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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