With a major snowstorm heading through the region this weekend, now’s the perfect time to start planning your next winter hike. Layer your clothing, grab your mittens and hats, and make sure you wear footwear appropriate. Here are some places for winter hikes across Northern Virginia, but make sure to check the conditions and status before heading out.
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. For a quick walk take a trek down the Mine Run or Swamp trails, both of which are less than a mile. But, for the views, make your way down the River Trail, which will take you to the park’s 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, $10-20 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, where you’ll enjoy excellent views of the marsh. Make sure to keep an eye out for tundra swan sightings. 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 as you walk along the paved path. 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
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