DC Outdoors

Your guide to the great outdoors

American Hiking Society

  http://www.americanhiking.org/

HikingThe American Hiking Society was founded thirty years ago to champion conservation issues, build partnerships between public and private stake holders, and develop resources to plan, fund, and create foot trails. The organization works to shape policy, organizes and coordinates volunteer vacations, and conducts outreach through events, resources, and partnerships with recreation and conservation organizations.

Backpacker Magazine

  http://www.backpacker.com/

BackpackingBackpacker Magazine is about hiking, as one might expect, but they don't just write about overnight hiking. The site lists plenty of day hikes, with reviews and useful information. There are also interesting articles and lots of reviews of hiking gear.

Bike Washington

  http://www.bikewashington.org/

BikingThis website includes all kinds of information about biking in the Washington area. There are trail maps, recommendations for parking before you bike, reviews of the trails, and suggestions about where to rent bikes. The site is the hobby of a Maryland bike enthusiast, and includes no advertising, which is a relief.

Maryland Park Service

  http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/

Maryland ParksThe Maryland Park Service website offers information about all the state parks, including trail maps, camping, cabins for rent, and fees. The site also lists service opportunities, as well as lots of other information.

Wanderbirds Hiking Club

  http://www.wanderbirds.org/

WalkingThis club was founded in 1934, and organizes day hikes every Sunday, year round, throughout the DC area. The club charters a bus to get to the hiking area, and bus fare for non-members is $25. It's a simple matter to sign up for a hike, and there's a list of upcoming hikes on their website. Two hikes are offered each Sunday -- one that is moderate (from 6-9 miles) and one that is more strenuous (from 10-13 miles).