7, Smithsburg, Maryland

Bears Den is a collection of rocks and boulders that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia, just off the Appalachian Trail. You have two options to access this overlook: park at the bottom of the mountain and hike up to the overlook via the trail, or drive to the top and access the...

Starting at a small parking lot right off of Route 7 (wuick right onto Pine Grove Road) this hike takes you North on the Appalachian Trail in a very hilly/rocky part of the trail. Expect to gain and lose 300 feet+ multiple times! It's about 2.5 miles each way so budget at least a few hours to go ...

This is one of Baltimore's little known gems. The area contains an ecosystem which is essentially non-existent outside of the Appalachian mountain regions. It has also been seemingly under-appreciated and abused by locals. I am trusting that the Outbound Collective community will do its part to e...

Park in the area off of Deer Park road to access the trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Trail can get muddy in the spring, and there are some stream crossings. 

From Deer Park Road, parking is available at the nature center or the scenic overlook (about 100 yards up the road). I typically park at the overlook as this affords the ability to hike trails on either side of the road, and always finish the hike back at the car. From the parking area you are ju...

Park at the Meadowside Nature Center to Access the trailhead. This is a 3.4 mile loop with opportunities for birding and observing wildlife. Dogs are welcome on leash. 

Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble is a point-to-point trail where you may see local wildlife located near Ashburn, Virginia.

This hike will start on the Appalachian Trail and will take you to a beautiful set of falls.  When you arrive at the location you will see numerous spots along the side of the road to park. You'll need to look for the white blaze for the Appalachian Trail (it will head up from the parking area). ...

Make sure you park in the designated spots located above the Dam. Walk across the Dam road bridge and about mid way stop and take a look over the edge. You will be greeted with the a beautiful view of the valley. To explore more keep walking over the dam bridge and walk down the stairs to view ...

This trail is best accessed from the Quaker Race Day Use Area or from the Cabin Colony for cabin occupants. This trail has a dirt or rocky surface, uneven terrain and one steep but short hill. This trail connects to Lakeside Trail at its end to form a 3-mile loop that passes through diverse habit...

This hike utilizes the Potomac Heritage Trail from Riverbend Park to Great Falls National Park. This section is an easy, mostly flat trail that will take you along the Potomac until you reach Great Falls National Park. When you reach Riverbend Park turn right into the parking lot. At the end of t...

Starting at Algonkian Regional Park and ending at Riverbend Park, this 8.5 mile canoe trip is a perfect way to get away from the traffic that is Northern Virginia.  Paddling hard, people have completed it in 4 hours.  It can easily be turned into an all day trip lasting 8 or more hours, if paddli...

Small park with nice walking trails, picnic tables, and a waterfall that cascades down from a dam. Its a wonderful place to take the family or just go for a breath of fresh air. Its also right near the downtown area of Aldie, which has a bakery, juice/smoothie shop, and other great shops to stop ...

Park in the lot on Bunker Hill Road and then continue a short ways to the trailhead (see map). There are no bridges for crossing the water so be prepared to pick your way across. 

Park in the lot as indicated on the map (see below). This trail is accessible year round, dog-friendly, and is great for families. 

Just outside of Washington DC is a great hike and rock scramble you don't want to miss. Great Falls lies in both Virginia and Maryland and has beautiful views of the Potomac River. Start out at the Great Falls Tavern parking lot (Maryland side), and keep in mind it is $10 to park here if you don...