Scenic hikes, quiet trails, historic sites: You don’t have to leave NoVA to find these picture-perfect spots, hiding in plain sight.
By Amy Ayres, Jill Devine, and Erin Gifford
These popular destinations offer delightful finds you may not have known were there, from ponds to bridges to tunnels. For your next weekend activity or date, visit these stunning locations around Northern Virginia.
Lake Lena, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Bald cypress trees usually grow near Virginia’s coast or southernmost swamps, so it’s a rare treat to study this curious species with protruding “knee” roots in an often-overlooked corner of NOVA Parks’ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Wedged in an alcove of tiny Lake Lena is a small dock with Adirondack chairs that invite long, lazy views of the park’s poet-worthy wetlands and bog garden, replete with dragonflies, herons, turtles, frogs, and a carpet of blooming water lilies. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna
Riverbend Park
Riverbend Park has long been a popular destination for nature-seekers, thanks to more than 10 miles of walking trails. One of the most popular trails leads visitors next door to Great Falls Park. It’s easy on the eyes to follow the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which runs adjacent to the flowing Potomac River. Along this just-over-2-mile walk (one way), pause for the spillway at the Washington Aqueduct Dam. Clamber out onto the rocks for even more dreamy views. 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
Van Gogh Bridge
Lake Anne Plaza is known for community events and dining overlooking the water. But fewer people know that if you continue down the path lined with businesses like the Lake Anne Brew House and turn right as the Green Trail curves behind residences, you’ll come to the Van Gogh footbridge (pictured on the cover). Inspired by the Dutch artist’s paintings of Arles, France, the view of the 1965 wooden structure surrounded by greenery may make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. Tip: Cross the bridge and turn right to follow the trail to a swing, where you can enjoy a masterpiece of a view. 11404 Washington Plz. W., Reston
Wilkes Street Tunnel
The next time you’re in Old Town Alexandria, step off the beaten path to discover the mystique of this long, narrow former railroad tunnel. Completed in 1856, it was part of a route that connected Washington, DC, to Richmond. Brick and stone walls covered in vines lead down to the tunnel. It’s been nearly 50 years since the tracks were removed and the tunnel was transformed into a pedestrian path that will take you to the waterfront near Shipyard Park, which has its own beautiful Potomac River views. Intersection of Wilkes and Royal streets, Alexandria
Wolf Trap Farm Pond
Most of us know Wolf Trap as a world-class outdoor performance venue, but you may not know that it’s also home to a wooded 2.5-mile hiking trail. The Wolf Trap Trail was built and is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. This shady path crosses Wolf Trap Creek and leads to Wolf Trap Farm Pond. Benches at either end of the small pond allow for refreshingly serene views. At Wolf Trap, park in Lot 4 for the trail. 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna
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Feature image of Riverbend Park by Mike Ramm
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
