The Pursuit of Happiness
Parks & Recreation Parks & Recreation
Visitors to Northern Virginia enjoy a variety of parks offering both recreational and educational experiences. Bike, walk or jog the area's numerous trails including Virginia's skinniest park: the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.


Algonkian Regional Park

47001 Fairway Dr.
Sterling
703-450-4655

On the scenic Potomac shore, Algonkian is the perfect place for an afternoon of fun in the sun, a family vacation, a meeting or your wedding. Features include: clubhouse, pro-shop, snack bar, par 72 golf course, driving range, riverfront vacation cottages, miniature golf, boat/rv storage and ramp, picnic shelters, picnic tables and nature trail. Receptions for up to 160 people are held in the 3,338 sq. ft. meeting/event room. DOWNPOUR, the new water playground, provides buckets of summertime fun.

Appalachian Trail

Loudoun County
703-242-0315

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,167-mile footpath along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia.

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve

21085 The Woods Rd.
Leesburg
703-669-0316

A 700 acre nature preserve and study center.

Blu Gnu Kayak Co.

3040 Colvin St.
Alexandria
703-751-6662
Category: None

Customized sea kayak tour for groups on the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Call for seasonal hours.

Cameron Run Regional Park

4001 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria
703-960-0767
Category: Water Park

Waterslides, wave pool, lap pool, batting cages, and mini-golf. Call for seasonal hours.

Claude Moore Park/Lanesville Heritage Area

21544 Old Vestal`s Gap Rd.
Sterling
703-444-1275

357-acre park with an 18th century house and original portions of Vestal`s Gap Road.

Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park

21593 Jesse Ct.
Sterling
703-404-8800

Premium golf range; lighted, heated, and covered tees; and professional golf instruction. Batting cages (fast and slow pitch), 18-hole miniature golf course, and beach volleyball. Birthday parties; team, group and corporate outings; covered pavilions; and catering available.

Great Falls National Park

Georgetown Pike and Old Dominion Drive
Great Falls
703-285-2966

This 800-acre park has extraordinary views of Great Falls, 15 miles of hiking trails and five miles of horseback riding and biking trails.

Green Spring Garden and Horticultural Center

4603 Green Spring Road
Annandale
703-642-5173

Green Spring Gardens, a 27-acre park and demonstration garden, was once a plantation.

Huntley Meadows Park

3701 Lockheed Boulevard
Alexandria
703-768-2525

Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington area is enjoyed at Huntley Meadows Park. From the half-mile wetland boardwalk trail and observation tower, visitors have excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies and herons.