Our favorite fall walks around D.C.

This week, something in the air has turned: The breeze feels suddenly colder, the Halloween decor is out in full force, and the dogs are wearing sweaters on their walks. Autumn is officially here.

Fall is famously one of D.C.'s only tolerable seasons, a few months of pleasant-enough weather leading into the dead and freezing winter. It's important as denizens of this place that we get our picturesque outdoor days in now, before we're forced to hide from the darkness till March.

To that end, some 51st team members have curated a list of beautiful fall walks in the D.C. area that you may feel inspired to try for yourself. Scroll and enjoy:

Old Town Alexandria

Old Town is known for its picturesque views of the Potomac River and the shops, restaurants, and historic sites on King Street. But my favorite way to experience the neighborhood is strolling along its residential streets, especially in Autumn. The treelined sidewalks glow with hues of red, orange, and gold. Streets like Prince, with its cobblestone roads, add to the charm. And in October, the neighborhood’s Halloween decorations are unmatched. Instead of popping in headphones, I listen to the rustling leaves swaying in the breeze. The air is usually crisp and invigorating, motivating me to walk at a speedier pace—it’s like I’m getting my steps in without the dreadful feeling of working out. It’s such a delightful walk. — Christina Sturdivant Sani

Sky Meadows State Park

Pretty much everyone knows that for the ultimate fall foliage views, you head to Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. But that’s also the problem: when you go you’ll be there with pretty much everyone else. For a placid alternative, try Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane. The 1,864-acre park is set amidst the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont, with ample options to picnic, hike, or just relax on one of the open meadows. The sweeping views from the 1.2-mile Piedmont Overlook Trail aren’t to be missed, especially on a cloudless fall day. (The park is hosting a Fall Foliage Festival on Oct. 20.) And as you head back towards D.C., opt for the back roads of Virginia Horse Country and plan a stop in Middleburg, a genteel-if-ritzy historic town that will make you want to take up fox hunting. (Yes, it’s a thing there.) — Martin Austermuhle

Rock Creek Park

I love crossing this very specific bridge in Rock Creek, and only partially because it marks the halfway point for one of my frequent running routes. Rapids Bridge connects Beach Drive to the trail on the opposite side of the creek, and it gives you a glimpse down the water, where in the fall the trees give the creek a colorful frame. With the boulders, and the rustling leaves, and the babbling brook, it's like you're in a fairytale! — Colleen Grablick

C&O Canal Towpath

For fall walks in D.C., the C&O Canal Towpath is hard to beat. While the most stunning vistas are in and around Great Falls Park, the parts of the trail you can access from Georgetown don’t disappoint. There’s something so magical about a trail hugged by water on both sides – the historic canal to your right, and the rugged Potomac to your left. Earlier in the season, you can forage paw paws, and later on the silver maples turn brilliant shades of yellow. Every time I see a blue heron take flight, turtles clustered on the tip of a log, or a fawn dash across the trail, I can’t believe I’m in a major city.

A fall walk isn’t a fall walk without a little treat (or three), so stop by Yellow Georgetown to pick up a za’atar croissant or a wood fired pita for a trailside picnic, and a smoked dirty chai to sip on the way. – Abigail Higgins

Rock Creek Cemetery

My favorite walk is around Rock Creek Cemetery. It’s beautiful every season but in fall she really sings! There are some incredibly old big trees and interesting headstones to look at, including the iconic grave of Evelyn Y. Davis, which I’d admired for years before learning the lore thanks to Rachel Kurzius’s DCist article. – Maddie Poore

Rock Creek Park, again

I know, I know – we can’t get enough of Rock Creek Park. But this isn’t just my favorite fall walk, it’s my favorite transit-accessible walk in the District! Grab the bus there (transferring as needed), be surrounded by nature for five miles straight, grab the bus home. You drop in at 16th and Holly Streets NW. Watch your step if you’re walking through the neighborhoods up there: osage oranges litter the ground this time of year. The Holly Trail where you begin instantly immerses you in the forest. There are plenty of different trail intersections to plot your own course, but if you follow this Google map you’ll enjoy a variety of leaves and critters before landing just above Cleveland Park, where you can get a chai or an ice cream sandwich. – Eric Falquero

Huntley Meadows Park

In fairness, pretty much every time of year is the right time to go to Huntley Meadows, but there's a special fall magic to this 1,400 acres of marshland and forest in Fairfax County. Walking up the path to the boardwalk, you're surrounded on all sides by gorgeous foliage and profound quiet. On the wetland you're likely to see all manner of wildlife, from slow-moving turtles sunning themselves on logs to majestic great egrets, still as statues in the water. In the forest, I once spied a small doe, nose twitching as she went still on my approach. Bring a coffee with you and leave your earphones out so you can hear the distinctive calls of the Carolina wren, or maybe the drumming of a pileated woodpecker. If the sun is out, there are benches around the boardwalk and on the two-story observation deck where you can sit for a while.

When you've taken your nice slow round through the main area of the park, stop by the visitor's center and pick up a treat or a trinket. – Natalie Delgadillo

Do you have a fall walk you want to share? Write to us at hello@51st.news.