Hiking Parks

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park stretches 184 miles from Washington DC, through Maryland, and West Virginia, eventually ending in Cumberland, Maryland. The towpath is a wide, smooth multi-use trail that follows the Potomac River. Some of the original lift locks that raised the canal from sea level at Georgetown to 610 feet at Cumberland, MD are still in existence.

Situated along a beautiful, rocky section of the Potomac River, Great Falls Tavern is one of the 6 visitor centers along the C&O National Historic Park. This section contains about 14 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Billy Goat Trail. As its name implies, the Billy Goat Trail is part hike, part rock-scramble along a cliff face. It has fantastic views of Mather Gorge and the Potomac River.

Chippokes Plantation State Park is one of the oldest working farms in the United States, having been in operation since the 1600's. It is a living history museum, located rural Surry County along the James River. The park includes several historic buildings and a farm and a forestry museum with antique farming equipment.
Activities available include picnicking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Also, the park has a beach with access at the visitor center.

The battle of Cold Harbor was one of the final conflicts of General Grant’s Overland Campaign during the Civil War and one of the bloodiest in our country's history. The battlefield is now part of the Cold Harbor Battlefield Park, which maintains 3 separate locations that all explain events that unfolded here during the summer of 1864. The park's Visitor Center is the starting point for the auto tour of the battlefield. There are a few miles of hiking trails in each of the 3 park locations, which have markers that explain significant events that occurred at that location. Confederate and Union breastworks can be seen in several locations along the way.

Nestled in the scenic countryside of northern New Jersey, the Columbia Rail Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. Stretching along the path of a former railroad line, this picturesque trail winds through lush woodlands, alongside babbling brooks, and past historic landmarks, providing a peaceful oasis for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.

Conway Robinson State Forest, a 450 acre park, located in Gainesville, Virginia is a scenic wooded forest with about 7 miles of beginner to intermediate single track and double track. The trails are multi-use, seeing hikers, equestrians, geocachers and mountain bikers. Most of the trails are flat and smooth, great for beginner mountain bikers. A couple of the trails have log piles and rock gardens where the intermediate rider can hone their technical skills.

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park stands as a testament to both natural splendor and significant historical importance. Spanning the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, this expansive park offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. From awe-inspiring hiking trails to poignant reminders of America's past, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park beckons adventurers and history buffs alike to embark on a journey of discovery.

Located in the picturesque Cumberland Valley of central Pennsylvania, this converted railroad bed is now an 11 mile crushed limestone trail that runs from Shippensburg to Newville. The wide, flat surface makes this a perfect place for the entire family to enjoy a leisurely bike ride. The path takes you through open farmland with views of the Appalachians to the west. Plans are to extend the trail all the way to Carlisle, which would make it a 22 mile long trail.

Deep Run Park has a small network of beginner to intermediate mountain biking trails. In addition, it has walking paths, a small lake, picnic areas and a recreation center. On nice weekends, expect a large crowd.

Dolly Sods Wilderness is part of the Monongahela National Forest system. Much of the land in the higher elevations consists of eco-systems that are more commonly seen much further north in Canada. The 17,000 acre wilderness has 47 miles of hiking trails, many of which follow old logging roads and railroad grades. The area is very popular with hikers, backpackers, cross-country skiers, and campers.