Updated February 2, 2022. The weather has been so crazy lately, the chances of fluffy snow hitting the ground of Northern Virginia are still high for the rest of the winter. If and when the powder sticks, locals will be ready to grab their coats, sleds, and skis for a day of adventure in the hills. Here, we share the best sledding and cross-country skiing sites in NoVA.
Alexandria
Jefferson Manor Park
With numerous places to sit (benches, picnic tables, and a pavilion), parents can watch their kids frolicking in the flurries. There is plenty of open space and a hill that ends in front of the parking lot, so visitors can either sled, have a snowball fight, or build snowmen. 2909 Farmington Dr., Alexandria
Huntley Meadows Park
This large park boasts 1,200 acres of wildlife-laden trails. Skiers might see white-tailed deer, beavers, and foxes if they stay in the outdoors for long enough. Entrances at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. and 9601 S. Kings Hwy., Alexandria
Arlington County
Glencarlyn Park
There are hilly spots within this park’s 95.5 acres, as well as two picnic locations, nature trails, and paths leading to the Four Mile Run and Washington and Old Dominion trails. 301 S. Harrison St., Arlington
Jamestown Park
Though this park is only 6 acres in size, don’t underestimate it. A youth baseball field, grass field, two tennis courts, and a basketball court separate its sledding sites. 3618 N. Dickerson Rd., Arlington
Lubber Run Park
When covered in snow, the paved walkway leading to this park’s amphitheater doubles as a slippery sledding slope. Trails can also act as cross-country skiing paths. 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington
Tuckahoe Park
The hill next to Sycamore Street is great for sledding daredevils, and with multiple walking trails, the 12-acre park also serves as a destination for cross-country skiers. 2400 N. Sycamore St., Arlington
More Arlington sledding spots: Hayes Street Hill, Lubber Run Community Center, and the Reed School Hill
Fairfax County
Sledding and cross-county skiing at Fairfax County golf courses is prohibited, but there are still multiple locations where snow-day fun is both welcomed and encouraged.
Accotink Stream Valley Trail
Running 2.4 miles south along Route 50 to King Arthur Road, this wide and flat trail provides plenty of space for cross-country skiing novices. Entrances at Route 50 S. Service Road approximately 0.75 mile east of Fairfax Cir.; Eakin Community Park: 3400 Prosperity Ave.; 8509 Tobin Rd., Annandale
Burke Lake Park
Visitors can make use of open fields, hills, and three playgrounds, and adults can embark on the Burke Lake Fitness Trail for a 60- to 90-minute hike. 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station
Lake Fairfax Park
Visitors of this space can access the park through the main entrance on Lake Fairfax Drive, where a steep sledding hill is located behind the picnic area restrooms. 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston
Mason District Park
In addition to a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a baseball field, Mason District Park has hilly spots perfect for sledding. 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale
Riverbend Park
Cross-country skiers can enjoy scenic views of animal tracks and the Potomac River, as well as a good workout here. 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
Wakefield-Accotink Trail
Those looking for a challenge can take things to the next level by climbing a steep, 1-mile-long-and-2-mile-wide wooded trail with a lakeside view. Entrances at 8100 Braddock Rd., Annandale and 560 Heming Ave., Springfield
Westgate Park
While known for its tennis courts, Westgate also boasts a sled-ready hill behind its second baseball field. 7550 Magarity Rd., McLean
More Fairfax sledding spots: Brookfield Park, Canterbury Woods, Cardinal Forest Park, Crooked Creek Park, Franconia Park, Greenway Heights Park, George Mason Park, Lakeside Park, Marie Butler Leven Preserve, Nottoway Park, Stringfellow Park, Surrey Square Park, and Wood Glen Lake Park
Fauquier County
C.M. Crockett Park
Cross-county skiers can choose from either the hiking trail or a 1-mile wooded nature trail at one of Fauquier’s largest lakeside parks. There are also picnicking and pavilion spots for spectators. 10066 Rogues Rd., Midland
Loudoun County
Franklin Park
With 203 acres in western Loudoun County, Franklin Park offers multiple sledding, skiing, and snowboarding spots in view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In certain locations, leashed dogs are allowed to join in on the fun. 17501 Franklin Park Dr., Purcellville
Prince William County
James S. Long Park
Both hills and trails can be found at this park, which also contains baseball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, T-ball fields, picnic areas, and an equestrian ring. 4603 James Madison Hwy., Haymarket
Manassas National Battlefield Stone House
A large hill lies behind what was once a Civil War hospital, giving us another reason to appreciate this historic spot. 12521 Lee Hwy., Manassas
Signal Hill Park
The name speaks for itself, but there is also open space for other snow-day activities. Plus, a nearby pond will break up the snow-covered scenery. 9300 Signal View Dr., Manassas
More Prince William sledding spots: Ashurst Hill at the Quantico Marine Corps base, Bull Run Plaza, and Mapledale Plaza
Stafford County
Trench Hill
This spacious spot is so popular in Fredericksburg, it has its own Facebook page for locals to stay up to date when the largest crowds are making their way down the hills. Sunken Rd., Fredericksburg
Northern Virginia’s parks aren’t the only place for lovers of winter to enjoy the great outdoors. Though they may not have to go to class, some children may find the best sledding hills at their own schools, including the ones below.
Algonkian Elementary School: 20196 Carter Ct., Sterling
Antietam Elementary: 12000 Antietam Rd., Woodbridge
Ashland Elementary School: 15300 Bowmans Folly Dr., Manassas
Ashlawn Elementary: 5980 Eighth Rd. N., Arlington
Canterbury Woods Elementary School: 4910 Willet Dr., Annandale
Hampton Middle School (formerly Mills E. Godwin Middle School): 14800 Darbydale Ave., Woodbridge
H-B Woodlawn: 4100 N. Vacation Ln., Arlington
Jamestown Elementary: 3700 N. Delaware St., Arlington
Lake Ridge Elementary School: 11970 Hedges Run Dr., Woodbridge
Nottingham Elementary: 5900 Little Falls Rd., Arlington
Old Bridge Elementary: 3051 Old Bridge Rd., Woodbridge
Rippon Middle School: 15101 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge
Tuckahoe Elementary: 6550 26th St. N., Arlington
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