Washington, D.C. has plenty of fine paved running routes throughout the city, but if you’re interested in a more natural experience, you’ll want to look a little further. Here are five awesome trail running spots in and around the D.C. area that’ll transport you from the cement jungle to the real thing.
The Fort Circle Park National Recreation Trail is a perfect running getaway for Civil War buffs and those that don’t believe D.C. has much open space to offer. This 7.9-mile trail connects Forts Chaplin, DuPont, and Mahan, used as defensive forts in the Civil War. According to the official website, the trail “runs along the traces of old roadways, through forests of oaks, beech, maples, and pine.” Runners will find a natural earth surface here.
The Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax County, Virginia, has over 2,000 acres of outdoor areas, perfect for all kinds of recreational activities. The park, just over 30 miles outside of the capitol, boasts an 18-mile, dog-friendly trail with a dirt surface. Make sure you bring your trail running shoes!
The Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, Virginia, is another wonderful location for trail running near the D.C. area. The trails are largely part of the greater Potomac Heritage Trail System, although you can always go off the beaten path to make your own. You’ll find over three miles of natural surface trails, as well as tons more throughout the park.
Stop by the Seneca Creek State Park, just 20 miles outside of D.C., for over 6,300 acres of outdoorsy goodness. Visitors can choose between marked hiking and running trails and more challenging trails following the Seneca Creek. You’ll find nearly 30 miles of trails throughout the park to keep you running.
The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail in Fairfax County, Virginia, has a wide variety of surfaces for all different kinds of runners. But for those interested in stepping off asphalt and onto a more natural path, you’ll want to stay to the Difficult Run. The entire trail is over 40 miles long, so make sure to chart a path ahead of time to avoid getting lost.
