2020-11-30 08:31:27
OUTDOORS & NATURE From aerial adventures and bike trails to a ruggedly beautiful National Park and several urban parks offering plenty of places to rest, relax and play, Fairfax County is full of spaces to get away. The bustle of Tysons Corner and Washington, DC are only a few miles away, but GREAT FALLS PARK in McLean feels a world apart. At this oasis managed by the National Park Service, you can walk along meandering trails past overlooks offering gorgeous views of rushing waters. The same Potomac River that’s a quiet backdrop in the nation’s capital is a spectacular, massive torrent of rapids and whitewater here. Pause a minute to take it all in, but don't think this spot once known as the “Niagara of the South,” is just majestic scenery. A short film at the visitor center will give you a glimpse at Fairfax County’s most famous resident, George Washington, before you make your way to an expansive picnic area to enjoy a relaxing lunch. Once you’re rested up, it’s time to rev up the fun! Mountain bike, hike, fish, kayak or hit the equestrian trails at FOUNTAINHEAD REGIONAL PARK, 2,000 acres set aside for rugged adventure in Fairfax Station, or try your hand at the exhilarating woodland zip lines, pendulum-like Tarzan swings and more at GO APE! ZIP LINE & TREETOP ADVENTURE. Afterward, hop on the vintage carousel at Reston’s LAKE FAIRFAX PARK or head to the Wild West-themed water park there to cool down with sprays, slides, flumes and the lazy Rattlesnake River. Looking for awesome hiking and biking trails, or a park where you can play away the day? Visit our Official Insiders Blog for all the latest scoop! FXVA.com/blog JUST ‘PARK’ IT When you want to “be one” with nature, escape to these peaceful spots. Find serene splendor year-round at MEADOWLARK BOTANICAL GARDENS, with a trio of lakes, walking trails, weeping cherry trees and the western hemisphere’s only public Korean Bell Garden. Bird watchers and other nature lovers will dig HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK, 1,554 acres of meadows, forest and wetlands that beavers, dragonflies, herons and other creatures call home. Rent a kayak and take in the lush marshes and deep woods of MASON NECK STATE PARK, where bald eagle populations have been nurtured since the mid-1960s. Wildflowers, hummingbirds and streams make GREEN SPRING GARDENS a delight. But thanks to a horticultural center, themed demonstration gardens and workshops, the park doubles as an uplifting classroom. Explore more outdoors and nature at FXVA.com/things-to-do
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