Top 8 Hiking Trails Near Fairfax, VA

With over 334 miles of hiking trails in Fairfax, VA, hikers are spoiled for choice. The paths run through forests, past lakes, and rivers, with plenty of wildlife and indigenous flora along the way. The trail surfaces are 80% natural or paved and 20% dust and stone and range from easy to difficult. The trails below are chosen for their scenic beauty, fauna, flora, and easy to moderate skill levels.

Burke Lake Fitness Trails

This trail is rated by the American Hiking Society as one of the ten best fitness trails in the country. The 4.8-mile loop trail runs around the shores of Burke Lake and is perfect for all skill levels.

Cross Country Trail

The beautiful 40-mile trail winds through some of the most breathtaking regions in the county. The trail starts at Great Falls Park and runs along the Potomac River to the Occoquan River and Laurel Hill. The path meanders through forests carpeted with toothwort, harbinger-of-spring, trout lilies, and bluebells in springtime. It is part of the East Coast Greenway that runs from Maine down to Keywest.

Great Falls Loop

The trail that starts at Difficult run is a branch of the Fairfax Cross Country Trail. The 3-mile trail loop provides the unique opportunity to explore the magnificent fall foliage between October and November in Great Falls Park. The trail runs up the ridge and offers panoramic views of the Mather Gorge before it winds down to the Potomac River below.

Great Falls River Trail

The most popular trail of all the Potomac Heritage Trail hikes is the Great Falls River Trail. The dirt trail is a short, easy hike with a few rocky areas and breathtaking views from the Mather Gorge Overlook.

Potomac Hike

The four-mile trail runs from Riverbend Park Visitor Center to the cascading waterfalls at Great Falls Park. It’s a beautiful trail, and hikers can combine it with other park trails for a longer hike.

Long Branch Stream Valley Trail

The 2.1-mile trail is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life into the peaceful tranquility of nature. The trail meanders through the woodland along the stream and is mostly in the shade. The path is well marked and accessible from either Canterbury Woods Park or Rutherford Park.

Lake Royal Trail

The natural surface trail in the 46-are Royal Lake Park is a 1.9-mile walk along the shores of the 38-acre lake. There are steep inclines and tree roots to look out for. Hikers often spot turtles, beavers, waterfowl, ducks, geese, and squirrels on the trail and enjoy listening to the birds in the trees while taking a rest on one of the benches along the way.

Fair Oaks Loop

Take a peaceful stroll through the forest on this easy 0.7-mile loop trail. The trail offers nature lovers and birdwatchers a tranquil hike in a natural setting. Birding is at its best from March until October.

These trails are just a few of many in the county. There are miles and miles of other paths with varying skill levels to explore. Contact or visit us at Jim McKay Chevrolet today where we are your one-stop automotive shop that will take excellent care of all your vehicle needs in Fairfax, VA.

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