Fairfax County has a vibrant, diverse array of nature and wildlife to admire. It’s home to dozens of trails and nature parks, perfect for a day spent hiking, biking or enjoying local waterfronts.
Here are the top outdoor recreation spots in Fairfax, Virginia. These parks and trails are top-voted for their abundance of outdoor activities to try, along with striking scenic views.
Top vote getters
1. Washington & Old Dominion Trail
Fairfax
This popular paved trail spans 45 miles across Northern Virginia, from Purcelville to Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood. Available to walkers, runners and cyclists, the trail also has a shorter, parallel dirt-and-gravel path for equestrians.
2. Burke Lake Park
7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
This 888-acre park is home to all kinds of activities, from boating and camping to mini golf. Facilities for kids include a carousel and miniature steam engine train. This park also features a 4.7-mile trail with lakeside views.
3. Great Falls Park
9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
This National Parks Service site provides broad vantage points of the Potomac River’s Great Falls, along with trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding.
Other notable spots
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
- Lake Accotink Park
- Huntley Meadows Park
- Mason Neck State Park
- Bull Run Occoquan Trail
- Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Last Vote: Poll: The best outdoor recreation in Fairfax County
Last Update: May 9, 2025