There are plenty of options for easy walking adventures in and around Jefferson County. The Observer staff has highlighted some local and regional parks, trails, and nature preserves that offer fun, family-friendly, and often ADA-accessible trails.
All parks and trails listed below are free and open to the public.
Out & Back Trails · Local Parks · Nature Walks · Day Trip Ideas
Out & Back Trails
Ballenger Creek Linear Trail and Park (Frederick County, MD)
5420 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick, MD 21703
Handicap parking · Dogs on leash OK
The Ballenger Creek Linear Trail connects Ballenger Creek Park to Buckeystown Pike. Parking is available at both ends of the trail; also at the intermediate trailhead (5301 New Design Rd). The Linear Trail is paved and ADA compliant. Ballenger Creek Park, at the north end of the Linear Trail, features 1 mile of paved paths as well as an accessible playground.
C&O Canal Towpath (Washington County, MD)
Access at Lock 38, Sharpsburg, MD (at Shepherdstown)
Dogs on leash OK · Public parking lots and pull-ins along towpath
The canal trail runs from Washington DC to Cumberland MD for a total length of 184 miles. A popular local access point is Lock 38 just outside of Shepherdstown. There are several parking areas near Lock 38 and east along Canal Rd. This section of the trail has a fine, crushed gravel surface.
WV Route 9 Pathway (Jefferson & Berkeley Counties, WV)
Along WV Rt. 9 from Ranson to Martinsburg
Dogs on leash OK · Public parking at trailheads
This paved trail is open to both pedestrians and bikers. The southern part of the trail is mostly flat while the northern half of the trail has a few more hills. Most of the trail is unshaded. Parking is available at the trailheads in Ranson (Currie Rd. trail head) and Martinsburg (Grapevine Rd trailhead).
Local Parks
Sam Michael’s Park (Jefferson County, WV)
235 Sam Michael’s Lane, Shenandoah Junction, WV
Accessible restrooms · Handicap parking · Dogs on leash OK
This 130-acre park has 4 miles of easy walking trails with large, open grassy areas for stretching, exercising, and playing.
James Hite Park (Jefferson County, WV)
25-45 Hite Rd, Kearneysville, WV
Handicap parking · Dogs on leash OK
A 2-mile flat gravel walking loop runs around the perimeter of the 119-acre James Hite Park. The trail offers views of the open grassy fields, public fishing ponds, and a new accessible playground.
Marty L. Snook Memorial Park (Washington County, MD)
17901 Halfway Boulevard, Hagerstown, MD
Handicap parking · Dogs on leash OK
In addition to several multi-purpose fields and an accessible playground, Marty L. Snook Park features a 1-mile paved trail and brand-new fitness area at the west end of the park.
Chet Hobert Park (Clarke County, VA)
225 Al Smith Cir, Berryville, VA 22611
Handicap parking · Dogs on leash OK
A 2-mile fitness trail runs along the perimeter of this 102-acre park. The trail is 8-feet wide and covered with a flat, stone-dust surface, great for easy walking.
Inwood-Bunker Hill Lions Park (Berkeley County, WV)
Near 8785 Winchester Avenue, Bunker Hill, WV 25413
Handicap parking · Dogs on leash OK · Closed weekdays during school hours
This park is located next to the Mill Creek Intermediate School. The fitness trail includes several exercise stations. During the school year, this park is closed to the public on weekdays during school hours.
Nature Walks
Cool Spring Nature Preserve (Jefferson County, WV)
1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town
NO dogs allowed in preserve
The packed dirt trails of Cool Spring Nature Preserve cross through shady forests, open meadows, and beautiful marsh areas. The longest trail, Linda’s Loop, is 1.2 miles long and runs around the perimeter of the park and along Bullskin Run. Other shorter trails branch off from Linda’s Loop and provide access to pollinator meadow and bird watching areas.
Yankauer Nature Preserve (Berkeley County, WV)
438 Whitings Neck Road, Martinsburg
NO dogs allowed in preserve
The Yankauer Nature Preserve has 2.5 miles of hiking trails, including the 0.2 mile wheelchair accessible Cedar loop trail. Three other hiking trails meander through shady woods with opportunities to view wildlife and native flora. The Kingfisher trail offers scenic views of the Potomac river.
Cool Springs Battlefield Riverside Trail (Loudoun County, VA)
1400 Parker Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135
Dogs on leash OK
There are two paved trail options at the Cool Spring Battlefield Preserve. The north loop trail is 2.5 miles with a few steep sections and a scenic waterfall view in the middle of the trail. The 2.5 south loop trail is mostly level and a great option for an easy walk.
Day Trip Ideas
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (Frederick County, VA)
901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601
Handicap parking · Dogs on leash OK
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) recently opened 90+ acres of the park as a community green space, complete with 3+ miles of paved trails. Over 2 miles of trails are ADA-accessible and suitable for wheelchairs.
Access to the trails is free. Admission to the adjacent Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is $15 for adults. The MSV offers free admission to EBT cardholders through the Museums for All program and general admission is free for all on Wednesdays.
By Staff Contributor