I don’t think I fully appreciated the abundance of parks in Washington, DC until I found myself flying over with a window seat. There is so. much. GREEN SPACE. We all know about the national parks and manicured mall, but there are so many other fantastic, lesser-known (and less crowded) parks in DC to experience. In this guide, I’ve shared some of the best Washington, DC parks, trails, and hiking options. I’ll be updating this page pretty frequently with fresh photos and info, so bookmark it and check back! (Wait, do people still use bookmarks, or?) Note: I’ve divided the parks into ..read more

Welcome to the buffet of adventure weekends. Taking place September 13-15, created in celebration of the popular Patapsco Valley State Park, Patapsco Trail Fest is a full weekend event of practically everything outdoors: Camping Trail running Mountain biking Rock climbing Kayaking Trail running Competitions …plus beer gardens, food trucks, brand demos, and a playground and activities for the kids. Those competing in trail running races get a few extra benefits, such as tech-material event shirts, unique finisher medals, food truck and beer tickets. Patapsco Valley State Park (P ..read more

The best part of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) is, in my opinion, the segment running between the NoMa and Brookland metro stops. The MBT itself is much larger– 8 miles of urban trail running from Union Station to, eventually, Silver Spring in Maryland. (The latter half is still under construction.) Some are hesitant to call the MBT a proper trail, which I can understand. Much of the “trail” runs through neighborhoods and side streets, where you’re sharing the road with cars. Still a nice ride, and I recommend it. For a more scenic, car-free ride, enter at the NoMa-Galluduet metro ..read more

I get a little misty-eyed when I think about all the amazing women I’ve met through a shared love of the outdoors. The societal narrative would have you think outdoorsy women are a rarity, but in my experience that could not be further from the truth. Whether it be through hiking, climbing, surfing, or drinking wine on a blanket and calling it a picnic, I have been lucky enough to connect with many adventurous, ceiling-shattering women over the years. Though badass women are definitely out there, finding each other isn’t always easy in what can feel like male-dominated circles. This is ..read more

Camping, river tubing, and climbing in Smoke Hole, West Virginia with a group of fun, fit, adventurous people. This is what summer weekend dreams are made of, ladies and gentlemen.  Recently, about 50+ climbers from the DC area traveled to Smoke Hole, West Virginia for a weekend of outdoor enjoyment. Here’s how it went. Want to get in on the next weekend climbing trip? Check out the Gym to Craggin’ outdoor climbing + training event, happening July 12-13! About Smoke Hole, West Virginia Smoke Hole, West Virginia is “a rugged 20 miles long gorge carved by the South Branch Potoma ..read more

Isn’t it time to boost your outdoor climbing skills? If you’re like me, the hours you’ve spent climbing indoors far surpass your outdoor climbing time. It’s easy to get lulled into a cozy sense of security (and invincibility) when climbing indoors. The pre-set ropes and bolts. The soft, cushy floor. Often, it’s not until those weekend trips that we realize “Oh, yea. My life (and that of my partner’s) is literally in my hands.” The fact that you totally sent that 10d in the gym isn’t going to help when your rope gets jammed or you’re on a sketchy multi-pitch and the rock is crumblin ..read more

By Michael Astran I want to share some of the things I wish I knew when I first started climbing and some things I still have to work on today or recommend climbers should consider. I have added the recommendations and clarifications provided by Andy Weinmann, Tom Cecil, Darwin Castillo, David Knowlton, Bethany Gresser, Damon Yeh, Barbara Jensen Blau, Conway Yao, Sean Gourley and Chris Davis. 1. Climbing shoes shouldn’t hurt. I wish I had not listened to the sales person that said it was normal for climbing shoes to be painful! I can wear the shoes I use now all day and climb jus ..read more

How is this place only 18 miles from DC? Minus a T-rex or two, Great Falls could pass for Jurassic Park. With fierce whitewater rapids, rocky overlook points, and deep swaths of forest, Great Falls Hiking undoubtedly offers one of the best day trips near Washington DC. Great Falls Hiking: The River Trail Most hiking at Great Falls can be done in around three hours, but we stretched ours to about four. It’s hard not to stop at each rocky overlook point and take in that particular view of the water. The river is so massive and changing, it can look completely different from one mile to ..read more

Looking for an easy day trip near Washington DC? Go hiking at Maryland Heights, then end that hike at a brewery. Maryland Heights, in Harper’s Ferry, has all the elements of a great day trip from Washington DC: Close enough that you can sleep in (1.5 hour drive) Easy to moderate hiking trailsNoticeable natural beauty A view from the topAgain, brewery. (Looking for a hike in DC? Check out Hiking at Rock Creek Park (after biking there from across town.)) Hiking at Maryland Heights Located near Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, Maryland Heights is a go-to day hike near Washington, DC. Yo ..read more