Washington, DC: G.R. Thompson Loop

Washington, DC: G.R. Thompson Loop

Pick a sport: fish, bird watch, or hike. Next: tour parts or all of this 5.8-mile loop for a quick getaway from the noisy Capitol City.

Author:	Backpacker Magazine
Date:	24 Jul 2008 12:06:33 AM
Activity:	Hiking ActivitySearchHiking
State:	Virginia (VA)
Distance:	5.81 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 2361 ft Total Loss: 2361 ft Net Change: 0 ft
Difficulty:	5 / 10
USGS Topo Map:	Linden, Upperville
Tags:	Washington, DC, Appalachian Trail, Virginia, AT hikes in Virginia, Delaplane, Washington D.C.
Rating:	1 rating(s) Rate it

You’ve toured the Smithsonian, walked the Mall, and photographed Capitol Hill. Now, tour the wilder side of D.C. on this 5.8-mile loop. This hike strings together a small lake (fine fishing), several overlooks, (views to a local vineyard), and a segment of the Appalachian Trail (America’s classic long trail).

Begin by heading west just south of the lake. The first mile quickly ramps up, climbing a hillside overlooking nearby valleys. The trail follows an old dirt road and joins up with the Appalachian Trail. Head north on the AT for about a mile then swing east for a quick descent back to the lake. Grab lunch at one of the few lakeside benches. Return to trailhead.

Warning: Hunting is open along parts of this trail. Wear hunter orange or avoid the fall hunting seasons.

Mapped by Fletcher Caldwell

TO TRAILHEAD: From Washington, DC, head west on I-66 to exit 18. Turn right on VA 688/Leeds Manor Rd. and continue 3.9 miles to trailhead parking.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

GRT01

Dist: 5.81 mi	Points: 1076	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Track

Points of Interest

GRT001

Location: 38.957378°, -77.988792°
Trailhead: The parking lot is approximately 100 yards north of the lake (where the trail starts), but there is a park map and info board here. Several trails start and end at the lake: for this trip, head up the road and follow the trail straight ahead, passing the lake on your right as you start the hike on an old dirt road.

GRT002

Location: 38.955010°, -77.998795°
Go left @ 4-way intersection. Turning right here offers the option for a significantly shorter bail-out route.

GRT003

Location: 38.953468°, -77.997833°
The trail turns right onto an old dirt road bed at the fence. Most of this trail is on a dirt road of some kind, but in the summer, grass and weeds seem to fill in the road bed and turn the trail into singletrack.

GRT004

Location: 38.952511°, -77.999481°
The trail continues straight passing a vineyard on the left.

GRT005

Location: 38.950314°, -78.010468°
Continue straight @ 3-way junction as the trail continues on a steady uphill stretch. The climbing ends at the Appalachian Trail junction up ahead.

GRT006

Location: 38.948978°, -78.012146°
The trail passes old tin shack on the left. This is a nice spot to appreciate the the valley views to the south/southeast.

GRT007

Location: 38.953297°, -78.021431°
Turn right onto the Appalachian Trail (marked with white blazes). In the winter, enjoy views of the lake. In the summer, heavy tree cover blocks scenics to lake.

GRT008

Location: 38.963455°, -78.016060°
Turn right @ 4-way junction to head east down the hill. The descent is steep and a little rocky in parts. The dirt road beds on this loop act as drainages during and after rainfall, making for potentially sloppier conditions. To explore the AT a bit more before heading back to the car, continue straight at this junction.

GRT009

Location: 38.964050°, -77.996658°
Turn right @ trail junction to continue down towards the lake. Take a break at one of the lakeside benches before returning to the trailhead.