2026-09-24 10:09:07
PARKS & TRAILS TO EXPLORE
THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The Blue Ridge Mountains in western Loudoun are home to a swooping stretch of the world famous AT. Start at Bears Den Overlook above Bluemont with its spectacular views from the high rocks of the Shenandoah Valley, then cross Route 7 above Round Hill. Here, “The Rollercoaster” leads you down the mountain and over boulders forming a natural staircase to the Blackburn Trail Center log cabin.
RESERVOIR PARK
This beautiful 300-acre Reservoir Park features a welcome center, boat rental facility, picnic pavilions, scenic hiking trails, waterfront boardwalks, a bridge and educational exhibits. Operated by NOVA Parks and Loudoun Water, the park will preserve, protect and educate about the county’s water source.
ALGONKIAN REGIONAL PARK
On the tree-lined banks of the Potomac River in Sterling, this 838-acre park has miles of paved and natural trails through woodland and open fields, the highlight a section of cliffs overlooking the river. There are 12 rustic winterized cabins for rent, perfect for catching bright sunrises and blazing sunsets.
BANSHEE REEKS NATURE PRESERVE
This little-known 725-acre preserve south of Leesburg features more than 20 miles of marked trails through dense woodland in the rolling hills and valleys along Goose Creek. Hikers will see a diverse range of forest wildlife and natural flora, which are protected by the park’s Nature Preserve designation.
POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL
The Loudoun section of this national scenic trail connects hikers and cyclists to four parks in and around Leesburg, notably Red Rock Wilderness Overlook on the Potomac River, Civil War battlefield site Ball’s Bluff Regional Park, historic Morven Park and the 69-acre Rust Sanctuary wilderness.
SWEET RUN STATE PARK
Loudoun’s only state park, this 844-acre greenspace nestled between the Blue Ridge and Short Hill mountains features 11 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of equestrian trails, two streams, dense forest and a rugged stretch of the world-famous Appalachian Trail.
EXPLORE MORE parks and trails at VisitLoudoun.org
W&OD TRAIL
Jog, walk or cycle the scenic Washington & Old Dominion Trail, the narrowest park in Virginia, stretching 20 miles in Loudoun from Sterling to Purcellville. Affectionately known as “Loudoun’s High Street,” the park was built on the bed of a former railway line 50 years ago.
TOP SPOTS ALONG THE W&OD TRAIL
The Loudoun stretch of the W&OD Trail runs from Sterling in the east to Purcellville in the west. Whether cycling or walking, hit these highlights from west to east:
LOUDOUN’S WESTERN TRAILHEAD
Purcellville, VA
MONK’S BBQ
Purcellville Mile Marker 45
VINO 9 MARKET
Paeonian Springs Mile Marker 39
SECOND NATURE COFFEE CO
Leesburg Mile Marker 33
JOE’S CAFÉ
Sterling Mile Marker 24
THE WINE’ING BUTCHER MARKET
Ashburn Mile Marker 29
LOUDOUN’S EASTERN TRAILHEAD
Sterling, VA
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