Virginia Parks

Explore Park is a beautiful 1100 acre parcel of land located near Roanoke, Virginia at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  It has about 9 miles of trails that wind their way through the woods and along the Roanoke River.  While at Explore Park, take the time to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, which has a gift shop and museum.  The museum tells the story of the Parkway's construction and of the history of the region.

Over 40 miles in length, the Cross County Trail (CCT) spans almost the entire length of Fairfax County. 

Fountainhead Regional park is a 2000 acre jewl of a park, offering hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, camping and much more.  The mountain biking and trail running destination in the DC area and is the trailhead for the popular Bull Run-Occoquan hiking/equestrian trail.

Be prepared for some technical riding when visiting the Quarry trails. The terrain here is steep in sections, so you will have an opportunity to get a great cardio and quad workout. This network of intermediate to advanced trails has plenty of logs and rooty sections to keep the advanced rider happy and to challenge the intermediate level rider. As you ride the trails here, be sure to take in the views of the Rappahannock River, which borders the property to the north.

Nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia, lies a hidden gem that seamlessly intertwines the thrill of mountain biking with the rich tapestry of American history – Freedom Park. Spread across 689 acres of pristine woodlands, this park offers an exhilarating outdoor experience unlike any other, where cyclists can traverse rugged trails while immersing themselves in the stories of those who shaped our nation's past.

Elizabeth Furnace is located about an hour west of Washington DC, making it an easily accessible weekend destination. The trails have numerous panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley from Signal Knob, but all of this beauty comes with the price of extremely steep and rocky single track.

Sherando Lake is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia, just south of Shenandoah National Park. A 25-acre spring-fed lake is at the center of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area, which offers camping, water activities, hiking and mountain biking.

Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is a great hike if you want to escape the masses at more visited trails such as Humpback Rocks. The 2 1/5 mile hike leads down to the White Rock Creek and a small picturesque waterfall. On the climb back up to the Parkway, you will be treated to glimpses of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Northeast. The trail can easily be combined with other trails to make for a longer hike. For instance, to create a 5 mile loop, combine it with the Slacks Overlook Trail on the other side of the Parkway.

Great Falls National Park, located only 15 miles from Washington, is a haven for the DC crowd. One of the most visited national parks in the country, it can get crowded, especially on summer weekends. Hiking trails afford views of the beautiful Mather Gorge and the Potomac. In addition to the hiking trails, about 5 miles of multi-use double track trails are accessible to equestrians and mountain bikers.

The Greensprings Interpretive Trail meanders for 3 1/2 miles through wetlands and forests. Along the trail are interpretive displays explaining historical information about the farmland that the English Colonists established here as well as details about various aspects of the wildlife and ecosystem. This hiking trail links to the Powhatan Creek multi-use trail and the popular Virginia Capital Trail.