hiking

AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Washington, D.C.: Four-season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails in Maryland, Virginia, and the Nation’s Capital

By Annie Eddy ’13. Appalachian Mountain Club Books, April 2017. Available on Amazon. Fully revised and updated, this guide offers 50 of the best hikes in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia that can be completed in less than a day. From the ancient rock faces of Calvert Cliffs State Park to the bountiful meadows of northern Virginia, from Chesapeake watersheds to the shores of the Potomac River, visitors and residents alike will delight in the richness of trail experiences in and around D.C. Hikes range from easier strolls past some of the city’s iconic historical monuments and famous cherry trees, to the gorgeous and challenging Harpers Ferry. Each trip includes a detailed map, plus summaries of time, distance, and difficulty level. The book’s at-a-glance trip planner highlights the best hikes near public transportation, for kids, and for canine companions. The trips in this guide will leave you itching to lace up your boots and explore the natural bounty that surrounds the nation’s capital.