Loudoun County offers spectacular scenic trails rich with history, natural beauty, and points of interest. From the banks of the Potomac River in the east to the crests of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, add in the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (known as the W&OD) in the middle, you have a selection of trails that suit both leisurely hikers and serious trailblazers. With so many options, it is hard to pick where to begin, but if hiking is on your agenda, here is a list of some of our favorites that are close to Stone Gables Bed & Breakfast (distance from the inn are shown in parenthesis).  

 

 

Rust Sanctuary (5.9 miles)

802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg

(703) 669-0000

Rust Nature Sanctuary is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. With 68 acres of unspoiled meadows and forests right in the heart of Leesburg, the wonderful walking trails give you an opportunity to do some birding, nature exploration, photography, journaling, and more. The sanctuary also features the Rust Manor House and a beautiful garden with majestic trees.

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve (7.2 miles)

21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg

(703) 669-0316

Banshee Reeks, Loudoun County's only nature preserve, is a designated Virginia Treasure and is protected through a conservation easement held with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. The 695-acre nature preserve features 20 miles of trails through wetlands, waterways, forests, woodlands and savannah grasslands, and a catch and release fishing pond. Please note that Virginia requires a state fishing license for anglers 16 and older.

 

Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park (9.7 miles)

43098 Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg

(703) 779-9372

This hidden gem is perched above the Potomac River on 67 acres of farmland now covered with forest. The out-of-the-way park is home to several historic buildings and a wide range of wild native plants and wildlife. Explore the nature trail that makes a loop through the park leading to several points overlooking the Potomac, where bald eagles may appear at any time as they soar majestically overhead.

Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park (10.1 miles)

42314 Balls Bluff Road, Leesburg

(703) 777-1262

There are many trails in this park if you wish to extend or shorten your hike. The Red and Orange Loop is very popular with a 2.3-mile easy route. Weekend guided tours are available April through November. Self-guided tours available year-round. Major sites at Ball's Bluff include a cemetery, which is the third smallest national cemetery in the United States. The park also features an interpretive trail and an amazing view of the bluff itself, overlooking the Potomac River. Please note that some trail junctions are not well marked, so downloading the map ahead of time is helpful.

 

Bear’s Den Overlook (16.0 miles) 

Bluemont, Virginia 

A short easy hike with a beautiful overlook to the west, the hike to the Bear’s Den Overlook is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trek with a gentle climb (310 feet gain) along the “Roller Coaster” portion of the Appalachian Trail. After enjoying the view, you can take the short loop to the Bear’s Den Trail Center to explore the surrounding grounds. This trail also gives you a great opportunity to take a short hike in the evening and catch the sunset to the west. For additional information, visit the Bear’s Den or the HikingUpward websites. 

 

Raven Rocks (16.0 miles) 

Bluemont, Virginia

Raven Rocks is a 5.8-mile out-and-back trek straddling the border between Virginia and West Virginia with a vertical gain of 1,530 feet along the “Roller Coaster” portion of the Appalachian Trail. The hike features a river and is rated as difficult due to three strenuous ascents and being extremely rocky, so make sure to wear good footwear. We highly recommend you visit the HikingUpward website for parking information and a topographic view.

The State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy Experimental Farm (34.0 miles)
Boyce, Virginia
(540) 837-1758
The Virginia State Arboretum stands in the central 172 acres of Blandy Experimental Farm and surrounds the picturesque Historical Quarters building. There are walking trails, self-guided tours, gardens, and a wonderful native plant trail.
The arboretum is open to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. Entrance is free of charge.