Fairfax, Virginia

Burke Lake Park has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, or just having a picnic with your family, you can do it all at Burke Lake. Those who want to be active or exercise can run, hike or biket the 4.7 mile trail that circles the entir...

If you want a walk that’s close to home but feels like a mini escape, the Wolf Trap Trail Loop delivers. Winding through woods, wetlands, ponds, and along creeks, it offers a nice mix of nature, bird song, and scenic variety—all without leaving the suburbs. Trail Details & What to Ex...

The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail stretches through northern Virginia and is a great spot for bike riding, running, or walking. The trail is paved, well maintained, and wide enough for traffic in both directions. There are also a couple breweries along the way that you can make a f...

The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is located in Fairfax County, Virginia and is 50 miles outside Washington, DC and runs along the Bull Run waterway for 6.5 miles from Bull Run Marina to Fountainhead Regional Park. The blue blazed trail undulates for a total ascent of 1,510 ft and descent of 1,526 ft, ...

Tucked inside the heart of Reston, Virginia, the Lake Anne Blue Trail Loop is a 1.65-mile loop with 274 feet of elevation gain winding through wooded terrain along the shores of Lake Anne. It's one of the more underrated walks in Northern Virginia — quiet, scenic, and easily accessible from the...

This nature preserve can be hiked year-round and is a sanctuary for rare wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife including deer and fox. There are six main interconnecting trails that run through the preserve; winding their way around matured hardwood forest, sheer bluffs, and rocky cliffs overloo...

Difficult Run is a popular hiking location right down the street from Great Falls National Park. Starting at the Difficult Run parking lot you head to the trail at the far end of the lot. The trail will split. The green blazes will take you to the left but you can also stay to the right and hike ...

Great Falls Park, located in McLean, Virginia, is a stunning natural area where the Potomac River cascades over a series of steep, jagged rocks, creating the dramatic Great Falls. This 800-acre park offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it a popular destination for ou...

Just outside of Washington DC is a great hike and rock scramble you don't want to miss. Great Falls lies in both Virginia and Maryland and has beautiful views of the Potomac River. Start out at the Great Falls Tavern parking lot (Maryland side), and keep in mind it is $10 to park here if you don...

Turkey Run Park is available to hikers year-around and is located just off of George Washington Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The exits are clearly marked and you simply drive to parking lot C-1 to start this hike. Turkey Run has numerous trail options available but I chose an out-and-back. When ...

Parking along 36th Road in Arlington, VA, head down the path on the Gulf Branch Trail. Walk northeast for roughly a quarter mile, where you will intersect with the Potomac River. Find a spot along the sand, cast out, and watch the catfish bite! Chicken liver seems to work well.  Don't forget to h...

Located about 40 minutes from D.C. just off I-66 in Manassas, VA. Henry Hill is the starting point and headquarters that can lead you to multiple trails ranging from 1-5 miles depending on the route you choose here. Ample parking at HQ as well as clean restrooms. Tours are available here. Rolling...

Great spot for a run! Very accessible for those in the DC region.  A good starting point is the Henry Hill Visitor Center. If you want to avoid any crowds, start early.  From the Henry Hill Visitor Center, you can't really go wrong (as far as direction is concerned) since most trails can be linke...

This hike utilizes the Potomac Heritage Trail from Riverbend Park to Great Falls National Park. This section is an easy, mostly flat trail that will take you along the Potomac until you reach Great Falls National Park. When you reach Riverbend Park turn right into the parking lot. At the end of t...

Starting at Algonkian Regional Park and ending at Riverbend Park, this 8.5 mile canoe trip is a perfect way to get away from the traffic that is Northern Virginia.  Paddling hard, people have completed it in 4 hours.  It can easily be turned into an all day trip lasting 8 or more hours, if paddli...

Start your adventure at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking area and head southbound towards Mt. Vernon. You'll be riding next to the Potomac the entire time, with great views of the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Memorial Bridge. The ride is as long as you want t...