From epic views to the cutest wild ponies, watch the likes roll in when you snap pics at these scenic photo ops within a few hours of Washington DC.
McAfee Knob
It’s the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail, and for good reason. This Pride Rock-style outcropping is a must for those “look at me standing on the precipice, staring out at the world” shots. Since it was featured in the movie A Walk in the Woods, the hike to get here has blown up, so you have to get here at the crack of dawn to even get a spot in the small lot.
For more info on McAfee Knob, see Chapter 8 in Easy Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC.
Wild Ponies on Assateague
Wild ponies. On the beach! Basically these cuties are guaranteed likes. Since they’re wild animals there’s no guarantee if or where you’ll see Assateague’s famous residents. But they aren’t shy, and will get pretty close to people. (Just photograph, don’t touch.)
For more info on Assateague Island, see Chapter 6 in Easy Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC.
Skyline Drive in the Fall
This one of the best places to see fall foliage in the country. Film a timelapse as you drive (well, don’t film and drive – make someone else drive) the twisty turns. If you’re going to come here during peak fall colors, get here early (like leave D.C. before 6 a.m.). During foliage season the line to enter the park can back up for miles.
For more info on Skyline Drive, see Chapter 7 in Easy Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC.
Night Sky Photography in the Blue Ridge Mounatins
If you’re into astrophotography, there’s some fantastic night sky landscapes along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Camp out in Big Meadows along Skyline Drive or cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway’s stretches that are farther away from big towns and cities. In summer, Shenandoah National Park hosts night sky events and ranger walks.
For more info on Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, see Chapter 7 and 8 in Easy Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC.
Maryland Heights Trail
It’s a steep 6-mile hike up to this spot overlooking Harper’s Ferry, but the views are worth the strain. You’ll get a perfect vantage point of the town and the two rivers that surround it. Stay up here for sunset and you’ll score a scenic setting that’s hard to beat (just make sure you have a flashlight for the walk down).
For more info on Harpers Ferry, see Chapter 12 in Easy Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC.
