The Trails with the Loveliest Fall Foliage Views in Every NoVA County

With autumn and its beauty taking over the region, it’s the perfect time to take it all in. What better way to check out the changing scenery than with a hike on one of these Northern Virginia trails with great fall foliage.

ARLINGTON

Donaldson Run Park
Dog-friendly Donaldson Run Park features 4 acres of secluded, paved trails settled in a forested area with views of a stream that runs into the Potomac River.

Fort Bennett Park and Palisades Trail
In the 11 acres of open space surrounded by trees, there are marked paths, paved paths, and a historic spring house.

Four Mile Run Trail
The dog-friendly marked trail follows a 4-mile stream and is surrounded by 2 acres of trees.

Lubber Run Park
A paved path and nature trail spans the length of this park.

Mount Vernon Trail
Begins at Theodore Roosevelt Island
An 18-mile trail stretching from Theodore Roosevelt Island to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, the Mount Vernon trail features views of DC monuments and the Potomac River.

Potomac Overlook Regional Park
This large park offers just under 2 miles of hiking trails with access to the Potomac River.

Theodore Roosevelt Island
Access via George Washington Memorial Parkway
The paved trail is great for biking and running and offers views of the Potomac River in addition to a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt.

Washington & Old Dominion Trail
Access points at Shirlington and Bluemont Park
The 45-mile route from Shirlington to Purcellville is paved on top of what used to be the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad.

Windy Run Park
This 14-acre park offers both paved trails and rocky marked paths, plus streams, small waterfalls, and bird-watching opportunities. The park is dog-friendly.

ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria Heritage Trail
This 23-mile trail through historic Old Town Alexandria takes the rider past much of the town’s historic landmarks. Guided bike tours are offered twice a year, and portions of the trail are off-road, though the entire trail is paved and well designated, with sidewalks offering a respite at the more challenging portions.

Fort Hunt Park
Take a midday stroll or enjoy a picnic at Fort Hunt, on land which once belonged to George Washington and is rich with military history.

Mount Vernon Trail
Just over 18 miles long, the trail runs alongside the Potomac River from Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island in Rosslyn. One of the most popular trails in the area, it runs through Old Town and four miles in Arlington with views of the Navy Marine Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Entirely paved and fairly flat, there are few large challenges; only one large climb exists near Mount Vernon.

Waterfront Parks
Old Town, the Metro-DC area’s largest preserved colonial neighborhood, is best known for its historic sites and centuries-old structures, but it’s also home to more than half a dozen interconnected riverfront parks paralleling the Mount Vernon Trail on the west and the Potomac River on the east.

FAIRFAX

Bull Run Regional Park
Centreville
This park is over 1,500 acres and offers several trails: the Bluebell Trail, which features wildflowers in spring, the Occoquan Water Trail, and the trailhead of the 19.7-mile Bull Run Occoquan Trail.

Burke Lake Park
Fairfax Station
The park’s 218-acre lake is surrounded by a 4.7-mile gravel trail for walking, running, or biking.

Burke VRE Trail at Pohick Stream Valley Park
Springfield
This trail connects to a shopping center, neighborhoods, and the Virginia Railway Express via a paved pedestrian and bike path.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
Chantilly
In addition to the Walney Visitor Center, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park has 4 miles of trails showcasing streams, meadows, and a pond.

Fountainhead Regional Park
Fairfax Station
Fountainhead Regional Park offers biking and equestrian trails, plus the Occoquan Water Trail and Bull Run Occoquan Trail.

Great Falls Park
McLean
Perhaps NoVA’s most dramatic and popular park, Great Falls is a must-see for DMV residents. It’s best known for its waterfalls and rapids, which can be enjoyed from three overlooks, plus 15 miles of hiking and walking trails, 10 miles of horseback riding trails, and 5 miles of bike trails.

Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
Clifton
With trails featuring views of hemlock and beech trees, streams, and a creek, plus the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, Hemlock Overlook has several hiking options.

Huntley Meadows Park
Alexandria
Look for wildlife as you hike Huntley Meadows’ half-mile boardwalk trail over the wetlands and the rest of the park’s 1.75-mile trail.

Pohick Bay Regional Park
Lorton
Situated on an inlet of the Potomac River, Pohick Bay features a network of hiking trails, a 3.3-mile equestrian trail, and the Occoquan Water Trail.

Riverbend Park
Great Falls
A section of the Potomac Heritage Trail runs along the Potomac River in this park, along with three other park trails: Bootlegger Trail, Follow the Hollows Trail, and Madison’s Escape trail.

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
McLean
The trails in Scott’s Run Nature Preserve lead to a scenic view of a waterfall on the Potomac River.

Washington & Old Dominion Trail
Access points in Vienna, Reston and Herndon
The 45-mile route from Shirlington to Purcellville is paved on top of what used to be the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad.

LOUDOUN

Algonkian Regional Park
Sterling
This 838-acre park offers plenty of entertainment. There are open areas and fields for pick-up games, picnic shelters, boat launches, an 18-hole golf course and mini golf, paved hiking trails, and Volcano Island Waterpark. You can also make a weekend of the park and rent out one of the riverfront cottages right along the Potomac.

Ashburn Park
Ashburn
Walk the trails of Ashburn Park to enjoy views of a creek in a wooded setting.

Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
Leesburg
The site of the largest Civil War engagement in Loudoun County, Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park is now a serene spot for natural wandering and contemplation. A gravesite marks the spot where 54 Union soldiers are buried, all but one of whom are unknown, and there is a monument to the fallen Confederate soldier Sgt. Clinton Hatcher. Guided tours are available.

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
Leesburg
This 695-acre natural area features wildlife, rolling hills, views of Goose Creek, and several trails for hiking.

Bles Park
Ashburn
Hikers can find nature trails plus a portion of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail within Bles Park’s 124 acres.

Claude Moore Park
Sterling
With 11 miles of trails, Claude Moore Park offers hikers views of forests, wetlands, ponds, and meadows.

Bazil Newman Riverfront Park
Lansdowne
Plenty of waterfront views can be found at Bazil Newman Riverfront Park, with access to the Potomac River and Goose Creek.

Franklin Park
Purcellville
Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains can be seen from Franklin Park’s 3.5 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding.

Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park
Leesburg
At Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, visitors can explore the 156-acre park with hiking trails that are steeped in history.

Morven Park
Leesburg
The former home of Westmoreland Davis, Morven Park is now a place for educational tours through the historic buildings and a major sports park for recreational programs, equestrian events, and hiking trails.

Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park
Leesburg
In addition to sports fields, picnic areas, and a visitors center, Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park has 3.5 miles of nature trails to explore.

Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park
Leesburg
Take in the views of the Potomac River as you traipse through this park with winding trails and historic buildings.

Rust Sanctuary
Leesburg
Sixty-eight acres of meadows, forests, and ponds make up Rust Sanctuary, which also offers year-round programs including the Fresh Air Kids series for preschoolers.

Washington & Old Dominion Trail
Access points in Ashburn, Leesburg, Purcellville and Sterling
The 45-mile route from Shirlington to Purcellville is paved on top of what used to be the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad.

PRINCE WILLIAM

Andrew Leitch Park
Dale City
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail that follows Neabsco Creek.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park
Bristow
Two battles were fought on this land that is now a 140-acre historic site in the western part of Prince William County: the Battle of Kettle Run (1862) and the Battle of Bristoe Station (1863). Now it is a park with more than 2.7 miles of walking and equestrian trails.

James Long Regional Park
Haymarket
For bikers, hikers, and equestrians, James Long Park’s trails feature hills, woods, and views of Catharpin Creek.

Lake Ridge Park
Woodbridge
Access to the Occoquan Water Trail plus 1.2 miles of hiking trails make Lake Ridge Park a year-round destination for outdoorsy types.

Leesylvania State Park
Woodbridge
If you can’t get away for an overnight at a DelMarVa beach, don’t worry. Leesylvania State Park in Prince William County is a great day option. Not only can you stroll the beach where Native Americans, the Lee, and the Fairfax families once lived and where Capt. John Smith visited, but you can also partake in several inland trails.

Locust Shade Park
Triangle
This park in Prince William County, next to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum, is more than trails and shaded lawns. There is a 400-seat amphitheater, an 8-acre lake for fishing (bluegill, largemouth bass and crappie) and boating (seasonal pedal boats), a driving range, an 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages, playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, and 3.2 miles of nature trails.

Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas
The only other place in Northern Virginia that could rival the importance of the Civil War is Arlington National Cemetery. While the northeastern neighbor to this battlefield holds a solemn place, Manassas National Battlefield Park is where the South truly tested the North. Now it holds the somber reminders of our past conflict as a place where one can peacefully stroll the grounds.

Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area
Nokesville
Two trails (the Upland Trail and the Floodplain Trail) take visitors through the vast area of wetlands and woods, plus views of Cedar Run and a 7-acre island.

Nokesville Park
Nokesville
Explore 2 miles of trails with views of a stream, plus sports fields and an equestrian ring.

Prince William Forest Park
Triangle
Nestled in the far southeastern corner of Prince William County 35 miles south of DC, the Prince William Forest Park is a sprawling 15,000-acre park managed by the National Park Service and a good choice for those who can’t make it to the mountains. As the name implies, the park is mostly forested and runs along Quantico Creek. Because of the park’s tremendous size, there are countless loop and out-and-back possibilities here.

Silver Lake Regional Park
Haymarket
Four miles of trails for both hikers and horseback-riders surround a 23-acre lake and feature views of meadows and pine trees.

FAUQUIER

Cedar Run Greenway White’s Mill Section
Access via the cul-de-sac just beyond Baymont Inn and Suites off Route 29 north of Warrenton
This new trail is a paved T-trail in the 70-acre stream valley park and winds through wetlands bordering Cedar Run. Perfect trail for biking, hiking, and wildlife watching.

C.M. Crockett Park
Midland
C.M. Crockett Park is the county’s largest lakeside park, and it offers almost everything an outdoorsy person could ask for. There’s fishing, boating, nature trails, picnicking, horseshoes, volleyball, a ropes course, a 1.5-mile cross-country trail, and waterskiing. Or, you could relax and take in entertainment at the 200-seat amphitheater.

Sky Meadow State Park
Delaplane
Scenic views that are the crowning jewel of Virginia are found that this 1,864-acre park with woodlands, pastures, and a historic farm. There are 10.5 miles of bridle trails, 22 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trails and Appalachian Trail access.

Stafford Farm Trail
Access points at Stafford Farm (Meetze Road South 1 mile from the Route 29 interchange) and at the end of the Lord Fairfax Community College Connector Trail, Warrenton
The Stafford Trail is a natural surface trail through 1.1 miles of woods alongside corn fields and Turkey Run with significant elevation changes. Parking at Stafford Farm.

Warrenton Branch Greenway
Access points at South Fourth Street and at the end of Old Meetze Road, Warrenton
Running almost 1.5 miles between Old Town Warrenton and Old Meetze Road, the greenway is a flat paved surface. The trail crosses two bridges and passes an old uncovered railroad turntable. Benches and dog waste facilities are available as is a bike rack at the Fourth Street parking lot.

Whitney State Forest
Warrenton
In the center of Fauquier County is the Whitney State Forest, 148 acres of serene environments for hiking and horseback riding.

FREDERICKSBURG

Alum Spring Park
This scenic park is ideal for a relaxing stroll past its creek and over its bridge. It’s outfitted with picnic shelters and grills, perfect for a family picnic.

Cobblestone Park
A wooded area with views of Hazel Run, this park features a 1-mile-loop trail.

Dixon Park
Dixon Park spans 46 acres of open fields and nature preserve. There’s also a picnic area and playground for a day of quality time with the family.

Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area
Motts Run is home to 860 acres of undisturbed nature and a 160-acre reservoir and offers a bike trail, over 4 miles of hiking trails, an orienteering course, and a nature center.