Sunset hikes

A short walk out, the whole show, and back at your car before dark. Times are estimates at a relaxed pace; give yourself extra buffer, especially with kids or in a group.

1. Bethesda Trolley Trail 1.7 mi away

   Leave by 6:29 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:29 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car7:42 PM
   5. Dark7:36 PM

   Back at your car by 7:42 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 90 ft climb · 38 min of walking

2. Lake Needwood–Westside Viewpoint, 7 sights 3.1 mi away

   Leave by 4:06 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:06 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car10:08 PM
   5. Dark7:36 PM

   Back at your car by 10:08 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   6.4 mi to the viewpoint · 270 ft climb · 327 min of walking

3. Lake Bernard Frank–Sunfish Pond, 3 lakes 3.3 mi away

   Leave by 4:20 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:20 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car9:49 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 9:49 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   5.9 mi to the viewpoint · 210 ft climb · 294 min of walking

4. Study Pond–Sunfish Pond, 3 lakes 3.3 mi away

   Leave by 4:48 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car9:21 PM
   5. Dark7:36 PM

   Back at your car by 9:21 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   4.7 mi to the viewpoint · 220 ft climb · 238 min of walking

5. Sunfish Pond & Rock Creek Trail via Kengla Trail 3.3 mi away

   Leave by 5:37 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:37 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car8:35 PM
   5. Dark7:36 PM

   Back at your car by 8:35 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.8 mi to the viewpoint · 150 ft climb · 143 min of walking

6. Rock Creek Trail 3.3 mi away

   Leave by 6:44 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:44 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car7:30 PM
   5. Dark7:36 PM

   Back at your car by 7:30 PM — 5 min before dark.

   0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 11 min of walking

7. West Montgomery Avenue Sidepath via Carl Henn Millennium Trail 2.7 mi away

   Leave by 6:43 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:43 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car7:30 PM
   5. Dark7:36 PM

   Back at your car by 7:30 PM — 6 min before dark.

   0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 12 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

8. Centre Pond–Gaither Pond, 3 lakes 2.8 mi away

   Leave by 6:46 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:46 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car7:27 PM
   5. Dark7:36 PM

   Back at your car by 7:27 PM — 9 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 6 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

9. Piccard Pond–Gaither Pond, 3 lakes 2.8 mi away

   Leave by 6:46 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:46 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car7:27 PM
   5. Dark7:36 PM

   Back at your car by 7:27 PM — 9 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 6 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

10. Charred Oak Neighborhood Conservation Area & Tadpole Nursery via Cabin John Trail 3.1 mi away

    Leave by 6:43 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:43 PM
    2. Sunset7:09 PM
    3. Head back7:24 PM
    4. At your car7:29 PM
    5. Dark7:36 PM

    Back at your car by 7:29 PM — 7 min before dark.

    0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 11 min of walking

11. Great Seneca Highway Sidepath 3.4 mi away

    Leave by 6:46 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:46 PM
    2. Sunset7:09 PM
    3. Head back7:24 PM
    4. At your car7:27 PM
    5. Dark7:36 PM

    Back at your car by 7:27 PM — 9 min before dark.

    0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 6 min of walking

12. Tadpole Nursery via Cabin John Trail 3.1 mi away

    Leave by 6:47 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:47 PM
    2. Sunset7:09 PM
    3. Head back7:24 PM
    4. At your car7:25 PM
    5. Dark7:36 PM

    Back at your car by 7:25 PM — 10 min before dark.

    0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 3 min of walking