A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near McLean, Virginia

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Scott's Run Nature Preserve - Outer Loop

Hike Route

Scott's Run Nature Preserve - Outer Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.09 mi
+437 ft
Scott's Run Nature Preserve

Hike Route

Scott's Run Nature Preserve

Views
easy
2.35 mi
+317 ft
Billy Goat Trail C Loop

Hike Route

Billy Goat Trail C Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
2.64 mi
+91 ft
Berma Road to Billy Goat Trail Section A

Hike Route

Berma Road to Billy Goat Trail Section A

Less Crowded
strenuous
3.72 mi
+200 ft
Great Falls Park - South Loop

Hike Route

Great Falls Park - South Loop

Birding
moderate
3.13 mi
+272 ft
Short Overlook Loop

Hike Route

Short Overlook Loop

Birding
easy
1.23 mi
+15 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Seneca Trails Route

Hike Route

Seneca Trails Route

Lake
moderate
32.14 mi
+2,140 ft
Bull Run-Occoquan Trail

Hike Route

Bull Run-Occoquan Trail

Birding
moderate
18.14 mi
+1,746 ft
Manassas Battlefield Bridle Trail Loop

Hike Route

Manassas Battlefield Bridle Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
10.35 mi
+382 ft
Patapsco Perimeter

Hike Route

Patapsco Perimeter

Birding
strenuous
16.17 mi
+1,729 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Riverbend--Great Falls Loop

Hike Route

Riverbend--Great Falls Loop

Birding
strenuous
7.35 mi
+520 ft
Reston Loop

Hike Route

Reston Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
9.46 mi
+343 ft
Rock Creek Park Loop: Western Ridge to Valley Trails

Hike Route

Rock Creek Park Loop: Western Ridge to Valley Trails

Birding
moderate
8.74 mi
+896 ft
Valley Trail - Entire Length

Hike Route

Valley Trail - Entire Length

Birding
moderate
5.3 mi
+450 ft
Wakefield/Accotink Loop

Hike Route

Wakefield/Accotink Loop

Lake
easy
5.29 mi
+173 ft
Perimeter Trail

Hike Route

Perimeter Trail

Birding
moderate
5.21 mi
+331 ft