This hike features the highest point of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland and it will end at Pen Mar, featuring several extensive overlooks on the way.

The hike to Signal Knob provides a panoramic view from its rocky promontory, site of a Civil War signal tower.

This hike explores the area that was most frequently visited in what is now Shenandoah National Park, but what was formerly the grounds of Skyland Resort.

We do not often visit this section of the AT, but Snowy Mountain, the central mountain in Michaux State Park, is also its highest.

Hike in the moonlight along the C&O Canal towpath to Great Falls, Maryland, 4 miles

If you took a poll of DC-area hikers on their favorite panoramic viewpoint in Shenandoah, Mary’s Rock might well be the winner.

Starting at historic Camp Roosevelt, site of the first Depression-era CCC camp, we’ll climb the Stephens Trail to its junction with the Massanutten Trail atop the jagged Massanutten ridge.

We will start and end at Gathland State Park, going along the crest of South Mountain, with the Hagerstown and Cumberland Valleys to the west and the piedmont to the east.

This hike will include the overlook at Hawksbill, the highest mountain in the entire park, and moderate hikers will also experience the equally breathtaking view at Stony Man.

Hike in the moonlight along the C&O Canal towpath to Great Falls, Maryland, 4 miles

Prince William Forest Park serves as the largest example of Eastern Piedmont forest in the National Park System.

It’ll be hard to believe you’re in Montgomery County – the suburbs of Washington, no less – on this autumn winner in Seneca Creek State Park.