A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Washington, 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.

Big Devils Stairs Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Big Devils Stairs Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
moderate
4.75 mi
+834 ft
South and North Mount Marshall Out-and-Back

Hike Route

South and North Mount Marshall Out-and-Back

Views
moderate
3.89 mi
+846 ft
North Marshall

Hike Route

North Marshall

Birding
moderate
0.6 mi
+202 ft
Compton Peak from Jenkins Gap

Hike Route

Compton Peak from Jenkins Gap

Geologically Significant
moderate
3.26 mi
+824 ft
Compton Gap to Compton Peak

Hike Route

Compton Gap to Compton Peak

Birding
moderate
2.28 mi
+767 ft
Compton Gap North

Hike Route

Compton Gap North

Fall Colors
moderate
1.49 mi
+291 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.

Little Devil Stairs with AT Loop

Hike Route

Little Devil Stairs with AT Loop

Views
strenuous
10.32 mi
+2,616 ft
Tuscarora to Toms Brook: Shenandoah and GW

Hike Route

Tuscarora to Toms Brook: Shenandoah and GW

Waterfall
strenuous
54.44 mi
+11,847 ft
Neighbor Mountain - Jeremys Run Loop

Hike Route

Neighbor Mountain - Jeremys Run Loop

Birding
strenuous
13.49 mi
+2,485 ft
Nicholson Hollow

Hike Route

Nicholson Hollow

Birding
strenuous
11.09 mi
+2,234 ft
Whiteoak Canyon - Hawksbill Summit Loop

Hike Route

Whiteoak Canyon - Hawksbill Summit Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
13 mi
+3,638 ft
Signal Knob

Hike Route

Signal Knob

Views
strenuous
10.12 mi
+2,233 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.

Little Devil Stairs Loop

Hike Route

Little Devil Stairs Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.32 mi
+1,507 ft
Overall Run Falls via Thompson Hollow

Hike Route

Overall Run Falls via Thompson Hollow

Less Crowded
strenuous
7.75 mi
+1,955 ft
Old Rag Loop

Hike Route

Old Rag Loop

Birding
strenuous
8.95 mi
+2,505 ft
Shawls Gap to High Peak

Hike Route

Shawls Gap to High Peak

Birding
moderate
7.93 mi
+1,813 ft
Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop

Hike Route

Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.74 mi
+2,409 ft
Hawksbill and Franklin Cliffs

Hike Route

Hawksbill and Franklin Cliffs

Views
strenuous
8.51 mi
+1,956 ft