Great Falls Park Virginia

Imagine hiking along a wooded trail in Virginia and stumbling upon the stone foundation of a crumbled building, the wooden slats of the walls caved in, the ironwork of the hinges still dangling on the burned out door. This discovery piques your interest—what is this? What’s its significance? How can you find out? Enter Hiking through History Virginia: Exploring the Old Dominion’s Past by Trail. The hiking guidebook, which profiles forty hikes (all trails, of varying degrees of difficulty), goes beyond simply stating miles and directions and GPS coordinates for each hike to include rich descriptions of the history underfoot. From Civil War Battlefields like the Petersburg National Battlefield to early settlement sites like Henricus from the 1600s, this book is the perfect companion for any hiker with an interest in history. Make no mistake—this is a hiking book first and foremost, complete with rich photos and detailed maps, but with added extras and sidebars detailing enough historical information to satisfy every curiosity along the way.

From in-town urban hikes and walks to scenic suburban forays to world-class area wilderness hikes, Washington, D.C. offers great opportunities for nature-lovers. This book guides locals and visitors to the wealth of possibilities here for every season, including a ridgetop trek on Massanutten Mountain, a leisurely walk through Prince William Forest Park, and a breathtaking tour of the 7.5-mile U.S. National Arboretum with its dwarf conifer forests, dawn redwoods, and Fern Valley. Detailed profiles of each site help readers determine the best hike according to length, time needed, difficulty, and scenery. The book covers special interests too -- hikes that are sure to please children, wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, waterfall watchers, and much more.

Winner of a National Outdoor Book Award Honorable Mention, Hiking Virginia is indispensable for exploring the Commonwealth. Authors Bill and Mary Burnham breath fresh air into popular Virginia destinations, and explore commonly overlooked yet equally dramatic hikes. Explore the history of a young American nation; watch stories of lost cultures come alive; and imagine the ghosts of Indian raiders, moonshiners, and outlaws haunting the backcountry routes of the past. Packed with notes on plants, trees, and geology, plus a list of local attractions and "good eats and sleeps" for the weary hiker, Hiking Virginia covers the Commonwealth's outdoors from the sea shores to the mountain slopes, past and present. Also included is a special section detailing the Appalachian Trail through Virginia, taking thru-hikers along the six-week route from Damascus, Virginia to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Inside readers will find: full-color photos, detailed color maps, accurate route profiles showing the ups and downs of each hike, tips on equipment, trip planning, hiking with dogs and children, accurate directions, difficulty ratings, trail contacts, and more.

Explores the monuments and museums and offers information on Washington's history, attractions, parks, and gardens as well as practical tips on accommodations, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping