Places To Hike Within 3 Hours From Reston

Raven Rocks “The Rollercoaster” (Bluemont, VA) ~40 minutes

Signal Knob – George Washington National Forest (1 hour and 20 minutes)

George Washington National Park — Strickler Knob (1 hour 45 minutes)

George Washington National Park — Big Schloss near Woodstock (~2 hours)

Three Ridges Loop (2 hours and 30 minutes from Reston) or (45 minutes from Charlottesville)

North Fork Mountain – High Knob – Seneca Rocks Area (2 hours 30 minutes)

George Washington National Park — Cole/Cold Mountain (3 hours and 15 minutes)

Seneca Rocks (~3 hours 15 minutes)

Dolly Sod Wilderness (3 hours)

McAfee Knob (3 hours and 15 minutes)

Canyon Falls Pool near New River Gorge (4 hours 30 minutes)

Pipestem State Park McKeever Lodge (4 hours, 30 minutes)

If you’re looking for excellent alpine-style hiking within a two-hour drive of Reston, VA, here are some top recommendations outside Shenandoah National Park:

1. Raven Rocks (Bluemont, VA)

Distance from Reston: ~1 hour
Trail Details: This 5.5-mile out-and-back hike is part of the Appalachian Trail’s “Rollercoaster” section. It features steep ascents and descents, making it a challenging but rewarding hike. The summit offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bonus: Nearby wineries and breweries make for a great post-hike stop[3][4].

2. Big Schloss (George Washington National Forest)

Distance from Reston: ~2 hours
Trail Details: This 4.4-mile out-and-back trail offers panoramic views at the summit. The hike is moderately challenging, with rocky terrain and steady elevation gain.
Why It’s Great: The expansive views from the ridge are breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset[4].

6. Annapolis Rock (Boonsboro, MD)

Distance from Reston: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Trail Details: A 5-mile out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail leads to a rocky overlook with sweeping views of the valley below.
Difficulty: Moderate; great for hikers seeking a balance between effort and reward[4].

These hikes offer diverse challenges and stunning views without requiring a trip to Shenandoah National Park. Whether you’re looking for steep climbs or scenic overlooks, these destinations deliver an unforgettable outdoor experience close to Reston!

Sources
[1] 10 Best trails and hikes in Reston – AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/us/virginia/reston
[2] Hiking Trails near Reston https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8016165/reston
[3] 15 Hikes with the Best Views Near Washington D.C. and Where to … https://krismariawanders.com/15-hikes-with-the-best-views-near-washington-d-c-and-where-to-drink-after/
[4] Best Hikes within 2 hours driving distance of NOVA – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1as8xmf/best_hikes_within_2_hours_driving_distance_of_nova/
[5] Top Rated Hiking Trails near Reston, Virginia https://www.hikingproject.com/featured/trails/top-rated/reston-va
[6] Twin Branches Nature Trail https://reston.org/Portals/3/Parks-Recreation-Events/Nature/Publications/PDF/TwinBranchTrail.pdf
[7] Lake Fairfax Park Trailhead https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lake-fairfax
[8] Walker Nature Center https://www.reston.org/walker-nature-center
[9] Runnymede Park https://www.herndon-va.gov/departments/recreation/parks-trails-nature/runnymede-park
[10] Hiking trails in NOVA? : r/nova – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/5wp08l/hiking_trails_in_nova/
[11] 8 Epic Virginia Trails to Hike and Bike Near DC – Fun in Fairfax VA https://www.funinfairfaxva.com/8-epic-virginia-trails-hike-bike/
[12] The best walks and hikes around Reston – Komoot https://www.komoot.com/guide/2392141/hiking-around-reston
[13] TOP 10 BEST Hiking Trails in Reston, VA – Updated 2025 – Yelp https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Hiking+Trails&find_loc=Reston%2C+VA
[14] THE BEST 10 Hiking in RESTON, VA – Updated 2025 – Yelp https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=hiking&find_loc=Reston%2C+VA
[15] Reston Trails | Reston Association, VA https://www.reston.org/219/Reston-Trails
[16] Bucket List Hikes in Virginia https://www.virginia.org/things-to-do/outdoors/hiking/bucket-list-hikes/
[17] Top 10 Best Hiking Trails With Waterfalls Near Reston, Virginia – Yelp https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Hiking+Trails+With+Waterfalls&find_loc=Reston%2C+VA
[18] Riverbend Park Trails | Park Authority – Fairfax County https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/trails
[19] What hiking trail in Virginia has the best view in your opinion? – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/VIRGINIA_HIKING/comments/v8sflj/what_hiking_trail_in_virginia_has_the_best_view/
[20] THE 10 BEST Northern Virginia Hiking Trails (2025) – Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g8132648-Activities-c61-t87-Northern_Virginia_Virginia.html
[21] Best park for walking near RTC? – Reston – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Reston/comments/1b9w4ts/best_park_for_walking_near_rtc/
[22] What are your favorite hiking trails in the DC area? – Ask MetaFilter https://ask.metafilter.com/165379/What-are-your-favorite-hiking-trails-in-the-DC-area
[23] Trails near Reston : r/mountainbiking – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/mountainbiking/comments/1f98rbq/trails_near_reston/
[24] South Side – Rails to River Trail Loop (Lake Fairfax Park, VA) https://liveandlethike.com/2015/09/21/south-side-rails-to-river-trail-loop-lake-fairfax-park-va/