Hikes in the Washington Region Part B: Northern Virginia
Sixth Edition, 2025
By Alan Kahan
Just Published!
Written and edited by Larry Broadwell and William Needham
This new edition provides twenty-six samples of the rich byways for walkers in northern Virginia, all within easy driving distance of Washington, DC. It is part of a trilogy on DC area hiking. Part A covers counties in Maryland that lie northwest of the capital. Part C covers the capital itself, as well as Maryland counties on and near the western shore of Chesapeake Bay. Like its companion guides, Part B offers a variety of hiking experiences. Some are short, pleasant walks. Others are longer, entail strenuous climbs, and/or cross rough terrain.
All three DC area guidebooks are meant to be taken on hikes. Despite their pocket size, maps clearly show streams, elevations, key landmarks, and trail configurations. Turn-by-turn directions in the text make it easy to drive to the trailhead and to follow the route highlighted on the map.
In all three guidebooks, most routes are grouped by their stream valleys or physiographic zones, as defined by their geology and topography. Each hike description starts with key data: name of the park, its contact information, map reference, hike distance, total ascent, and trailhead coordinates. An overview of the route, travel directions, and a detailed description of the hike follow. Individual hike descriptions include notes on landmarks and cumulative mileage distances from the starting point to notable points along the trail.
Last published in 2015, most of the routes in this edition are different in material aspects from those in the previous fifth edition. Some hikes are entirely new. The guidebook also offers hikers opportunities for longer treks to explore beyond the routes it describes. Experienced hikers will want this edition in order to experience some new hikes in northern Virginia as well as to have the latest updates for old favorites. And for those hikers new to our area, this guidebook and its two companions are a great introduction to many wonderful ways to enjoy the outdoors not too far from home.
