Backpacking Trips near DC?

**EMTsNightmare** · 06-10-2013, 11:29

So with the impending furlough of gov't employees, I'm hoping to put my 3 day weekends to good use and get in some much needed backpacking/hanging. That said I'm having a hard time finding loop hikes to go on in the Washington DC Area (within about 3 hours).

I'm interested in backpacking trips for 1-3 nights, that start and end at the same place, with minimal use of the same trail in opposite directions. I also don't mind hiking a few miles then setting up a base camp at a scenic location to spend a few nights at, then hiking out again.

Since I'm just starting out, the only actual trail maps in the area I own are of Shenandoah, and the WV/MD/PA AT trail map. So I'm hoping you can all direct me to finding good backpacking trips in the area so I can just buy those maps, rather than all of them.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
EMT

**ataris121** · 06-10-2013, 12:17

There is a trip this weekend in snp. Look in the trips-----> southeast section

**MedicineMan** · 06-10-2013, 15:53

I was on the AT in Maryland south bound and met a guy going NoBo; I asked him if he thru'ed from Springer-he said no, he'd started in Washington DC. He used the C/O to get to the AT. Years later we biked the C/O and saw quite a few backpackers. So you have a really nice and viable trail in your back yard.

**ferret** · 06-10-2013, 17:01

also, check out hikingupward.com. lot of good hikes described there.

**pullarius** · 06-10-2013, 18:26

Subscribed. Looking to get started backpacking with some time off this summer.

**Turtle Creek** · 06-10-2013, 20:21

http://www.midatlantichikes.com/

This site has another interactive map for MD, VA, PA, & WV

**GrizzlyAdams** · 06-10-2013, 21:06

Originally Posted by EMTsNightmare

So with the impending furlough of gov't employees, I'm hoping to put my 3 day weekends to good use and get in some much needed backpacking/hanging. That said I'm having a hard time finding loop hikes to go on in the Washington DC Area (within about 3 hours).

I'm interested in backpacking trips for 1-3 nights, that start and end at the same place, with minimal use of the same trail in opposite directions. I also don't mind hiking a few miles then setting up a base camp at a scenic location to spend a few nights at, then hiking out again.

Since I'm just starting out, the only actual trail maps in the area I own are of Shenandoah, and the WV/MD/PA AT trail map. So I'm hoping you can all direct me to finding good backpacking trips in the area so I can just buy those maps, rather than all of them.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
EMT

So a while back an HF member who goes by 'Dutch' and I got together for a hiking adventure in Shenandoah, left the cars at the Old Rag trailhead and made a loop. "Out" was not on the AT, "Back" was, more or less, at least a good chunk of it. Geographic details to be found in this trip report. Nice hike, I'd do it again.

**EMTsNightmare** · 06-11-2013, 06:52

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

I was on the AT in Maryland south bound and met a guy going NoBo; I asked him if he thru'ed from Springer-he said no, he'd started in Washington DC. He used the C/O to get to the AT. Years later we biked the C/O and saw quite a few backpackers. So you have a really nice and viable trail in your back yard.

I've thought about the C&O Canal, but after hiking the 3 miles or so outside Harpers Ferry I think I'd go nuts backpacking it for longer distances. I may still attempt to bike it though.

Originally Posted by ferret

also, check out hikingupward.com. lot of good hikes described there.

I had looked there, but there are only a few hikes over 15 miles in length and very few loops. I'll spend some more time poking around for potential basecamp type hikes though.

Originally Posted by Turtle Creek

http://www.midatlantichikes.com/

This site has another interactive map for MD, VA, PA, & WV

Thanks, I'll check that out.

And I'm currently reading GrizzlyAdams' trip report. Thanks for the ideas, keep 'em coming!

**OldRagFreeze** · 06-11-2013, 08:07

Drive a little further and go to Dolly Sods, WV. Other than that the AT is about as good as it gets in this area. You can make some trips work in the parks near me (Gambrill, Cunningham, Catoctin, Greenbrier) but you'll be staying at a car camping site and you'll need reservations... Kind of a turn off for me.

**Shorty9** · 06-11-2013, 14:57

there are a number of circuit hikes that are fantastic in the Shenandoah (map 10 central district is a great place to start) that fit your description. Another good place to check is Roanoke - Cole Mtn hike is awesome. Of course WVA and PA have great options as stated...and there is a terrific park in MD but can't remember the name - I think it is right on the PA border.