When the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, many people who’d previously spent little to no time hiking headed from the metro DC region to outdoor opportunities in Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding area. Erin Gifford of Ashburn was one of those. She’d enjoyed a few hikes before, but during the pandemic, she ventured all over to places she’d never known about previously.
“I’d lived here since 2001 and had no idea that the Appalachian Trail went through Loudoun County, and I think most people don’t know that,” she said. “We have such beautiful and iconic hiking trails in our backyard.”
She created three guidebooks to encourage others to enjoy the trails: “Virginia Summits: 40 Best Mountain Hikes from the Shenandoah Valley to Southwest Virginia” (2023); “Hiking Coastal Trails of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia” (2022) and “Hiking with Kids Virginia” (2022).
“I’m excited when people get out on the trails and learn about hiking,” she said. “I encourage people to get out there and explore.”
She shared some of her favorite destinations for day trips from Leesburg, and—just as importantly—some suggestions for where to refuel post-hike.
For Families
Sweet Run State Park in Hillsboro, the first state park in Loudoun County, opened in 2023, offering 11 miles of wooded trails. “In the fall it’s really beautiful with the leaves and a cute pond,” Erin said. “It’s nice and quiet, a great place to go for reflection, and there’s a nature play area, so it’s a great place for families.”
Wineries abound in this area, including Breaux Vineyards, Two Twisted Posts, 868 Estate Vineyards and several others to quench that post-hike thirst.
Bears Den in Bluemont follows the Appalachian Trail for less than 2 miles to a great west-facing overlook. Erin recommends this trail for new hikers and families, but those who want more of a challenge can continue past Bears Den on the AT.
“That goes on the roller coaster section of the AT [climbs interspersed with flat sections], which is more strenuous but also quiet because fewer people go that far,” she said. “It’s a nice summer hike.”
Right across from Bears Den you’ll find Bear Chase Brewery. “This super-sized brewery has pizza, food, beers, and an outdoor green space with Adirondack chairs and activities, with a great view,” Erin said. “It’s a must to go to either of those places.”
Closest to Home
Beaverdam Reservoir in Ashburn offers a great, 8-mile loop hike around the lake. “But you don’t have to go whole way,” Erin said. “It’s a regional park, with kayak rentals, and it’s very scenic. You can watch people paddling, and there’s a boathouse where the Briar Wood High School crew practices, which is fun to watch.”
As Erin explains on her website, https://gohikevirginia.com, she had lived within 11 minutes of Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Leesburg for 13 years but didn’t learn about the nature preserve or its 20 miles of hiking trails until the pandemic hit. She recommends checking out the preserve, then heading to Stone Tower Winery, which has a beautiful patio.
Ties to History
If you’re looking for an easy hike, you might start with at Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park in Leesburg, with a trail that’s just over a mile. Historic buildings can be seen at the start of the hike, and there isn’t a lot of elevation.
“There’s a nice point where a bench overlooks the Potomac River, and it’s very shaded, so it’s a nice summer hike,” Gifford said.
Balls Bluff Battlefield in Leesburg offers seven trails that incorporate Civil War history and steps along the Potomac River. “It’s an educational experience with placards, a cemetery on site, and it’s an easy hike to the river, where kids can throw rocks into the river,” Erin said. “The loop hike is less than 3 miles, and they have interpreters quite often who can give you a feel for the history of the battle that took place at that site. It’s a suburban community, but there’s a lot of history in Loudoun.”
The AT marks 100 years this year, and Erin loves this iconic trail. She’s enjoyed visiting its shelters and getting a feel for the through-hiking experience.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out and think about the through hikers who came on this path 50 or 100 years ago. It’s fun to see a through-hiker and chat them up to talk about where they’ve been and what the experience is like.”
She recommends visiting the David Lesser Shelter at Keys Gap, straddling the border of Virginia and West Virginia. “I love stopping at shelters and checking them out,” Erin said. “This one has a picnic pavilion, a shelter for sleeping, and an Adirondack bench. It has nice views, especially in the fall.”
Whether you want to explore nature, history or get some exercise, there’s an opportunity for you and your family nearby—so get out and explore!
“We have such beautiful and iconic hiking trails in our backyard.”