Glover Archbold Trail

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC? Clear your mind and get some fresh air with your canine hiking buddy on the Glover-Archbold Trail! The best part is, you and Fido don't even have to set paw outside the city limits to enjoy this hidden gem!

Tucked among the suburbs of northwest DC, the 3.1-mile Glover-Archbold Trail travels through the center of the Glover-Archbold Park, a sub-unit of the larger Rock Creek Park. Glover-Archbold is ruffly 15 minutes northwest of downtown, sandwiched between Foxhall Road and Wisconsin Avenue. Since several roads cut across the park, you and your pooch can access the trail from a number of spots. If you wish to tackle the entire route, it's recommended to start at the northernmost trailhead on Van Ness Street and then head south for an easier hike. Otherwise, it's an uphill climb if you start from the south.

You'll quickly furget that you're still in the nation's capital once you and your pup are on the trail,  strolling under a hardwood canopy and next to Foundry Branch, a small creek that flows into the Potomac River. Except for the street crossings, you and your pooch will be trekking through an undeveloped, densely wooded area, where you might even spot some deer. Since Glover-Archbold is pretty much a secret spot that only residents know about, there's no need to worry about running into crowds on the trail, and your four-legged friend can take their time in sniffing and exploring the site. 

Even if there are no other users on the Glover-Archbold Trail while you're there, Fido is still required to stay on a leash at all times. Remember to clean up after your furry pal as well! For a quiet hike in the middle of DC, look no further than the Glover-Archbold Trail!