Outdoor Activities

There are two overlapping trails in the park that provide opportunities for visitors to hike and bird watch. Trail maps are available at the Ranger Station and available for download. Follow the blazes or posts to navigate the trails. Please note that swimming, wading, hunting, and camping are not permitted in the park.

 

Kids in Parks - TRACK Trail

Wolf Trap TRACK Trail (approximately 1.5 miles)

Winding through the woods and over Wolf Trap Run, the TRACK Trail is a great way to explore the outdoors. This orange-blazed trail is oriented for children and families, but is also great for those interested in a more leisurely hike. The trail head and self-guided adventures can be found in the Meadow, but the hike can be started from any point on the map (PDF, 268 KB) and by following the footprints or logos. Complete the adventure(s) and track your hike to earn free prizes.

TRACK Trails is made possible by a partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's Kids in Parks program.

 

Explore the park using the Wolf Trap Trail to see more than just a show at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

NPS Photo

Wolf Trap Trail (approximately 2.5 miles)

This trail takes hikers around the less developed perimeter of the park and features portions of woodland and wetland areas. The trail was developed and is maintained by Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). The trail can be started from any point of the map and by following the blue blazes. Green blazed shortcuts allow hikers to shorten the hike or visit Theatre-in-the-Woods.
Download a map of the Wolf Trap Trail (PDF, 955 KB).

 

A park volunteer leads a guided hike on the Wolf Trap Trail.

NPS Photo

First Sunday Hikes & Educational Events

Join members of the Friends of Wolf Trap and trail volunteers for Wolf Trap First Sunday Hikes and other free educational events on the first Sunday of each month. The hikes start at the Filene Center Main Gate (Box Office) and last about 1.5-2 hours. Select walks will focus on different topics: history, biodiversity, wild flower and woodland shade gardens, birds, and general flora and fauna. Times and topics vary and traditionally follow the Wolf Trap Trail loop (2.5 miles). Please dress appropriately for a hike and weather.

 

Beautiful autumnal colors can be seen throughout the park during the fall months.

NPS Photo

Fall Foliage Hikes

Join NPS rangers in the Fall for guided hikes on the Wolf Trap Trail, and see the woods of Wolf Trap like you've never seen them before! These 90-minute, 2 mile hikes offer participants unique perspectives into Virginia forest ecology, the science behind changing leaf colors, and general history of the park. Hikes begin at the Ranger Station, located to the left of the Main Gate of the Filene Center.
Status of 2021 Fall Foliage Hikes is still to be determined.

 

Trail volunteers lead a group of visitors on a guided hike on the Wolf Trap Trail.

NPS Photo

First Day Hike

Looking for a fun way to start off your New Year? Whether you have New Year’s resolutions or not you can help us start the new year on the right foot. The hike will start at the Filene Center Main Gate (Box Office). Please dress appropriately for the weather and a hike.

Learn more about First Day Hikes with America's State Parks.