Does anyone have any scenic trail suggestions in the DC area? Preferably along the water. (Doesn't have to be secluded). My friend is coming in this weekend and I am new to the area myself. We probably wouldn't want to walk anymore than 5 miles. I was thinking somewhere along the Potomac or Rock Creek Park, but I've never been to either so I don't know how scenic they are. Please include parking suggestions and starting/stopping points.

Kellie

I would recommend Great Falls National Park.

http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/grfa/

I'd say Great Falls is a good choice, BUT the Maryland side is a bit nicer, plus you get the tow path of the old C&O Canal, which makes for a lovely walk to Olmstead Island, plus a better overlook of the falls.

An added bonus is the Great Falls Tavern and working locks.

If you're a hard-core hiking, there's the Billy Goat Trail right there.

http://www.nps.gov/choh/pphtml/activities.html

Thanks, how do you get to the Maryland side?

Off the Beltway, you can take MacArthur Blvd toward Potomac, MD. Or you can take MacArthur or Clara Barton/Canal out all the way from DC.

Depending on where you're coming from, you could take the GW Parkway out to the Beltway and get off on the 1st Md. exit.

This link might work ...
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11710+...15341,0.042572