
What we’re about
Welcome to Take a Hike! (DMV) – a friendly and inclusive group for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking to spend more time in nature, this group is for everyone interested in discovering new trails and meeting new people.
We organize hikes across the DMV area, focusing on scenic and accessible trails within an easy drive of DC. Each outing is a social experience where you can enjoy great conversations, make new friends, and connect with a diverse community of outdoor enthusiasts. Some hikes may be more challenging than others, but each one promises adventure, camaraderie, and the assurance that we don’t leave anyone behind.
After the hike, join us for an optional social get-together for lunch at a local spot nearby! It’s a great chance to unwind, share stories from the hike, and build friendships over good food and relaxed conversation.
Lace up your boots, bring a sense of adventure, and come Take a Hike! with us!
Upcoming events
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Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland)
Carderock Cliffs North Parking, Carderock, Potomac, MD, USSpend your Sunday morning with us on a scenic hike along the C&O Canal Towpath. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the beauty of Great Falls from the Maryland side.
We'll walk along the towpath, chat along the way, and take a well-deserved break at the Great Falls Overlook to soak in the stunning waterfall views. Whether you're here for the hike, the conversation, or both, this adventure is all about enjoying the journey together!
This is an easy and beginner-friendly hike which is generally flat with a few gentle inclines and a manageable 180 feet of elevation gain. The towpath is well-maintained and ideal for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for those looking to ease into hiking or simply enjoy a relaxed outdoor experience.
To learn more about the trail, click the link in the Trail Map section below.
Meeting Time & Location:
Join us at 9:30 AM at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot. We'll meet at the trailhead, located midway down the parking lot on the right side (as you enter).
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 131 feet
Difficulty: Easy
This hike is accessible for all skill levels, taking place on the towpath and Berma road, which both feature mostly flat ground and wide paths.
Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.
Pace: Moderate Pace
We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment.
Parking
Free parking is available at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot, which is also our meeting point.
Trail Maps (AllTrails)
Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland, towpath)
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available on this hike.
Dog Attendance
For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding!
Lunch After the Hike
Following the hike, we’ll head over to TBD for a casual lunch. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue conversations, spark new ones, and unwind with your fellow hikers. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular, we’d love for you to join us - and for many, this might just be the best part of the hike!61 attendees
Past events
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