The Best NOVA Hiking Trails and Nature Spots to Hit up This January

Just because it’s chilly out doesn’t mean NOVA residents are stuck inside. Luckily, the weather around here is very forgiving in the winter, and nature is still highly accessible. If you are feeling stir-crazy, need a break from the weekly rat race, or simply need something to do, NOVA has  some great local trails, parks, and reserves to scratch that itch. Be warned: some of these spots are a bit far from the heart of NOVA, so be prepared and pick a busy-free day to venture out. 

Bears Den isn’t a day-trip place— it’s a weekend getaway. If you’re looking for a cozy cabin and some nature, this is it. Bear Den offers a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A nice bonus: hikers can technically say they’ve traveled the Appalachian Trail (just not the whole thing), as Shenandoah Valley and the river are right there. They have full-service hostels, campgrounds, cottages, and a lovely stone mansion to rest at after a good, long hike. The cottage is my personal recommendation. It’s cozy, rustic, and the fireplace is perfect to huddle up to on a cold winter night after a day’s hike. Bear Den Overlook is a breathtaking view only 15 minutes into the walk, perfect for a motivational boost before a longer, more arduous  excursion. My favorite part about Bears Den is how inexpensive it is. $30 dollars to bunk there, camping is only $3.00 per night, and booking a cabin isn’t too bad either. If you’re planning on camping, you must make a reservation as there are only a few spots.

This is not a beginner-friendly hike (or maybe it is, if you’re a daredevil). Old Rag is one of the toughest hikes in all of Virginia. The mountain has a decently long hike, and there’s one particularly rock scramble (a rocky area that must be ascended without climbing gear) that might give you trouble if you have a fear of heights or lack coordination. It’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. The loop is 9 miles, and the average hike time is about 5 hours. The summit is breathtaking. When you reach it, rocks will surround your peripheral vision, and awe-inducing mountains will be in your foreground, stretching as far as the eye can see. The walk back down is far more casual, downhill, and in the shade. This spot is better during the week due to the high volume of attendees on weekends. Make sure to bring plenty of water, a good map of the route you want to take, and a snack or two for the journey. Winter is the best time to go to Old Rag because, unlike the rest of the year (March-November), a day pass is not required to visit. There is a park entrance fee, and parking might cost a bit too. Lastly, dogs are absolutely not allowed due to the scramble. 

This is a really good local treat. Unlike some of the other places mentioned, Billy Goat is extremely close to NOVA. The best part of the trail is right over the Potomac River on the Maryland side. On this fairly easy walk, you will see gorgeous waterfall views and short rocky cliffs. The trail is right by great shops and eateries too, for a post-walk activity. The rock scrambles are similar to Old Rag but less expected: intense. Double-check online whether this trail is open because it often closes due to flooding. Average hike time is about 2-3 hours for the 2-4 mile trails, so if you’re looking for a shorter excursion, this is perfect. There are plenty of benches to rest at, too, but get there early in the day to avoid the rush, as it can get quite crowded. If you're not a big hiker, there are more casual trails that you can pursue. There are also vastly more people here, and it’s not quite as fun and dopamine-inducing as the rockier trails, so be warned. 

Arguably, the most beloved and famous hiking spot in the NOVA area. It’s right across the Billy Goat Trail if you’re looking to hit multiple hikes and climbs at once. Great Falls is a national park with multiple trails (15-miles in length combined) for various difficulty levels for hikers. It’s a great location for waterfall seeing; there are three designated overlooks to see the Great Falls at different vantage points. The trails at this nature park tend to be a lot shorter than the others on this list, so it's great for an end-of-day activity. If you’re looking for some difficult climbs, this place has got it. Unlike the Maryland side, this side has a national park fee. 

For all you adventurous, outdoorsy types, here are some other tid-bits of info regarding all-things nature in NOVA. 

Download the app Trail Forks. No matter where you are, this nifty platform will show you what trails are around you. This app is geared towards mountain-bikers, but luckily they also have routes for walkers and hikers. Some great secret gems are just waiting for you to be discovered. 

Check out Capital Hiking Club. It’s a DC-based group hiking club. Capital Hiking Club is all about making new friends and strolling through beautiful NOVA and D.C nature. In the winter, Saturday Hikes are their thing. Every week on Saturday, Capital Hiking plans out a 9-12 mile hike (for casual hikes) or 5-9 miles (for moderate hikes) in a local spot. Post-hike is a little social time with refreshments. Be aware that Capital Hiking requires hikers to ride the bus. Attendees will be picked up for the hike; thus, reservations are required. It’s not free due to it being run by just a few individuals in a non-for-profit style who need attendees to cover bus fairs and park fees, but it’s not too costly and a great time. If Capital Hiking Club doesn’t sound like your alley, there are plenty of other hiking groups in the area that are worth checking out.