How I Reached New Heights My Favorite Mountain Climbing Spots

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced? For Bobby Matthews and Josh Madigan, it was climbing all 46 peaks of the Adirondacks Mountains, joining an elite club of people who have done the same. On Aug. 1, 2015 they scaled the final peak on Whiteface Mountain. In May of 2016, they were formally inducted into the Adirondack 46er Club. Subsequently, on Aug. 1, we celebrate National Mountain Climbing Day in their honor.

I’ve always enjoyed mountain climbing, but a patient I saw recently inspired me to step up my game. He’s an avid mountain climber who hikes at least twice a week in any weather. Unfortunately, he came to see me after he tripped and tore his eyelid. Despite the unusual injury, his enthusiasm was infectious. His primary concern wasn’t about his eye but whether he could teach his mountain climbing course the following week. (Sadly, he couldn’t, but he is now fully recovered and back in business.)

Tala and I have been hiking more frequently since this encounter, and I love every minute of it. The many available trails aid our new dedication to the activity in our DMV area, with several incredible places to visit that are a short drive away.

Great Falls Park is only 17 miles from downtown Washington D.C., making it one of the most accessible options. The hiking level is easy to moderate, so it’s perfect for beginners or those who want a less strenuous outing.

The Billy Goat Trail, part of the Great Falls Park, which is between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River (Trail A) is a fantastic choice. There are three sections labeled A, B, and C. Billy Goat trail A is a more strenuous experience with “rock scrambling,” or physically climbing over boulders with your hands and feet. C is a significantly more relaxed route for those who desire something less rigorous, and B is a good mix of both.

You shouldn’t miss out on the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, either. I particularly recommend trying Bears Den Park. You will get spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley and a beautiful stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Locally, in Fairfax, the Cross Country Trail is 40 miles long and runs from the Potomac River at Difficult Run (Great Falls National Park) and Occoquan River at Occoquan Regional Park (Occoquan).

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a little over an hour away and will give you a taste of the outdoors and a dose of history. The abolitionist, John Brown’s Fort and a Civil War museum are on site. At this location, you can hike on and around battlefields.

Shenandoah National Park, one of our most treasured spots, is more of a trek as it requires a 2.5-hour drive, it is well worth the journey. You can easily spend the whole weekend there camping and hiking all the scenic trails. They’ve got colorful names like Stony Man, Bearfence Mountain Trail, Mary’s Rock, and Hawksbill Mountain. Dark Hallows is a crowd-pleaser known for its magical waterfall. But Old Rag is probably my favorite.

Old Rag has a lot of rock scrambling and other fun features, but you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to visit. The National Parks Service is experimenting with hiking passes to prevent overcrowding, and Old Rag is a pilot site for the program. If you want to check it out, make sure to book your ticket. Just visit Recreation.gov and type “Old Rag” into the search bar to access the reservation page.

We are truly blessed to have so many places to hike and climb in our area, so I hope you’ll consider getting out there and trying some of them for yourself. I feel honored and grateful to have met the patient who inspired me to again pursue mountain climbing adventures. From easy to strenuous, pick your level and send me a picture!

Meet Dr. Scott - Your Dedicated Oculoplastic Surgeon

Renowned for his commitment to enhancing your eyelid and facial appearance while prioritizing your safety. Dr. Scott is board-certified in Ophthalmology and has specialized fellowship training in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  With extensive training at prestigious institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia, Manhattan Eye, Ear, & Throat Hospital, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Scott brings a wealth of expertise to his craft. His accolades, including recognition as a Top Plastic Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine, underscore his dedication to excellence. Dr. Scott's passion lies in helping you achieve the best aesthetic results while safeguarding your eyesight.

Location: Fairfax - Northern Virginia

Areas of Expertise: Cosmetic laser eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ), ptosis surgery, treatment of benign and malignant eyelid cancers, correction of eyelid malposition – ectropion, entropion repair, and Botox and filler treatment.