Christine Snyder 2019-12-06 13:28:56
The same placid river that runs alongside our nation’s capital rumbles and tumbles in Fairfax County, creating an outdoor oasis for all sorts of play – and contemplation. The hustle and bustle of Tysons Corner and Washington, DC are only a few miles away, but GREAT FALLS PARK in McLean is a world apart. Just minutes after I arrive at the national park and pull into a parking spot, I make the easy walk to the first of three overlooks, where I stand awestruck. The same Potomac River that’s a quiet backdrop in the nation’s capital is a spectacular, massive torrent of rapids and whitewater here. But don't think Great Falls, once known as the “Niagara of the South,” is just majestic scenery. The cool visitor center is welcome on this sunny day and, as I watch a short film about the area's history, I get a glimpse of George Washington – not as the assured father of our country, but as the struggling entrepreneur behind the Patowmack Company. Washington hoped to connect Georgetown and Alexandria to Ohio, then on to the frontier. To do that, he envisioned a series of canals – then a civil engineering feat – so cargo-laden boats could skirt the treacherous falls. But there were headaches: the canals would flood after heavy rains, freeze over in the cold and dry up in the summer heat. I make my way to the expansive picnic area beside the bustling visitor center and enjoy a relaxing lunch. But the longer I sit here, I’m drawn to see the ruins of Matildaville, once home to the Patowmack Company's headquarters, homes, a boarding house for workers, a forge, a sawmill, a market house and more. That’s all the motivation I need to finish my visit with a hike, so I enjoy a quiet walk and find myself thinking about poor George Washington’s dashed dreams. And about all the millions of tourists who have followed him here and fallen in love with the result. HIDDEN GEMS In need of a little outdoor fun? These natural escapes will cure what ails you. ☐ Benefactor Adele Lebowitz gave land and a vision for Clemyjontri Park, a wondrous playground for kids, including those with disabilities, that debuted in 2006. The unusual name is a mashup of the names of Lebowitz's offspring, Carolyn, Emily, John and Patrina. Locals shorten it to “Clemy.” ☐ 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. ☐ Mountain bike, fish, kayak, hit the equestrian trails or hike at Fountainhead Regional Park, 2,000 acres set aside for rugged adventure in peaceful, quiet Fairfax Station. ☐ Ride a vintage carousel at Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park or head to the Wild West-themed water park, chockablock with sprays, slides, flumes and the lazy Rattlesnake River. HOT SPOTS When you want to “be one” with nature, make tracks to these popular 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. Fans of adventure – including kids – can challenge themselves on exhilarating woodland zip lines, pendulum-like Tarzan swings and more at GO APE! ZIP LINE AND TREETOP ADVENTURE. ASK A LOCAL JOHN ERNST Landscape and nature photographer Capturing snapshots adds to any adventure, says Ernst, who’s lived in Fairfax County for 39 of his 41 years. “Whether you notice an insect on a leaf, a lone tree in a field or some stunning clouds, if you’re looking for photos, you won’t take anything for granted.” See some of his best captures at jcernstphoto.com, then visit his favorite places to shoot. • Spring’s the best time to explore Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and Bull Run Regional Park, where Virginia Bluebells bloom along the creek. • Head to Mason Neck State Park to shoot summer sunsets over the Occoquan Bay. • Check out Scott's Run Nature Preserve for autumn hues and waterfall views along Difficult Run Stream as it joins the Potomac River. • All year long, Pohick Bay Regional Park is the place for glimpses of bald eagles, ospreys and other impressive birds. Explore more outdoors and nature at FXVA.com/things-to-do
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