2025-11-21 10:21:10
Whether you’re into hiking, camping, water sports or golf, there’s no shortage of places to get outside and have fun throughout Fairfax County.
Pick Your Park
Aside from viewing the majestic waterfalls, Great Falls Park offers 15 miles of walkways, including the River Trail Loop, where rocky footing leads to trees and thundering rapids. With more than 10 miles of trails, including one that links directly to Great Falls, Riverbend Park leads you past rivers, quiet forests lined with Virginia bluebells and meadows.
Ride over roots, crunch leaves and cruise beneath leafy canopies at Fountainhead Regional Park, with nearly 2,000 acres of tracks for cycling. Or zip through Wakefield Park’s single-track trails, then pedal along the easy stretch to Accotink Loop for forest views.
Hit the Trail(s)!
The Washington & Old Dominion Trail, a 45-mile paved former railroad bed, rolls over wooded bridges, skirts rushing streams and flows easily from city streets to the countryside, while the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail twists through open meadows, crosses shallow streams and passes through peaceful suburban stretches. Explore Bull Run Occoquan Trail’s scenic and historic woodlands, where towering trees, various plants and curious whitetail deer peek through the brush.
Hike or bike Lake Accotink Trail along lakeside bends and shady paths, perfect for a breezy afternoon ride. When you’re ready to call it a day, cool off at the water park, then grab firewood and snacks from the camp store before pitching a tent or settling into cozy cabins at Bull Run Regional Park’s campgrounds.
A Day on the Water
Push off into Pohick Bay by kayak or pedal boat, soaking up sunshine, glistening water and quiet moments solo or with friends. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Lake Anne, a go-to spot for community and local businesses. You can bring your own boat (or rent one!) to fish Burke Lake, where muskellunge lurk, catfish whisk and hungry fish wait below.
Set sail or paddle from scenic Belle Haven Marina as sunset paints the sky golden and the water fades to cool blue. Take a guided kayak trip at Mason Neck State Park through Kane’s Creek and Belmont Bay for a chance to spot bald eagles overhead. Grab a kayak at Occoquan Regional Park or cast a line for silvery striped bass and bright yellow perch in the river. Set up camp at Lake Fairfax to paddle, splash through the water park and roast marshmallows by a crackling fire under the stars.
Horses & More
Visitors traveling with horses can trot along Meadowood Recreation Area’s rocky passages, then head to The Stables for saddle time, riding lessons and boarding if you need it. Bring your horse to ride through 40 open acres at Turner Farm, once a dairy farm and now home to jumps, courses and a round pen.
Take a horseback trail ride down a mix of wooded trails and field riding at Frying Pan Farm Park. Once explored by George Washington, Seneca Regional Park offers riding trails to witness the remnants of his historic Potowmack Canal.
Major & Mini Golf
And those last 18 items on our list? Golf 18 holes at Burke Lake Golf Center, Westfields Golf Club, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Oakmont Golf Center, Herndon Centennial Golf Course or even Perch Putt mini golf — each providing its own unique setting for a great round.
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