Northern Virginia is an outdoor destination like no other. Before moving to Loudoun County, VA, don’t forget to bring a good pair of hiking boots – there’s lots of adventure in store for you. Here are some of the most popular parks and hiking trails in Northern Virginia.
Algonkian Regional Park
47001 Fairway Dr
Sterling, VA
703.450.4655
This scenic park is located right along the magnificent Potomac River. Here you’ll find 838 acres of wooded areas, open fields, picnic shelters, and natural and paved hiking trails.
Some of the most popular trails in this regional park include:
- Potomac Heritage Trail
- Algonkian Park Loop
- Hollow Tree Trail
Click here for maps, photos, and additional information on these trails.
With so many things to do in Algonkian Regional Park, it can be difficult to cram everything in a single weekend, but you can plan your itinerary around these park highlights:
- Algonkian Golf Course – Enjoy championship golf with views of the Potomac River in the background. This 18-hole golf course features Bermuda grass fairways, expansive greens, a pro shop, and a beverage cart.
- The Woodlands – Celebrate milestones and other special occasions in a magical forest setting here at The Woodlands, an elegantly appointed event space that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
- Riverfront cottages – Make your trip more memorable with a weekend stay at the campsites and cottages overlooking the Potomac River.
Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
Ball’s Bluff Rd NE
Leesburg, VA
703.737.7800
This regional park has historical significance as the site of the Ball’s Bluff Battlefield, making it a wonderful place to appreciate nature, exercise, and learn about Northern Virginia’s important role in the Civil War.
Here you’ll find a mile-long trail with interpretive signs and magnificent views of the bluffs and the Potomac River. Click here for the trail map.
Another highlight is the national cemetery on the grounds, which is the third smallest National cemetery in the nation.
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
21085 The Woods Rd
Leesburg, VA
703.737.8894
This 695-acre park offers nearly 20 miles of scenic trails that meander through wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas. Dogs, horses, and bikes are permitted on the trails – so feel free to bring your wheels and your four-legged (or four-hoofed) friends on your trip.
There are four gleaming ponds within the park, including one catch-and-release pond for recreational fishing. A 2.5-mile scenic stretch fronts Goose Creek.
You’ll also find several historic structures, including a log cabin and bank barn that date back to the 1830s as well as a home site from the 1900s.
Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park & Kephart Bridge Landing
43513 Squirrel Ridge Pl
Leesburg, VA
At 122 acres, this impressive parkland provides access to a section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Kephart Bridge Landing, Goose Creek, and Potomac River.
It is also known for the picturesque Elizabeth Mills canal system, a series of inland waterways, sandbars, and the stone ruins of an abandoned housing development. You can explore the desolate beauty of this deserted village by boat.
Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park
43098 Edwards Ferry Rd NE
Leesburg, VA
703.779.9372
Right down the river from Ball’s Bluff, you’ll find this regional park, which provides access to 67 miles of walking trails. The most popular of these trails is a 1.2-mile that meanders past a number of historic structures and buildings. The moderate hike culminates in a scenic bluff overlooking the Potomac River and the surrounding woodlands.
Recreational fishing is available at the bottom of the trail. Click here for the trail map.
White’s Ford Regional Park
43646 Hibler Rd
Leesburg, VA
703.779.9372
This regional park encompasses 295 acres on the Potomac riverfront. This historic park is steeped in Civil War legend, having been the home of Confederate Lt. Col. Elijah “Lige” V. White, who purchased a farm on the grounds known today as White’s Ford. It was also the site of the confederate army’s passage into Maryland in 1862.
After the war, White operated Jubal Early, a ferry still in operation today, from the property.
Today, White’s Ford Regional Park is known as a popular hiking spot with a long scenic trail and a canoe launch that provides access to the Potomac River.
The county is filled with unspoiled land and green spaces. Click here for a list of more parks and trails to explore.
You can live close to these regional parks and hiking trails when you buy a home in Loudoun County, VA. Let us help you find the perfect property. The Wicker Homes Group brings over 30 years of experience to the negotiation table.
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