Ausflüge von Washington, DC, zum Appalachian Trail – Wahrzeichen und Panoramastrecken in Virginia und Maryland

After: Idoia Gkikas

A stay in and around Washington, DC can be perfectly combined with an ancient American outdoor experience. The Appalachian Trail (often simply called AT) stretches approximately 3,500 km from Georgia to Maine. There are several access points in the American capital region, which in addition to Washington, DC also includes Virginia and Maryland. Regardless of whether you are interested in a multi-day tour or just want to take a day hike: the detour to this legendary long-distance hiking trail should be high on your wish list. Here we present - sorted from north to south - some particularly easily accessible access points and sections of the route.

Washington Monument State Park, Maryland

Washington Monument State Park on South Mountain in western Maryland is home to the oldest cenotaph dedicated to the first President of the United States, George Washington. The nearby museum presents historical items related to George Washington and the battle that was fought on South Mountain in the American Civil War. Most of the trails in the park are part of the Appalachian Trail.

Gathland State Park, Maryland

Gathland State Park is located on the former estate of George Alfred Townsend, who made a name for himself as a war correspondent in the American Civil War. Today there are restored buildings and a museum that provides information about Townsend's life and the Battle of South Mountain. The AT runs across the park and passes the War Correspondent's Arch, which commemorates the role of journalists in the American Civil War.

Annapolis Rock, Maryland

This popular hiking route is moderately demanding and therefore suitable for most age groups. At Annapolis Rock viewpoint you can expect overwhelming views over the Cumberland Valley and Greenbrier Lake. The region offers perfect conditions for trail running or day hikes. There are also tent opportunities on site.

Humpback Rocks, Virginia

Der Wanderweg zu den Humpback Rocks in Virginia ist vom Blue Ridge Parkway aus besonders leicht zugänglich – und entsprechend gut besucht. Der Aufstieg ist zwar nur 1,6 km lang, dafür allerdings recht anspruchsvoll. Unterwegs könnt ihr euch aber immer wieder auf Bänken ausruhen. An der Wegmarke 5,8 des Parkways befindet sich ein Besucherzentrum mit angeschlossenem Bauernhofmuseum.

Cole/Cold Mountain, Virginia

Der ca. 9,5 km lange, mäßig anspruchsvolle Cole Mountain Trail (gelegentlich auch als Cold Mountain bezeichnet) liegt nur wenige Stunden südlich von Washington, DC, im zentralen Teil Virginias. Vom Gipfel bietet sich ein schöner Rundumblick über die umliegenden Täler. In der Hütte am Cow Camp Gap liegt ein Buch aus, in dem Backpacker und Wanderer, die den gesamten Appalachian Trail ablaufen, Einträge zu ihrer Reise machen können.

McAfee Knob, Virginia

Der McAfee Knob Trail außerhalb von Roanoke, Virginia, ist so beliebt wie spektakulär und führt euch über einen der meistfotografierten Abschnitte des AT. Es lohnt sich, eine Übernachtung einzuplanen, damit euch auch Zeit für die kulturellen Attraktionen der Stadt bleibt.

Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia

This state park in southwest Virginia is crossed by a 4.5 km section of the AT. The park is best known for its wild ponies, which you will probably also encounter on your hike. An unforgettable 360-degree view awaits you if you first take the Rhododendron Trail to the AT and then follow the path over the Wilburn Ridge.

Getting there:  The Washington Dulles International Airport is 42 km west of Washington, DC, the center of American Capital Region, making your practical gateway to all the objectives and activities in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. Direct connections from all major international cities make travel easy and convenient.