Labyrinths, unlike mazes, have one path that goes into the center and back out, making them a peaceful walk for centering, grounding or just enjoying the setting and surroundings. More than a dozen labyrinths are located throughout the Northern Virginia area. Generally, they are open from sunrise to sunset. Here are five.
Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park
Judy Lowe, known as the “First Lady of Del Ray” because of her countless hours of involvement in community programs, has a pocket park dedicated to her in the Del Ray section of Alexandria. It includes a 25-foot medieval design, seven-circuit labyrinth that’s made with bricks and pavers and surrounded by trees and benches. The park is dog-friendly and has a play area, water fountain and a dedication plaque describing some of Lowe’s activities. // 1 & 7 E. Del Ray Ave. (at Commonwealth Avenue), Alexandria
This post originally appeared in our October 2019 issue. For more Things to Do content, subscribe to our e-newsletter, today.
Little River United Church of Christ
One-half-mile outside the Beltway, by the cross across the street from the campus of Northern Virginia Community College, in the wooded grove behind the church is Little River United Church of Christ. The labyrinth was installed in 2007 and the congregation wants visitors to use the labyrinth as a “tool of meditation that can help us experience more deeply how God moves in us and with us on our life’s journey.” // 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church
Cross the wood bridge near the picnic tables and go up the path to the right to visit the medieval Cologne cathedral-style, six-circuit octagonal labyrinth with a stylized Luther Rose in the center. It was created by Inocencio (Chencho) Orta as an Eagle Scout project and has a path wide enough for wheelchair use. More than 65 people worked on this 47-by-47-foot labyrinth that was installed in late 2015. // 8712 Plantation Lane, Manassas
United Christian Parish of Reston
When you visit the 42-foot labyrinth at the United Christian Parish of Reston, you’re asked to do so after 1 p.m. on school days because it’s used by preschool children. The patio is the result of Ian Hodges’ Eagle Scout program which, after the fundraising, took about a month to paint on concrete and seal. Join them on the annual World Labyrinth Day on the first Saturday of May at 1 p.m. // 11508 N. Shore Drive, Reston
Burke Presbyterian Church
Burke has two labyrinths. One is outdoors, a seven-circuit labyrinth in a serene, wooden Memorial Garden, near the end of the parking lot entrance. A second is a canvas that’s laid out in the Meeting House sanctuary on the first Monday of the month, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. They say it’s a replica of one created circa 1200 as part of the stone floor of the cathedral at Chartres in France. // 5690 Oak Leather Drive, Burke
