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Mid-Atlantic Trail Running Guide
Written by
Erica Schuckies
As the temperatures turn cooler and the leaves turn orange and gold, fall is the perfect time to get outside and take in the awesome autumn season. We've gathered a few idyllic spots for a trail run through seven Mid-Atlantic states for you to enjoy the crisp fall air and beautiful, seasonal colors.
Fountainhead Regional Park
Fairfax Station, Va.
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With a 2.25-mile looped trail and access to trailheads for neighboring parks, Fountainhead Regional Park is your one-stop shop for a trail run of any distance. The park's trails are set close to the banks of the Occoquan Reservoir, a picturesque, 2,100-acre waterway that is a mecca for fisherman. For a longer run, access the 17-mile Bull Run Occoquan Trail via the trailhead at the northern part of the park. Most trails in this park are only accessible mid-March through November, so plan accordingly.
Photo credit: Wikimedia.
Photo credit: Wikimedia.
Kanawha State Forest
Charleston, W.V.
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This 9,300-acre recreation area is home to 25 miles of trails, with many of them designated strictly for hiking and running (mountain biking and equestrian trails are separate). With 14 trails winding through the property, there are a variety of distances and difficulty levels for runners of all abilities. Photo credit: Matt Murphy, Kanawha State Forest Foundation.
Allegheny National Forest
Northwestern Pennsylvania
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The Allegheny National Forest covers 517,000 acres across the state of Pennsylvania, including land in Elk, Forest, McKean and Warren counties. Run to your heart's content on the trail with the same name, featuring 6.4 miles of loops that vary in difficulty and serve as cross-country ski trails in the winter. Photo credit: U.S. Forest Service.
Ongiara Trail System
Niagara Falls, N.Y.
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The Ongiara Trail System winds through Whirlpool and Devil's Hole state parks, overlooking the swirling waters of the Niagara River Escarpment. Take the Devil's Hole Trail for a moderate 2.5-mile round trip that features views of the gorge, "Giant Rock," and the Devil's Hole Rapids.
Rock Creek Park
Washington, D.C.
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The 32 miles of trail in Rock Creek Park offer something for everyone—from beginner trail runners to those in marathon-training mode. There are flatter, paved sections (such as the Rock Creek Trail) for those wanting to keep it nice and easy, or more challenging routes for the true trailblazer (like the 5.6-mile Valley Trail with a number of elevation changes).
Seneca Creek Greenway Trail
Gaithersburg, Md.
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This 7.8-mile trail is hilly and steep in certain sections, making for a challenging but rewarding workout. The trail crosses a small stream and offers views of the Great Seneca Creek, gorgeous upland woodlands and a natural rock bridge. The natural surface trails are maintained mainly by volunteers, making for high-quality trails the locals can be proud of.
White Clay Creek State Park
Newark, Del.
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White Clay Creek State Park is home to an XTERRA trail run, so you know it must be legit. Get your shoes dirty and your legs sore on more than 42 miles of trail options, including the Bryan's Field Trail that passes by a monument where the Mason-Dixon Line was marked.
Photo credit: Wikimedia.
Photo credit: Wikimedia.
