What to do and see in Fairfax County, Fairfax County: The Best Nature & Parks

May 8, 2022 Vergie Nakamoto

Discover the best top things to do in Fairfax County, United States including Clemyjontri Park, Meadowood Special Management Recreation Area, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Great Falls Park, Burke Lake Park, Lake Accotink Park, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Meadowlark Botanical Garden, Mason Neck State Park.
Restaurants in Fairfax County

1. Clemyjontri Park

6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101-2209 +1 703-388-2807 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri/
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 124 reviews

Clemyjontri Park

Reviewed By SusanK347 - McLean, United States

This park is a hidden gem in McLean. There is a wide range of equipment here in the way of jungle gyms, etc., as well as walking paths. Great for families with kids.

2. Meadowood Special Management Recreation Area

10406 Gunston Rd Lower Potomac Field Station, Lorton, VA 22079-3922 +1 703-339-8473 http://www.blm.gov/visit/meadowood-special-recreation-management-area
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Meadowood Special Management Recreation Area

3. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

McLean, VA 20175 +1 703-777-0343 http://www.loudoun.gov
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Park composed of three seperate trails, perfect for hiking and biking.

Reviewed By 25wallace79 - McLean, United States

Have loved this place for over 30 years and so happy they never made it a “park”. There’s very little man-made influence here; a few trash cans and benches with some signs near the parking area. Trails are marked by painted color squares in mature trees. It’s a conservatory park meaning no vehicles like motorized bikes, regular bicycles, firearms and camping or campfires. You’ll see horseback riders and hikers and lots of dogs. And that’s nice because it keeps it quiet and safe without speeding bikers taking over the single track paths. I’m an avid cyclist and would love to ride here but it’s not meant for that. My children loved the secluded feel almost like going back in time. There’s part of the canal still in tact from George Washington’s time. I am there at least three times a week with my dog and make an effort to collect trash I see. I hope they never develop this place or make it a formal park. I was reluctant even to write a review that would attract people who will misuse the park but it’s such a great place. If you like natural woods with nothing faster than an occasional jogger, come enjoy this great place.

4. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182-1643 +1 703-255-1900 [email protected] http://www.wolftrap.org/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 684 reviews

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

The only national park dedicated to the performing arts, with spaces for indoor and outdoor performances.

Reviewed By MaryW71

I’ve attended concerts here for 20 years. It’s always a wonderful setting with top talent. Rent the cushions and pack a picnic for lawn seats!

5. Great Falls Park

9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102-1019 +1 703-757-3101 http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,335 reviews

Great Falls Park

An 800 acre park located just off the Potomac river.

Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States

A visit to this wonderful park is the perfect respite from the cityscapes of Washington D.C. Just a short drive from D.C., this park features many great hiking trails, abundant wildlife, historical sites, and of course the waterfalls. The Potomac River narrows and squeezes through the Mather Gorge to create gorgeous falls. There are entrances on both the Virginia and Maryland sides. The Billy Goat Trail is known to be challenging, but provides fantastic river views. It was closed during my visit due to flooding.

6. Burke Lake Park

7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-1929 +1 703-323-6600 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelake/
Excellent
65%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 219 reviews

Burke Lake Park

Reviewed By 88karic - Burke, United States

Go to 'Ride and Shine Bicycling' on YouTube and there is a free bicycle tour for Burke Lake. Discover Great Ride a bike... See Stunning Scenery... Explore and Enjoy the Journey with Us through video.

7. Lake Accotink Park

7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA 22150-3644 +1 703-569-0285 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/accotink/
Excellent
43%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 151 reviews

Lake Accotink Park

Outside D.C. in Northern Virginia. Tour boat rides, pedal boat rentals, carousel, beach front, playground equipment, hiking trails, snack bar, etc.

Reviewed By abomb17 - Philadelphia, United States

Hard to believe this place is right in the heart of suburban DC! I've been here several times both alone and with others and it's beautiful any time of the year. Walking the loop all the way around Lake Accotink is a great way to spend a couple hours but if you're not into hiking there's plenty of activities at the pavilion (merry-go-round, minigolf. picnic areas, paddle boating, etc). Great place for families with young kids and there's a concession stand too.

8. Hidden Oaks Nature Center

7701 Royce St, Annandale, VA 22003-1575 +1 703-941-1065 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenoaks/
Excellent
55%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Hands-on nature exhbits, live turtles and snakes, dress up, nature programs, hiking trails, butterfly crossing

Reviewed By S5459NCjenniferm

On a nice day there are little paths, a "dinosaur bone dig" and playground. The live animals are truly fun to learn about and the staff are very friendly and able to answer questions.

9. Meadowlark Botanical Garden

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182-1992 +1 703-255-3631 http://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 321 reviews

Meadowlark Botanical Garden

Reviewed By NOVACALI - Burke, United States

I attended a wedding and reception at this venue. There was plentiful parking. The grounds were magnificent. The building had plenty of space for buffet tables as well as tables, seating and dancing. The magnificent outdoors was "brought in" to the inside by clever design so you felt that you were still in a garden. I do not know about the cost, as I was not part of the planning process.

10. Mason Neck State Park

7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079-4010 +1 703-339-2385 [email protected] http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/mas.shtml
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Mason Neck State Park

Reviewed By WPLandry - Fairfax, United States

The hiking trails are fabulous, very well-maintained and clear of debris. The maps are laid out very well and there is signage posted to help you understand which way you are heading. Everything is very easy to follow. The trails have benches throughout so you can stop and simply enjoy nature. There are sections of boardwalk as well as steps in certain areas to make the trail more accessible. There are many other features in the park as well: a nice visitor center, boat launch, beach area, playground, picnic sites, and more.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.