading provided by the beautiful trees and the available resting areas. Parking has never been an issue although I have recently noticed more cars when I visit. It looks like even more people are visiting and enjoying the trails!

Such a beautiful nature walk. I feel very fortunate to have this preserve so close to my house…read more What a great escapade for me and my dog! Love that there are areas to sit and just enjoy the outdoors and nature. Very well maintained and felt safe for a solo female. Highly, highly recommend!

We were visiting the area (Loudoun) for the day and wanted to enjoy a hike to burn off breakfast…read moreand have a decent view at the end so we used the web to search and found this place. It was a really nice hike. Easy to find, just off off Battlefield Parkway. Upon pulling in you can find the walking trail map towards the front center of the lot. They have a few starting points from the lot. We chose the white blaze trail to start and returned on the blue blaze trail. The trail is very easy for the first third. The second third has several hills, but isn't too steep and has bridges over ravines and creeks that need to be crossed. The last portion of the trail is about a 30 - 40 foot descent to the river and it's rather steep. Coming back up, even after walking along the entire riverfront to a different part of the trail was rather steep, so bring appropriate shoes to ensure plenty of traction. The views at the end of the trail, of the Potomac River are amazing! It's really beautiful, quiet and serene! It's a quick hike... one you should try for yourself!

Nice place to hike and get in a quick cardio worky. Be careful if you venture to the water area,…read morethe trail to get there is a bit steep. The views of the river is breathtaking with the sound of the stream soothing over you. Obviously watch if it rains since parking here can be gross during a storm. The parking lot is a gravel area so puddles will abound. Beware! You could probably hike around this park area in a little over an hour if you're physically active. Another one in Loudoun I can cross off.

If you're looking for a short and sweet hike with beautiful views, you just found it…read more This hike is a mere 4 miles out and back, very easy, and less than 2 hours away from DC. The cherry on top - 2 excellent overlooks! The first provides a view of a picturesque little valley with farms and some ponds. The second is a long rocky ledge that looks out over the forest. This weekend, the leaves were just starting to change, but in a couple of weeks - it's going to be spectacular. This is a nice trail for wildlife as well, with skinks running around all over the rocks at the summit and falcons circling the valley. With the short distance and all the highlights, this would be a great hike for kids or for introducing a newbie to hiking.

Moderate due to rocky terrain but well maintained, nice shade up and down trail crosses creek…read more Beautiful view.

- Update - *Several…read morepeople have advised me that the bird that tried to attack me is a Ruffled Grouse!* Apparently, they are well known in the area and confirmed to be aggressive and make strange noises! *Don't say you haven't been warned! :-) Saturday for the Memorial Weekend, I went to Wardensville WV to hike the Eagle Rock. AKA Tuscarora Trail. It's a simple 1 hour from my house. It's part of the Great North Mountain that acts as part of a natural border of WV and VA for some miles. The total miles of the Tuscarora Trail is 252 miles. It runs through PA/MD/WV and VA. It catches some of the Appalacian Trail at the Matthew's Arm Campground area. This trail was built as an alternative route for the Appalacian Trail due to the fear of the AT being shut down from development along the areas. The Tuscarora Trailhead for this location starts on the tippy top of The Great North Mtn on US48/VA55. At this location also you are in George Washington National Forest. You honestly can't miss it. 66w to 81s. Strasburg Exit to US48/VA55 follow for about 17 miles and you crest the mountain. There is a sign at the crest on the left near the wooods saying Tuscarora Trail. You can see it from the road. It slightly catches your eye but on the right side, you will see a big brown sign that says Entering Wardensville Cooperative Wildliffe Management Area. Park at the sign. Do not block the fire gates. I started out a little upset by the amount of hiker garbage on the o/s guardrail. Tons of Ice tea and water bottles littering the entire area. Not just a couple. It's like a ground of plastic bottles here. Also a bit worrisome was the constant gunshots. Over and Over until about the 1.5 mile stretch ends. I even saw Shot gun casings on the path, but I guess the sign did say Wildlife management Area. Geeze. The first mile was strenuous. There, I passed my first and only group of people I ever saw. They seemed to be teens chaperoned by 3 adults. They were catching their breath on the first mile. It was steep. Afterward, it leveled out and you could see you were walking the ridgeline of the mountain by looking o/s the trees to the mountain next door. Same height. From here it went from breathlessly uphill to muscle scortching downhill and leveling out.. over and over.. so overall there was give and take. A lot of the path became weedy and made my legs itchy. Some times it was almost knee length weeds. and the bugs. oh... the bugs. Don't stop for too long. I was breathing in a lot of bug protien on Saturday, let me tell you I had bugs for prelunch, lunch and snack! You could hear them around your head like a beehive. It was very much more wild than SNP. You could feel the wildness out here... I swear I am surprised I didn't see a bear. It was definately Bear Country! Speaking of this, let me also tell you what scared the living heck out of me up there. (Turns out after the scare I was laughing out loud all to myself but at the the time... I thought I was going to die) I heard some leaves russling... I slowed down and made a little noise...This...This... Turkey Bird Thing races out of the woods at full turkey bird speed and is coming right at me. It puffs up it's whole body and the tail spreads out like a Turkey but it's not big like a Turkey, more of a chicken size but fatter.... anyway this thing runs to me with his body puffed out and all I could do was walk backward and shout No over and over and over.. It's amazing I didn't fall down! That bird was litterally attacking me. I guess there was a nest along the patch in the woods and I was a bit close but OMG, If it were a bear, I'd be dead. That simple. Freaking Bird. OMG.... so it went off to the right and made this sound like a beaten dog.. wimpering..it was terrible. and When I started on my way, it followed me ! It was walking in the woods making that sickening noise for a good couple yards...That whole situation made me wonder about this dumb whistle I brought with me for safety. wow. wth is this whistle going to do! I forgot it was even in my hand! and that was a bird! lol. So later at a rock outcrop I almost sit on the one snake I saw the entire time. He was identical to the rock. Identical. I looked right at him and sat next to him. (?!?) The views were nice. A good change from SNP views. I'm glad I chose to hike this mountain this summer. There's so much more of it to hike and it even meets up with the Stairway to Heaven I did a couple weeks prior. I'm interested in exploring it a bit more. I may need to invest in a bigger whistle and perhaps a nice size knife as well. In the end, I was trying to outhike the storm on the way back to the car. I almost made it. But I was dripping wet once I turned the key! It was a great day and a great hike.

Absolutely beautiful landscapes and views of the valley and ridge lines. The hike is a short…read moredistance (0.8 miles) to the view point, but the change in elevation makes it a great workout.

The Monocacy Aqueduct is an engineering marvel that is a part of the long-abandoned C&O Canal…read moresystem. The C&O Canal was the interstate highway system of it's day, except the tractor-trailers were boats, and the power was provided by river current. The aqueduct allowed the canal boats to safely traverse a natural river (in this case, the Monacacy River) on it's route. I love coming here. It's interesting, it's peaceful, and it's a good walk around the aqueduct and one of the nearby locks. It is kind of out in the country, and it's not that easy to get to. It's not "interactive", there is no gift shop, there are no tours, just a tiny parking lot and the remains of what used to be something great. Just one of the universe of reasons I like this place - from the Wikipedia entry for the Monacacy Aqueduct: "During the American Civil War the Union used the canal to transport war materials and troops along the border between Maryland, Virginia, and points west. For this reason the canal as well as the aqueducts were often under Confederate attack. There were many Confederate sympathizers among the canal employees, including Thomas Walter, keeper of Lock 27. Walter loved the South, but he loved the Monocacy Aqueduct more. When he learned that Confederate General D. H. Hill had orders to destroy it in order to halt boat traffic during the Antietam campaign in September 1862, Walter convinced Hill that draining the canal would achieve the same end. Walter saved the Monocacy Aqueduct, only for it to be threatened once again a few days later when another Confederate party attempted to blow up the aqueduct. However, the soldiers were unable to drill enough holes into the hard stone to place enough explosives to breach the structure." It remained standing then, and it still remains standing today, although unused for the purpose it was built. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit.

If you're into history, stop by Monocacy Aqueduct. Built in 1833 over the C&O Canal, it was used to…read morehelp transport supplies to the Union Army during the Civil War. It was so important that the Confederacy tried to unsuccessfully burn it several times. Today, it's a park open to the public. There's a small parking lot, plaques that tell its history and open restrooms.

11 years later, Saturday June 25th I finally came back to finish what I started…read more . Let me say, I hike a lot! I don't mind 10 miles flat or up and down. This trail however, was brutal! Rocks, boulders and more rocks. That was my trail path. It takes more time and more energy. Know this* My foot hit the path at 1pm. I got in my car for home at 7:39pm. Not bad considering the situation, but tbh, I didn't think I was going to make it. It was exhausting but great part is, it's a round trip. Not one way, turn around and go back. Start out on Massanutten trail to reach the TV station (hence Signal knob) then return to parking on the Tuscarora trail. So silent, unlike the A.T and NPS in the area. The Tuscarora is more wild and silent. How I feel about it, anyway. . I need a badge for hiking this for real. You know how you get tired and you don't pick your feet up high enough you stub your feet on the rocks? Well with the trail being nothing but rocks, my toe is feeling it. Check my toe pic. I literally started cursing the trail everytime I stubbed my toe. Such an adventure!!! I love to hate it.

One of my new favorite local hikes - this 10.5 mile loop is a great workout and only 1.5 hours from…read moreDC. This trail also has more than its fair share of gorgeous vistas. In the first few miles, you'll climb over 2,000 feet and be rewarded by a view of the surrounding mountains. The valley below acts as a fog basin some mornings, making for a beautiful sight. The Fort Valley overlook comes a bit later. This one is great in the fall and winter, but offers less of a view when the leaves are out. When you reach Signal Knob, there is a panoramic view of Strasburg. This area is more developed, but still picturesque and a perfect lunch spot. Be careful when hiking this trail after a storm. The ascent is narrow, steep, and rocky at points - icy or wet rocks add to the difficulty factor. Solid shoes and sure feet are a plus! After all that hard work, you probably need some fresh apple cinnamon donuts. Happily, that's easy to accomplish. On your way back to DC, stop at exit 13 and pick some up from the Apple House.

Great place with great views!…read more Pop "Woodstock Tower" into Google Maps, and it will take you to the right spot (Apple Maps only took me to the trailhead a distance away). This will put you near a little overlook off the dirt road or if you keep going, a small gravel parking lot. Be prepared to drive on dirt and gravel roads for over a mile to get here; you are going the right way! This end of the trail has a clearly marked sign saying it is the Woodstock Tower. From either of those parking lots it's only about ¼ mile walk to get to the tower. The path varies from rocky to flat dirt. Loads of hickory nuts line the path. You could also come from the other end of the trail, which is over a mile away in the other direction. The climb up is steep but manageable (I'd recommend being more careful descending!) with metal steps. Considering she's still standing 90 years after her construction, I'd say the tower is stable. Hats off to the Civilian Conservation Corps for building this lasting landmark! The views from the top are great and worth the short walk and short climb. I met a local man at the top who shoots a lot of videos from up there. He did warn that sometimes there are black bears in the area; I never saw one my whole time, but just keep alert. It was a little cold on the mid-October day we were there and the top of the mountain did mean lots of cross wind, so dress appropriately. Unless you're weird about heights (apologies to my wife; thanks for walking out to it with us, Baby), this is a worthwhile visit. Definitely recommend!

What a pleasant surprise! We drove up the mountain on Christmas Eve and simply enjoyed the views…read more Our goal of finding the tower wasn't easy being that my bf hadn't been up there since he was a kid. Nevertheless we found it :-) I was a bit apprehensive of climbing it at first but took baby steps lol. What a beautiful scenery once you reach the top. Great experience!

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!

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.