With morning temperatures in the 30s and midday temperatures expected in the 40s and 50s over the next couple of weeks, you may think it’s too nippy for a winter hike in NoVA, but it’s not.
Layer your clothing, grab your mittens and hats, and make sure you wear footwear appropriate for the hike.
Here are some places for winter hikes across Northern Virginia.
Burke Lake Park
Ranked a top 10 fitness trail by the American Hiking Society, Burke Lake Park has a 4.7-mile gravel path that is wide enough for walkers, runners, and bikers. The solitude of winter means you’ll have a greater chance of spotting wildlife around the lake. Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station, free for Fairfax County residents, free for non-residents on weekdays, $12 per vehicle for non-county residents on weekends and holidays April to October
Great Falls Park
With a variety of trails ranging from easy to hard, Great Falls Park has a hike for everyone. Families can walk along the Mine Run or Swamp trails, both of which are less than a mile. Adventurers can try the River or Difficult Run trails. The River Trail hike has a gorgeous waterfall. With the trees bare, you’ll have great views of the Potomac River and rushing rapids. Great Falls Park: 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, $20 per vehicle
Mason Neck State Park
Located along Kane’s Creek and Belmont Bay, Mason Neck State Park offers more than 9 miles of hiking trails. Seasoned hikers can try the 5.3-mile loop on the Eagle Bird, Dogue and Bayview trail. The park also has a number of easy hikes ranging from 0.5 miles to 4 miles. Along these trails, you’ll enjoy excellent views of the marsh. Try the 3-mile Woodmarsh Trail on High Point Road just before you enter the park boundaries. You may see tundra swans. Learn more about them during a ranger talk on December 30. Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, $10 per vehicle
Mount Vernon Trail
This 18-mile trail will take you down the Potomac River and past a number of sites, from George Washington’s Mount Vernon home to Theodore Roosevelt Island in DC. You’ll also have a great view of the DC skyline. The path is paved. History buffs can stop by one of the monuments along the trail, including the Navy and Marine Memorial. The trail also connects to the Potomac Heritage, Custis, Four Mile Run, and Woodrow Wilson Bridge trails. Off the trail is the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Reserve, home to diverse wildlife. In the winter, red-shouldered hawks, blue herons, and red foxes call the area home. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; Theodore Roosevelt Island, multiple entrances along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, free
Prince William Forest
Thirty-seven miles of hiking trails wind through this 15,000-acre forest that’s full of wildlife. The Birch Bluff (1.8 miles), High Meadows (2.1 miles), North Valley (2.6 miles), and Quantico Cascades (.07 miles) trails will take you to Quantico Creek, where you can see small waterfalls. Along the Farms to Forest Extension Trail, you may see beaver activity. Experienced hikers can try the South Valley Trail, the park’s longest trail at 9.7 miles. Prince William Forest: 18170 Park Entrance Rd., Triangle, $20 per vehicle
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Health newsletter.