Will, In DC and into MD there are lots of trails in Rock Creek Park. DC also has some other random trails, particularly in the Georgetown area up towards American University and over to Rock Creek Park i nthe vicinity of Cleveland Park.

In VA, not sure if you are running the Potomac Heritage trail from the Key Bridge area, but, if so, you can also run it out of Great Falls National Park. GFNP also has its own trails as well as access to the Cross County Trail heading west. I also like running little loops in Potomac Overlook Park from time to time. If you live in the Alexandria area or are willing to go slightly further, check out Prince William Forest.

In Maryland, there's the Seneca Greenway Trail.

Check out the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club for more trail info. The club covers a huge area including DC and MD.

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Even better (more runnable) trails heading north out of GFNP. As for the southern section of PH trail, you should take the turn West and head into Potomac Overlook.

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I would actually recommend you go up to Boonsboro, MD and
run the AT part of the course, out and back (to and from
Weverton Cliffs). It's not what I would call a difficult trail
course, but it will be rockier and rattier than, for example,
the Bull Run course. A lot of people who aren't prepared
end up twisting their ankles somewhere on the AT and they
either slow down tremendously or drop out. A couple of
runs on there will help you out. There's also good trail
running at Patapsco in Maryland, which covers a large
area.


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Will,
I love running at Patapsco, and its only about 45 minutes from downtown d.c. I work in d.c. and try to do a headlamp run out there once a week, although i havent been able to get there lately, work too busy. I do run around town though, so ive got familiar with some fun trails in rock creek and along virginia avenue. if youre up for an in-town run, drop me a line at mraymond@wchdc.com. that goes for anyone in the area, I could always use training partners.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Will DCrunner:
I've started training for my first ultra (JFK) and would like to get as much trail running as I can. Does anyone know of any good trails that are close to DC (preferably within 30 minutes of driving)? So far, I've found Bull Run trail and the Potomic Heritage trail but not too much else.<HR>