How many hiking trails are listed in District of Columbia?

The directory currently includes 13 quality-checked routes in District of Columbia, covering 1.1k km of mapped lines. These are routes with a traceable source, sufficient geometry and elevation data.

Which route ranks highest in District of Columbia?

ADT - Maryland - Seg 4 currently has the highest directory score in this set. Compare its distance, ascent and route type with ADT - Maryland - Seg 3 and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (right bank) before choosing.

When should you hike in District of Columbia?

Varies by region is the season stored for this place in the directory. It is not a live conditions report: consult the route source, land manager and local forecast before travelling.

Are there routes rated easy in District of Columbia?

4 routes are rated easy by the directory’s distance-and-elevation model. The rating does not rule out rough surface, exposure or temporary hazards, so verify the individual route.

🇺🇸 United States

Hiking trails in District of Columbia

13 quality-checked hiking routes are currently mapped in District of Columbia, United States. Together their route lines cover 1.1k km. The average route is 82.1 km with 272 m (892 ft) of recorded ascent.

13
Trails: 1.1k
Kilometres: 0
Parks: 870 m
Highest point

The directory difficulty mix is 4 easy (31%), 4 moderate (31%) and 5 hard or expert (38%). No routes in this set are currently classified as loops. Difficulty is calculated from available distance and elevation data; it is not a statement about technical terrain or current conditions.

The most frequent route tags are mountain (5), river (2). The highest recorded point in this set is 870 m (2,854 ft). The place-level planning field lists varies by region as the preferred season; check each route and official notices for live access and weather. ADT - Maryland - Seg 4, ADT - Maryland - Seg 3, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (right bank) currently lead this page’s directory ranking, which uses route completeness and computed route scores rather than editorial field testing.

Choose by the details

How do these routes differ?

A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.

Shortest mapped distance in this sample

7.4 km

Western Ridge Trail

Compare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.

Lowest recorded ascent in this sample

43 m

Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail

6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.

Return logistics

0 recorded loops

Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.

Plan the return journey →

Comparison of the first 6 listed routes
Route	Distance	Ascent	Moving time	Shape
ADT - Maryland - Seg 4	268 km	193 m	63 hr	Point to point
ADT - Maryland - Seg 3	33.4 km	199 m	7 hr 49 min	Point to point
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (right bank)	173 km	600 m	41 hr	Point to point
Western Ridge Trail	7.4 km	233 m	1 hr 53 min	Point to point
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (left bank)	534 km	1,728 m	129 hr	Point to point
Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail	23.2 km	43 m	5 hr 9 min	Point to point

Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.