Looking for a 12-18 mile loop within 2 hours of DC. I would like to take my dog. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

EastcoastMike wrote:Looking for a 12-18 mile loop within 2 hours of DC. I would like to take my dog. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Lots of options in Shenandoah National Park. The first that comes to mind is Jeremys Run-Knob Mountain. Another nice one, though a few miles shorter than your stated length, is Doyles River-Jones Run. You can also make some long loops in the Big Run Watershed. The first loop is in the North District and closest to Washington. The others are in the South District and might take more like 2 1/2 hours to reach.

I do think park regulations require leashes-- in case that's going to be an issue.

http://www.summitpost.org/knob-mountain-jeremys-run-loop/370956
http://www.summitpost.org/doyles-river/321828
http://www.summitpost.org/rocky-mountain-big-run-loop/284583

The fire road behind Old Rag is dog friendly and offers access to several trails that ascend the main spine of the Blue Ridge. You can go up Robertson (steep & fun), the drainage NE of Robertson, the fire road SW of Robertson. From there you can link up to the AT and head in any direction, though I think getting to the AT puts you near the halfway point for your goal. Some good 2 day hikes can be had from the base of Old Rag going up to the AT and Hawksbill or Stony Mtn, lots of options as far as distance and vertical. Gl