Dumfries, Virginia

Top Spots in and near Dumfries

Nanjemoy, Maryland
Paddle through the Ghost Fleet of the Potomac at Mallows Bay

4.5

The Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay, as it's now known, is the result of our great nation's call for 1,000 wartime transport vessels to be built in 18 months. The quick deadline led to hasty construction and, when World War I ended before the contract was fulfilled, hundreds of ships sat unused. Attem...
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Lorton, Virginia
Woodmarsh Trail

4.0

2.83 mi / 154 ft gain

Just at the entrance to Mason Neck State Park is the Woodmarsh Trail. The entire loop is about 3 miles. This is a pleasant easy hike that is relatively flat with no rocks to speak of. The trail wanders through a forest and passes by a large swamp along the Potomac River. There is one well built o...
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Clifton, Virginia
Hike the Bull Run Occoquan Trail

13 mi

The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is located in Fairfax County, Virginia and is 50 miles outside Washington, DC and runs along the Bull Run waterway for 6.5 miles from Bull Run Marina to Fountainhead Regional Park. The blue blazed trail undulates for a total ascent of 1,510 ft and descent of 1,526 ft, ...
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Fairfax Station, Virginia
Explore Burke Lake in Fairfax

4.5

4.7 mi / 0 ft gain

Burke Lake Park has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, or just having a picnic with your family, you can do it all at Burke Lake. Those who want to be active or exercise can run, hike or biket the 4.7 mile trail that circles the entir...
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Manassas, Virginia
Trail Run at Bull Run

5.0

4 mi

Great spot for a run! Very accessible for those in the DC region. A good starting point is the Henry Hill Visitor Center. If you want to avoid any crowds, start early. From the Henry Hill Visitor Center, you can't really go wrong (as far as direction is concerned) since most trails can be linke...
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Manassas, Virginia
Hike and Explore Bull Run Battlefield

4.3

1.2 mi

Located about 40 minutes from D.C. just off I-66 in Manassas, VA. Henry Hill is the starting point and headquarters that can lead you to multiple trails ranging from 1-5 miles depending on the route you choose here. Ample parking at HQ as well as clean restrooms. Tours are available here. Rolling...
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Alexandria, Virginia
Run or Bike the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

3 mi

Start your adventure at the Belle Haven Parking area then head down the Dyke Marsh Trail. To add on additional distance, head south down the Mt. Vernon Trail for more views, well maintained paths, and even some sitting areas. You'll find boardwalks that take you right across the marsh, so keep an...
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Falls Church, Virginia
Bike the W&OD Trail

45 mi

The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail stretches through northern Virginia and is a great spot for bike riding, running, or walking. The trail is paved, well maintained, and wide enough for traffic in both directions. There are also a couple breweries along the way that you can make a f...
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Arlington, Virginia
Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island

4.3

2 mi

It seems only fitting that the president who gave us our national parks would have one all to his own. Located on the edge of Washington D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a glimpse of what the city may have looked like before the politicians, before the marble buildings, before the traffic-...
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Washington, District of Columbia
Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial

4.8

Located on the far-west portion of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. stands the Lincoln Memorial. At almost 100 feet tall, this majestic structure overlooks the reflecting pool and offers an iconic view of the Washington Monument. Parking is almost always an issue near the Lincoln Memorial, ...
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Arlington, Virginia
Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail

5.0

14 mi

Start your ride at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking area and head southbound towards Mt. Vernon. You'll be riding next to the Potomac the entire time, with great views of the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Memorial Bridge. The ride is as long as you want to mak...
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Arlington, Virginia
Fish the Potomac River in Arlington

Parking along 36th Road in Arlington, VA, head down the path on the Gulf Branch Trail. Walk northeast for roughly a quarter mile, where you will intersect with the Potomac River. Find a spot along the sand, cast out, and watch the catfish bite! Chicken liver seems to work well. Don't forget to h...
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McLean, Virginia
Scott's Run Nature Preserve Loop

4.2

2.51 mi / 397 ft gain

This nature preserve can be hiked year-round and is a sanctuary for rare wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife including deer and fox. There are six main interconnecting trails that run through the preserve; winding their way around matured hardwood forest, sheer bluffs, and rocky cliffs overloo...
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Washington, District of Columbia
National Mall in Washington D.C.

4.7

4.99 mi / 89 ft gain

Everyone has so many things on their plates these days that take all their time up. It is hard to get away for adventures or to experience new things. The National Mall in Washington D.C. is within an hour from millions of people on the East Coast. This centralized location makes the National Mal...
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McLean, Virginia
Difficult Run, Ridge, and River Trails

4.5

3.28 mi / 463 ft gain

Difficult Run is a popular hiking location right down the street from Great Falls National Park. Starting at the Difficult Run parking lot you head to the trail at the far end of the lot. The trail will split. The green blazes will take you to the left but you can also stay to the right and hike ...
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McLean, Virginia
Turkey Run to Dead Run

4.0

2.65 mi / 440 ft gain

Turkey Run Park is available to hikers year-around and is located just off of George Washington Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The exits are clearly marked and you simply drive to parking lot C-1 to start this hike. Turkey Run has numerous trail options available but I chose an out-and-back. When ...
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