Courtesy of Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park holds 2,000 acres and scores of hiking, running and horse trails, perfect for year-round activities.

Four Hikes Close to D.C.

If nature’s calling your name—and you want to stick close to the District—here are the close-in spots you shouldn’t miss.

Rock Creek Park (5200 Glover Rd., NW; 202/895-6070; nps.gov). As the oldest urban park in the National Park Service, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park is a logical first stop during your weekend of relaxation—and especially week days, as you’ll have the place to yourself. Nearly 2,000 acres of park hold miles of hiking trails for all levels. Bring your bike, your dog, your BFF or even your horse—they’ll all feel at home here. Fun fact? The park is home to the largest density of raccoons in America. Yeah, we didn’t know that, either.

Great Falls Park (9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, Va.; nps.gov/grfa). Fifteen miles from the hustle and bustle of the city sits an 800-acre haven, Great Falls Park. Stressed? Check out serene views of the Potomac River’s waterfalls from three different overlooks, or nosh on a picnic and people watch. You’ll also find plenty of hiking trails.

Roosevelt Island (George Washington Memorial Parkway/Roosevelt Bridge; nps.gov/this). Named after great conservationist Theodore Roosevelt, Roosevelt Island is a little more than 90 acres of a wilderness preserve. It might not be as large as other natural stops in the D.C. area, but it’s definitely not one to miss. For the history buffs, check out the 17-foot statue of good ole Teddy or his inscribed philosophical musings on one of four 21-foot granite slabs. The bridge to the island is conveniently just a couple blocks from the Rosslyn metro stop.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park (3001 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202/633-4800; nationalzoo.si.edu). Need something more than chirping birds and scavenging squirrels? How about lions and tigers and … you know the rest. Head to the National Zoological Park (and it’s part of the Smithsonian, so it’s free all year round) and catch up with the earth’s more, er…rambunctious creatures. There are always events, such as daily feedings, informative sessions and arts and crafts after you visit the monkeys. Oh, and lest we forget: This is one of the best places in the city for an early morning hike or jog. [img credit: Mehgan Murphy]