{Do} Go Chasing Waterfalls!

Cunningham Falls in Thurmont, MD

Summer is officially here and, with it, the kind of wanderlust that only happens in eighty-five-degree weather. It's time to venture outside city limits to take in these beautiful wonders. These are all a quick drive away so there’s no excuse to not embrace your Into the Wild side and take some outdoorsy Instas. Perhaps the closest, Cascade Falls in Patapsco Valley State Park guides you to the main attraction through a lead-up of smaller waterfalls. Cunningham Falls in Thurmont, Maryland features an almost-entirely uphill trek to the falls but there are different courses for beginners versus experts so don’t be too overwhelmed! Bonus: there’s a lake for that perfect post-hike swim. Fairfax County’s own Scott’s Run is a waterfall two-for-one with beautiful wildlife and rare flora but be wary of the strict no-swimming/no-wading rule. Great Falls is a mere fourteen miles from Georgetown and provides great views of the historic C&O Canal.

Whiteoak Canyon Falls in Shenandoah National Park boasts six waterfalls, watering holes, and a decently large canyon (by East Coast standards at least). Dark Hollow Falls in this same park are beautiful and give the explorer a chance to see multiple cascades at once but the trail is only for the more experienced hikers. With rocky topography and a moderate hike, South River Falls completes the trilogy of Shenandoah National Park waterfalls. Falling Branch Falls a.k.a. Kilgore in Rock State Park not only features an easier trail, but dogs are allowed so grab your furry friends and head on over for some beautiful views. At Gunpowder Falls, walk alongside the river for a bit then find a decent-sized rock to picnic on in pool created by torrents – try and go after a rainstorm when the water levels have risen. Paw Paw Falls trail is bordered by the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath and includes a shady tunnel which hikers can walk through to see a pretty little waterfall on the other side. Pick your favorites and add them to you and your friends’ summer to-do list; don’t forget snacks!