Things to Do around Fairfax

Fairfax County provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. The region features over 320 miles of trails and bikeways, catering to various skill levels. Komoot lists 70 routes in Fairfax, with an average rating of 4.75 stars from more than 19,000 visitors.

Fairfax County offers numerous hiking trails, including those in Great Falls Park, known for its river views, and Scott's Run Nature Preserve, featuring rare plants and a waterfall. Burke Lake Park provides scenic trails around a 218-acre lake. For more options, explore the Hiking around Fairfax guide.

Fairfax County has trails suitable for beginners and those seeking less strenuous walks. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers winding pathways for leisurely strolls, and many parks feature accessible options. The Easy hikes around Fairfax guide provides specific routes.

Fountainhead Regional Park is a primary destination for mountain biking, offering challenging single-track courses, including a black diamond trail. Lake Accotink Park and Lake Fairfax Park also provide intermediate mountain biking trails. The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, an unpaved path, extends 40 miles (64 km) and is suitable for mountain biking. Consult the MTB Trails around Fairfax guide for detailed routes.

The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail is a prominent paved trail for road cycling, stretching 45 miles (72 km) across Northern Virginia. This trail is ideal for its length and connectivity. For additional routes, the Road Cycling Routes around Fairfax guide offers further options.

Many parks in Fairfax County allow dogs on trails, typically requiring them to be on a leash. Specific park regulations may vary, so checking individual park websites before visiting is advisable. Always ensure to clean up after pets to maintain trail cleanliness.

Fairfax County is committed to accessibility, with many parks offering wheelchair-accessible trails. Mason Neck State Park, for example, features accessible boardwalks. Visitors can check the Fairfax County Park Authority website for specific information on accessible routes within various parks.

Key natural attractions include Great Falls Park, known for its waterfalls and rocky cliffs along the Potomac River. Scott's Run Nature Preserve features ancient hemlock trees and a dramatic fault zone. Burke Lake Park offers a large lake and extensive trails, while Huntley Meadows Park is recognized for birdwatching opportunities.

Some parks, such as Great Falls Park, a national park, may have entrance fees. Fairfax County parks generally do not require permits for basic trail use, but specific activities or facilities might. It is recommended to check the official website of the specific park for current fee and permit information.

Komoot features 70 routes in Fairfax County, covering various sports including hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. These routes have received an average rating of 4.75 stars from users.

Komoot offers several guides for Fairfax County, including Easy hikes around Fairfax, Hiking around Fairfax, MTB Trails around Fairfax, Road Cycling Routes around Fairfax, Cycling around Fairfax, Running Trails around Fairfax, and Gravel biking around Fairfax.

The official website for Fairfax County is fairfaxcounty.gov. For general inquiries, the phone number is 703-FAIRFAX (703-324-7329), which operates Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.