4 Great Parks Near Alexandria, VA

Explore the meadows, woods, and wetlands filled with bird and animal life in the spectacular parks near Alexandria, VA. Hike, bike, and horseback ride down scenic trails, fish and paddle on the Potomac River, climb the cliffs of Mather Gorge and enjoy a peaceful picnic in the shade of the trees.

1. Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is the ultimate destination if you are an outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, bike, horseback ride, fish, and paddle. Climb the impressive cliffs of Mather Gorge, whitewater kayak, and canoe down the rushing waters of the Potomac River, and watch as the water tumbles down the majestic Great Falls from one of the overlooks.

Discover the natural beauty and spot wildlife on 15 miles of multi-purpose trails, including the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail that cuts through the park and runs along the river. Be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. Red foxes live in the woods, beavers prefer the river above the falls, and if you are lucky enough to spot a coyote, please report it to the park staff.

2. Huntley Meadows Park

Explore the beautiful meadows carpeted with wildflowers, the breathtaking forests, and the 1,500-acre wetland bustling with animal life and more than 200 bird species. Stroll down the two-mile nature trail, and the half-mile raised boardwalk to the observation tower at dawn and dusk and see deer, beavers, herons, frogs, and dragonflies.

The Norma Hoffman Visitor Center offers a range of educational exhibits and programs, and there is a naturalist on duty to provide information on the trails and wildlife. Visit Historic Huntley, the 19th-century Federal period villa built for Thomson Francis Mason in 1825 as a summer retreat. The retreat later became a grain farm, then an encampment for Civil War troops, and eventually a dairy farm.

3. Riverbend Park

The picturesque Riverbend Park on the Potomac River is one of the prettiest in Northern Virginia. In spring, the park explodes with the colors of wildflowers, and hikers are treated to Virginia bluebells, wild ginger, and trout lilies along the paths. Enjoy a peaceful ramble through the park, listen to the bluebirds in the trees, and watch warblers, tundra swans, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Canada geese, and white-tailed deer.

Over 191 birds species have been recorded, and in spring and fall, a myriad of migratory birds can be observed. The naturalist at the visitor center will provide information on the birds and mammals in the park, and there is a large outside deck with chairs for scenic views of the river. Enjoy a picnic, fish for smallmouth bass, sunfish, and channel catfish, or rent a boat to explore the river.  

4. Manassas National Battlefield Park

Explore the 5,100-acre battlefield where Union and Confederate armies clashed on July 21, 1861, in the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), fought for a second time on August 1862, and visit Stone House that stood at the center of both battles. Hike down more than 40 miles of trails with interpretive markers describing both conflicts and accounts of the soldiers and civilians.

The gently rolling hills covered with open fields and forests attract grassland birds and ingenious animals, and hikers spot white-tailed deer, foxes, chipmunks, and squirrels along the trails. Join one of the ranger-led historical or environmental field trips or an educational program free of charge.

Go on an outdoor adventure and enjoy a wide range of outstanding recreational activities, from hiking, biking, and horseback riding to whitewater kayaking, fishing, and rock climbing. Visit Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today. Our team of automotive experts will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition.

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