5 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES TO HIT UP THIS FALL IN THE GREATER DC METRO AREA
As a military spouse living in Maryland’s Capital (Annapolis), fall is always my favorite time of year. The welcomed change in seasons brings cooler temperatures, a shift back into school routines, plenty of activities, sports, and more. As a busy family of five, we love to get outdoors, and what better way to connect with nature than hiking. Whenever our calendar allows for a half-day trip to the great outdoors, we’re all over it!
Here are just a few spots suitable for families within an hour of the DC Metro Area.
Greenbury Point
11 Bayview Terrace
Annapolis, MD
Greenbury Point, located on the United States Naval Academy’s Annex property, and managed by NSA Annapolis, is just across the Severn River from USNA in the heart of downtown Annapolis.
Greenbury Point is the perfect spot for families with children of all ages. Nestled in an ideal location on the point of where the Severn River feeds into the Chesapeake Bay, Greenbury Point boasts a flat terrain and breathtaking bayfront views.
Our family loves to hike and bike this trail. Parking just outside of the trailhead is free, and ID cards are not required to gain access to the annex side of the property.
Bacon Ridge Natural Area
1555 Severn Chapel Road
Crownsville, MD 21032
As a native of Northern California, my husband Ben has had a hard time finding hiking and mountain biking trails that live up to his standards for adventure.
Fortunately, he loves taking our three children (ages 11, 9 and 6) hiking and biking at Bacon Ridge Natural Area, just down the road from Annapolis in Crownsville, MD.
With a hillier, rockier terrain than Greenbury Point, and over 20 miles of well-maintained trails, this spot is perfect for hiking with kids or biking with more seasoned riders.
With multiple parking lots and trailhead entrances, Bacon Ridge is easy to access from multiple points in Anne Arundel County as well as Interstate 50 from DC as well as Northern Virginia. Pets on leases are also welcome!
Great Falls
9200 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, VA 22102
Great Falls, operated by the National Park Service and located just minutes from the Pentagon, is a must-see attraction this fall for military families.
Fall is an ideal time to visit Great Falls, with the color-changing leaves all around and gorgeous scenery to take in.
With 15 miles of hiking trails spanning a wide variety of incline and difficulty-level, Great Falls offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River and more. With entrances to the various trailheads conveniently located on both the Virginia and Maryland side’s of the I-495 beltway, Great Falls is easily accessible from multiple points in the Greater DC Metropolitan area.
Insider Tip: The Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of the park is the most family-friendly route, best for hikers of all ages and abilities!
Patapsco Valley State Park
8020 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21403
Patapsco Valley State Park is a beautiful state park spanning over 32 miles along the Patapsco River in Maryland.
Founded in 1907, Patapsco State Park is Maryland’s oldest state park, and is widely known in the area for its family-friendly nature trails with views of breathtaking waterfalls.
Hiking isn’t all that this state park offers – additionally, visitors can camp, fish, bike, canoe, and horseback ride. Trails are designated as either “hiker only” or “multi-use” to make choosing your route straightforward.
Patapsco Valley is a must-stop this fall for those in the DMV Area!
Insider Tip: Avoid visiting on a holiday weekend or federal holiday during the week. Opt for a mid-week or off-season visit if you can to avoid crowds. Last but not least, make sure to stop through historic Ellicott City nearby on your way out for lunch or dinner!
Calvert Cliffs State Park
10540 H Trueman Road
Lusby, MD 20657
Last but not least, don’t sleep on Calvert Cliffs State Park in Calvert County, MD!
For the best views of the Chesapeake Bay, add this stop to your fall adventure list. 24 miles of cliffs along the bay are protected by this park, which offers hiking trails, camping, a playground, fishing and more.
Have younger kiddos? Calvert Cliffs is known for its fossil hunting, which is a great activity for even the tiniest explorers. Visitors may fossil hunt along the many miles of beachfront that span the park along the Chesapeake Bay. Over 600 species of fossils from the Miocene Era (10 to 20 million years ago) have been identified in the park!
Fall Adventures Await in the DMV Area
Whether your family is looking for a quick half-day hike close to Annapolis or a full-day excursion into the greater DC area, the DMV is full of trails and natural escapes perfect for autumn.
From bayfront walks at Greenbury Point to fossil hunting at Calvert Cliffs, each spot offers its own unique way to soak in the season’s crisp air and colorful landscapes.
So grab your jackets, pack some snacks, and make room on the calendar—your next fall adventure is just around the corner.
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