Fairfax offers diverse landscapes making it a beautiful town in Virginia to explore. You can hike through the South Lake village or heritage scenic trails in a conservatory park, depending on where your curiosity and hiking boots take you. You’ll be amazed by what Fairfax’ thrilling trails have to offer with very little human-made influence.
Plan your adventures with our list of the best, exhilarating 8 Hiking Trails In Fairfax.
1. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is preserved naturally for over 30 years. Hiking here and the trees and through the conservatory park trail, the Potomac’s scenic routes are unique to Fairfax.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is located at: McLean, Virginia 20175, United States. Click here for directions.
2. Bull Run – Occoquan Trail
If you want to test your quads and glutes, the Bull Run hiking trail is for you. One of the most challenging trails that’ll test your stamina to its core.
Remember, there’s only one route to this rigorous trail. Wake up early and be the first ones to enjoy a quiet hike. We say, starting as early as 6 a.m.
Bull Run – Occoquan Trail is located at: 13220 Yates Ford Rd, Virginia 20124-1812. Click here for directions.
3. Lake Thoreau Loop Trail
Lake Thoreau Loop Trail is an often-overlooked lake that offers some fantastic sights and an incredible hiking trail in Fairfax. Almost 2 miles long, this loop trail has some of the best views of Lake Thoreau.
The main draw for visitors is a chance to hike around the lake and end their trail with a rewarding dinner at South Lake.
Lake Thoreau Loop Trail is located at: South Lakes and Sunrise Highway, Reston, VA 20191. Click here for directions.
4. Turkey Run Park
Are you planning to escape the city without having to travel afar? Turkey Run Park is a secret trail that is truly a hidden gem for DC hikers. The trail runs through narrow passages, just 7 miles from the Memorial Bridge and overgrown wild forests.
Spend a secluded day in nature without encountering another human: just you, your loved ones, and the tunes of nature.
Note: This trail is only accessible by car.
Turkey Run Park is located at: George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101. Click here for directions.
5. Lake Accotink Trail
Hike up your way through these easily accessible South and North trails that lead to the lake’s dam. Hikers can journey up to their way through creeks and woods for a spectacular view of Lake Accotink.
Equally, it’s a great hiking option for people of all ages and provides wheelchair access.
Lake Accotink Trail is located at: Marina at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield, VA. Click here for directions.
6. Pohick Loop Trail
Another short but spectacular loop trail in Fairfax is the Pohick Loop Trail. Just 300 meters from the Tulley Gate checkpoint, this loop comprises several connecting segments.
Pohick Loop Trail is located at: Pohick Road, approximately 300 meters short of the Tulley Gate ID checkpoint, Fort Belvoir, VA. Click here for directions.
7. Fairfax County Cross County Trail
While the Fairfax County Cross County Trail is a small trail from the Great Falls to Occoquan, the landscape here is so exciting and remarkable that it is worth visiting in Fairfax.
Fairfax County Cross County Trail is located at: Reston, VA, United States. Click here for directions.
8. Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail
The Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail makes for a great running or hiking adventure. It’s a great option to discover parts of the area that otherwise you wouldn’t encounter. You’ll have to cross through streams and muddy trudge, but this trail also has well-maintained concrete steps for hikers to enjoy their way up.
Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail is located at: Herndon, VA 20170, United States. Click here for directions.