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3 of the Best Hiking Trails and Walking Paths Near Leesburg, VA

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Located less than 50 miles northwest of downtown Washington D.C., the city of Leesburg, VA is not far from several national forests, natural areas, and hiking trails in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Whether you are planning a solo adventure or a memorable hiking trip with your friends, these spots will not disappoint you. Grab your gear, pack some comfortable shoes, and hit the road to one of these beautiful destinations.

1. George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Spanning almost two million acres of territory in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests offer more than 1,900 miles of hiking paths for visitors from all over the country. In these national forests, hiking is allowed on all open forest roads, most of which are gated to prevent cars from using them. It is also allowed to go on off-trail hiking, except where signs explicitly indicate otherwise.

Apart from hiking, the trails at the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests are open for mountain biking and horse riding. Some other popular activities in the area include camping, hunting, and birdwatching. Getting here from downtown Leesburg takes about three hours by car following route I-81 S, making it possible to visit the area as part of a day trip or a weekend escape from the city.

2. Michaux State Forest

Located between the cities of Gettysburg and Chambersburg in southern Pennsylvania, the Michaux State Forest is one of the best hiking spots you can visit in the northeastern United States. The famous Appalachian Trail passes through here, crossing almost the entire park and crossing other smaller hiking paths along the way. One of the most scenic ones is the Abigail Trail, which connects the beautiful Long Pine Run Reservoir with a mountain through a thick forest.

Getting to the entrance of the Michaux State Forest from downtown Leesburg takes a little over an hour by car via route US-15 N. Once here, you can hike to other areas, including the State Game Refuge and the Caledonia State Park. Other popular activities at the Michaux State Forest include swimming, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, and camping. There are no fees for visitors planning to visit this amazing natural spot in Pennsylvania.

3. Raven Rocks Trail

The closest hiking path to Leesburg is located just 17 miles west of the city center, a distance that can be covered in less than 20 minutes by car. This trail goes along a series of creeks, mountains, and a small river that runs through the area. Once you make your way to the end of the trail, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the region, including the surrounding towns and cities in Virginia and West Virginia.

When you head out to any of these hiking spots, stop by Dulles Motorcars and check out the new and used vehicles we have in offer. Ask for a test drive, talk to our team about our different financing plans, and drive home in your favorite car.

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4 Incredible Outdoor Activities Near Leesburg, VA

Leesburg, VA is a beautiful town well-known for its picturesque tree-lined streets and the abundant greenery of its surroundings. When the sun's out and the weather's warm, there are many wonderful ways to spend your day here. Let's take a look at four of the best outdoor activities on offer. Leesburg Animal Park If you're looking for something to do with your children, there are few better options than this charming petting zoo. Leesburg Animal Park is a family-run operation with all kinds of animals to meet, pet, and feed. You can stroll through an enclosed field of llamas, goats, and sheep, and also see alpacas, donkeys, pigs, cows, ducks, and more. There are tons of fun activities to partake in, such as wagon rides around the grounds. You can also ride ponies and even camels on select weekends. The outdoor and indoor playgrounds mean you can fill an entire afternoon with entertainment. Just be sure to catch one of their live animal shows before you leave. Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park If you're in more of an educational, historical mood, pay a visit to the site of one of the region's largest civil war engagements. At this peaceful park, you can take a tour with one of their volunteer guides and learn all about the exciting stories of that tumultuous time. There are authentic cannons on display, and a national graveyard built in commemoration of the heroes of that battle. You can also stroll through the park on your own, picking up tidbits of knowledge from the many interpretive signs on the trails. From high on the bluff, there are wonderful views of the Potomac River, and plenty of benches to stop for a picnic. The Golf Club at Lansdowne If you're into golf, why not practice your swing across the 45 holes of three championship courses at the area's finest golf club? The stunning greens at The Golf Club at Lansdowne were designed by world-renowned golf course designers Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones. Blending with a larger resort property, this club now stands as one of the most prestigious clubs in the entire country. It's well worth a visit. Camping at Broad Creek If you'd rather escape into the great outdoors, far from the hustle and bustle of town, then you really can't beat this well-equipped, totally-secluded campground. It's set deep in the woods, far from the nearest sleepy road, with a great deal of shade provided by overhead foliage. Your tent site is located near a beautiful creek that's teeming with darters, bluegill, bass, and sunfish, making it a perfect spot for fans of fishing. There's also a fire pit for cooking your catch or any barbecue food you bring along with you. Best of all, there are no other campsites nearby, so you have all the privacy and quiet you could desire. Whichever of these outdoor adventures you go for, we hope you have a blast. On your way home, pay a visit to Dulles Motorcars of Leesburg. Since 1990, we've been helping out the local drivers of Leesburg and all of Loudoun County. We strive to offer the region's very best service to each and every customer who steps through our doors.

3 Kid-Friendly Activities for Families in Leesburg, VA

Finding good all-around family entertainment can challenging sometimes. Fortunately, if you're in Leesburg, VA, that's not a problem. We have numerous kid-friendly activities available. Whether you're 8 or 80 or anywhere in between, we have fun and exciting things to do. These are our favorite places to visit when we have little ones in tow. Inside Ski Training Center Whether you're an experienced skier or a beginner who's never been on a slope before, this ski center has something for you. They have packages for adults and kids to learn or practice skiing ad snowboarding. They offer one-hour sessions with a qualified instructor, who can teach you everything you need to know. They also offer a four-lesson plan that gives you a discount. Kids asking lessons are for ages 6 - 12, and snowboarding lessons are for ages 8 - 12. Adults aren't forgotten, as there are group and private lessons available too. This venue provides all the fun of skiing but in a safe and carefully controlled environment. Unlike regular ski slopes, there are no hidden rocks or other potential dangers, so you can relax and enjoy your trip down the slope. Their address is 34 Catoctin Cir SE Ste B Pro-Fit Ski & Mountain Sports, and they're open Tuesday to Sunday. Leesburg Animal Park Everyone loves animals, and this park has some of the cutest animals around. Creatures living here include gibbons, sloths, squirrel monkeys, and camels. They feature live animal shows, wagon rides around the park, and an animal petting and feeding barn. Kids will be thrilled at the antics of the goats, cute ducklings, and the curious camels. Ollivander, the tame raven is a particular delight to young and old alike. The zookeepers are friendly, fun, and good at teaching children about these beautiful creatures and the worlds they live in. You can also book pony rides, a half-hour meeting with Sylvia, the beautiful two-toed Linnes sloth. Other personal animal meetings are arranged by request. The park can be found at 19246 James Monroe Highway. Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park This park features several hiking trails, including a 1.5-mile loop trail that skirts the Potomac River. The park is dog-friendly, but dogs do need to be kept on a lead due to the sometimes difficult terrain. There are ruins of old 19th-century farm buildings in the area that provide a great setting for a supervised game of hiding and seek. The park covers 67 acres, and most trails are suitable for all ages. Trails are marked according to their difficulty, so more strenuous ones should be avoided when you're hiking with the kids. There are no concession stands in the park. You can bring a picnic, but benches are not provided. The park is located at 43098 Edwards Ferry Road. Spending the day with family can remind you that a bigger car is a good choice. Come into Dulles Motorcars Subaru today: we have the perfect vehicle for you.

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5 Great Day Trips to Take Near Leesburg, VA

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