Get Outside On Your Own: Local Resources

The DMV has a plethora of places for outdoor activities and exploration! Below is a list of some of our favorites that are perfect for a quick day trip or long-weekend.

Hikes within walking/biking distance from campus:

• Theodore Roosevelt Island: just across the Potomac via the Key Bridge with three different trails allow for easy exploration
• Glover Archbold Park Trail (Rock Creek Park): right next to campus (access next to Yates or on Reservoir Road)
• C&O Canal: non-paved surface that extends over 185 miles, perfect for walking, running, and biking, exit campus via the Canal Street exit, turn right and take the Foundry Branch tunnel under the road to reach the trail
• Capital Crescent Trail: paved trail that heads North towards Bethesda, great for running and biking, exit campus via the Canal Street exit, turn right and take the Foundry Branch tunnel under the road to reach the trail   
• Fletcher’s Cove: great picnic location, follow the C&O or Capital Crescent roughly 2 miles North from campus
• Potomac Heritage Trail: trail follows along the Potomac River, start at Roosevelt Island and head North to the American Legion Bridge (view of Little Falls)

Hikes within a 30-min drive of campus

• Great Falls, VA: a handful of trails all ≤1.5 miles, along the river, canal, through forested areas, and old own ruins
• Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls, MD: gorgeous views along the Potomac with rock scrambling!
• Scott’s run Nature Preserve: a bunch of trails to choose from with great waterfall views
• National Arboretum: garden exhibits

Longer day trips / Overnight camping destinations 

• Shenandoah National Park (VA)
• Sky Meadow State Park (Delaplane, VA)
• Cunningham Falls State Park (Frederick, MD): Catoctin Mountain Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Reserve)
• Sugarloaf Mountain (Sugarloaf, MD)

Transportation options:

• Capital share bike (student discount $25/year) 
• Bus ($2/ride)
• Rent a zip car
• Uber (can be relatively cheap if you split with your group!)

Other non-hiking outdoor activities:

• Dumbarton oaks (gardens and museums): start from Lovers’ Lane off of R Street 
• Kayaking & SUP (Standup paddling) on the Potomac in at Georgetown boathouse
• Kayaking on the Wharf
• Rock climbing at Carderock, MD
• Biking! Georgetown students can sign up for a $25/year Capital Bike Share membership (normally it’s $95/year so this is a good deal)
• Ice Skating at the Georgetown Waterfront (typically November – March)
• Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden (typically November – March)  
• Apple picking (Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, MD)
• Pumpkin patch (Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, MD, Cox farms in Centerville, VA)
• Fishing (Fletcher’s Cove, Anacostia Park, Clopper Lake, Cunningham Falls State Park)

Please take some pointers from the National Park Service and Recreate Responsibly when you go:

• Know before you go
• Plan and prepare
• Know your limits
• Keep it inclusive
• Respect others