7 tree-centric hikes near the Potomac River to fall in love with this autumn
Stepping outside and enjoying the vibrant leaves this fall is one of our favorite ways to get out in the Potomac River region
Women looking out to the river in autumn
This autumn, we’re falling in love with the trees and how they help improve the Potomac River’s water quality. Trees are one of our most powerful nature-based solutions to filtering out pollutants like excess nutrients and sediment that harm the river. During extreme storms, the tree canopy slows heavy rainfall, helping soil absorb the water overflows and trapping polluted runoff – the only growing source of pollution to the Potomac River.
What’s not to fall in love with?
One of our favorite ways to enjoy the Potomac River region is hiking among the trees and leaf peeping. We’ve gathered our favorite hikes in the area, including the best ones for spotting fall foliage!
Boulder Bridge in rock creek park Dc
1. Rock Creek Valley Trail Loop, DC – 4 miles
If you’re looking for a public transit-accessible hike, this is it! The trailhead is a 20-minute walk from the Cleveland Park Metro station or a 15-minute walk from the closest L2 station. You’ll be hiking alongside Rock Creek for part of it, so there are many photo opportunities.
Great falls, VA in the fall
2. Great Falls Overlook via Billy Goat and Canal Trail, MD – 5 miles
This is considered a challenging route, but the views of the Potomac are hard to beat! If you’re not sold yet, there are other fantastic reasons to check out this area, like the chance to spot incredible wildlife and appreciate the local biodiversity.
Overlooking harpers ferry in the fall. Photo credit: keppet CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
3. Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry, WV – 4.5 miles
Sometimes, what you want most in a hike is an intense workout. That’s where this trail comes in! At the end of the hike, you’ll be able to see where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, which is well worth the 1,000-foot gain!
A trail in little bennet park during autumn
4. Sidewinder Trail and Dark Branch Loop, Little Bennet Park, MD – 4 miles
This trail is open all year, but we think fall is the optimal time to visit. Trees cover most of the trail and look extra pretty when the leaves change color. Plus, your four-legged friends are welcome on this hike!
Theodore Roosevelt Island, dc in the fall when the leaves are changing
5. Theodore Roosevelt Island, DC – 1.8 miles
Like mixing history with your nature activities? This 88.5-acre island is a quiet retreat from the city. Most of the island is wooded with native hardwood trees and shrubs, so you’ll have plenty of views of the changing leaves. It is a 20-minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station, or you can bike there via the Mount Vernon Trail.
6. Sugarland Run and Folly Lick Loop, VA – 4.6 miles
If you’re looking for a trail with less foot traffic and some pretty creek views, this is for you. It is a relatively flat trail, freeing your mind to focus on dazzling leaves.
Fallen leaves at clopper lake trail. photo credit: Mr.TinMD CC BY-ND 2.0
7. Clopper Lake Trail, MD – 3.7 miles
This trail is the one for a semi-flat hike with plentiful water views. You can look forward to taking great photos of Clopper Lake during an autumn visit. And if you keep your eyes open, you might spot a cormorant or blue heron!