Hike the Appalachian Trail in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland

Located atop South Mountain in western Maryland, Washington Monument State Park is the site of the first monument dedicated to the nation’s first president, George Washington. After checking out the monument, stop in the nearby museum to see historical artifacts related to George Washington and the Civil War Battle of South Mountain. Most of the hiking trails within the park are part of the Appalachian Trail.

Originally the mountain home of Civil War journalist George Alfred Townsend, Gathland State Park now features restored buildings and a museum with artifacts from Townsend’s life and the Battle of South Mountain. Follow the AT through the park to pass the War Correspondent’s Arch, a National historic monument dedicated to the memory of Civil War journalists.

This popular trail is a moderate hike appropriate for most age ranges. The lookout at Annapolis Rock displays stunning views of the Cumberland Valley and Greenbrier Lake. Great for trail running or day hikes, the area offers campsites for overnight stays as well.

With easy access from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the hike to Humpback Rocks in Virginia is well-traveled. The trail to the top is just 1.6 kilometers; the ascent is difficult, but there are benches for resting along the way. There is a visitor center on the Parkway at milepost 5.8. – stop here to check out the farm museum.

Just a few hours south of D.C., Cole Mountain Trail (sometimes referred to as Cold Mountain) in central Virginia is a moderate hike of about 9.5 kilometers that offers panoramic valley views at its summit. Be sure to stop at the Cow Camp Gap shelter where you can find a hikers’ log where AT through-hikers and backpackers leave notes about their journeys.

One of the most-photographed sections of the AT, the McAfee Knob trail outside Roanoke, Virginia is as popular as it is rewarding. Plan an overnight stay to see the cultural attractions in town.

A 4.5-kilometer section of the AT runs through this state park in southwest Virginia. This park is well-known for its population of wild ponies, which you are likely to see during your hike. For unforgettable 360-degree views, take the Rhododendron Trail to the AT, then hike along Wilburn Ridge.

Just 42 kilometers west of Washington, D.C., Washington Dulles International Airport is centrally located in the Capital Region USA and convenient to all destinations and activities across Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Nonstop flights to Washington Dulles International Airport from major destinations worldwide make getting here easy.