Top 5 Nature Escapes

In Washington, DC, nine miles of roads wind through gardens featuring aquatic plants, bonsai trees, historic roses and the national herb garden.

Photo: Adam Fagen

Noted for their bluish colour when seen from a distance, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains include Shenandoah National Park, a breathtaking park known for hiking, fishing, biking and scenic overlooks.

Photo: Brent McGuire for Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

This 800-acre national park in Virginia along the Potomac River features viewing platforms for the waterfalls, 15 miles of hiking trails and cliffs for rock climbers.

View wildlife including herds of wild ponies on these pristine Atlantic Coast islands.

This Maryland bird sanctuary has paddling and hiking trails and a visitor centre with an eagle cam.

Photo: Jill Jasuta