New little adventure for Desmond and I. I was on Yelp looking for a new dog park or trail for my dog and I to explore not too far from home. Dora Kelley nature park was such a great find! There are several entrances. We entered off the Sanger Ave entrance next to the Nature Center. There's lots of informational signs along the trail, explaining all of the different things to be on the lookout for, including plants, flowers, birds, and other species you may encounter. There's a paved and unpaved trail that runs along a creek. I usually keep an AirPod in and listen to music or audiobook, but there were so many earthly sounds that made me want to walk in silence and take in everything nature was offering. read more

Dora Kelley Nature Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This is a lush, peaceful neighbourhood park. We parked on N Chambliss and headed south, and immediately past the playground, a tree-lined paved trail opened up. The trails are mostly wide enough for 3 adults, and mostly flat with gentle slopes. The trail ran along a wide gorge creek, and we came across several families enjoying the outdoors. It's easy enough to navigate, and connects multiple nearby neighbourhoods. I appreciate this green space being maintained and freely available to the community. read more

This park is a lovely hidden gem in Alexandria. Lovely walking trails and a playground for kids plus nearby community park and pool. The canopy of trees keeps part of park nice and shady on hot days. Plus the nice water along the trail. read more

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In some ways this is a hidden gem. You'll find locals here. There are some decent trails. Personally I want more of a challenge. Yet going through back issues, I've found this a peaceful place. The stream is quite pleasant. Lots of trees. That alone also is to be enjoyed. I feel it's a safe place. Chance always favors the prepared, but it is family friendly. If you're in the area stop on by. Yet if a long trip, seek other available spots. read more

If you're a parent of small kids and plan to stay in the D.C. during a hot summer, meet your new best friend. Dora Kelley Nature Park is a wooded nature preserve with running trails, ponds with frogs/turtles and the best part, a creek for swimming. If you can find an open spot, park on Spanger Avenue and go through the main entrance to the park. After a few yards, turn left down the stairs down the dirt path. When the path turns into pavement continue straight toward the creek. After a few more yards, you'll see a shallow creek with large rocks to sit on. This is where families hang out with their children. It's mostly shaded and shallow enough for kids of all ages to swim in. There are small fish in the creek that kids love seeing, My 3-year-old daughter LOVES this creek. If you're a parent in the area, this is a must-visit! read more

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I'm glad I checked this place out but the main Holmes Run Trail was closed due to flooding so that limited what I was able to do here. There's another pretty decent paved trail that covers the park but it's not too long. There are also some unpaved trails that are pretty good but very badly marked in places. You can't get too lost though since this park isnt too large. I didn't see too much wildlife other than squirrels and a large number of homo sapiens enjoying the water in packs that didn't seem too socially distant. This place is worth checking out and is probably even better if the main trail isn't flooded. read more

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This is such a beautiful area! The homes are nice. The path winds through the trees. The trees are definitely the best part because they're so tall and magnificent! I can't believe there's a forest like that so close to the city. In Japanese culture they believe that "forest bathing" or being in nature is highly beneficial to your health and I have to agree! It's fun to go through this area and people watch (walkers, runners, and cyclists) and also see the wildlife amongst the trees and plants. I remember one time last year that we had a lot of wind and rain which caused some of the trees uphill to fall and one nearly blocked the path for a few weeks. It was a massive tree but they eventually removed most of it. It's fun to see the changes in nature yet be so close to home and city life. :) read more

Everyone seems a little surprised this place exists, and as a born and raised Alexandrian, I'm especially blown. Like what? This was here the whole time?? I'm like that frustrated married couple in that real estate guide commercial from the 90s: "I didn't even know those homes were there!" I followed the Google Maps directions and found there was nowhere to park. I followed signs to see there was a trail detour on Beauregard due to heavy water. The closest place I found to park was about a block away on Morgan Street, up the hill. I went on a little run in the park. In retrospect, I actually think it's better for a walk than a run. It's well paved, but there's so much to look at, plus you have to slow down your run and wait to cross the stepping stones. Since it's a popular spot, you might have to wait for someone coming from the other side to cross first. I'm not sure how many sets of stepping stones there are total. I went over 4 or 5 in about 1.5 miles (sets of about 21 each) but then I had to turn around because one set was fully underwater and I wasn't trying to take my shoes off. There are some woodsy walking paths up and down the hills, too. One thing that made this place stand out was that there were rocky, beachy areas where families were swimming in Holmes Run. I'd recommend bringing water shoes for the fam. There was also a marsh area full of turtles and bullfrogs. Sadly, you could only hear the bullfrogs, not see them, but they sounded great. read more

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This park has a super clean, shallow creek that kids and dogs can swim in. The trail is shaded and just a nice tranquil spot. You can find tons of fish, turtles and wildlife there. Perfect for kids and family fun. read more

Dora Kelley Nature Park - Shallow creek perfect for dogs to swim in - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

What a gem to find in the middle of suburban sprawl! We walked with our son along the main trail that parallels Holmes Run. You can only go so far though because it comes to a point where you'd have to walk through pretty deep water to cross to the other side to continue on the pavement. There was a nice playground we stopped at too. Lots of bikers, dog walkers and joggers use these trails. There are also branches of the trail that go deeper into the woods for a tougher jog or hike. We were confused about parking and parked at an elementary school nearby, but it appeared there is a more official lot-still not sure how to get there though. There were cookouts going on, but keep in mind these are small spaces-only a few benches and grill in each area. This was a nice walk that was new to us (always looking for new parks) and we would definitely return in the future. read more

Nice calm area to walk. Not too busy has a lot of shade and we'll placed benches around. read more

Dora Kelley Nature Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Love it I swim in there with my friends and a brought my dog and she loved it would recommend to go there if your bored it's clear

I have been going to this park since I have been in middle school. I am now in my late 20s. As a kid, I would just care about riding my bike through the trails. As I got older I use this park as my way to heal myself from a rough day, or just find my balance again. This park is really refreshing. I walk, jog, or ride my bike along the Holmes Run Stream. There are a few trails that go off from the main trail. I love the trail that goes into the woodlands. I recommend going to that trail if you like hiking. There are many native plants and animals that I have seen here throughout the years. There are a few classes that I participated in at the Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center. I love the annual spring ephemeral walk they host. I love this park, and will continue going! If you ever want to participate in a community clean-up, we usually clean the Dora Kelley Nature Park in April. read more

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What a great trail, it runs right into the Holmes run trail so if you go end to end it's just under 3.75 miles to go out and back. only bad thing is there's some stinky parts but the vast majority is great. Only other bad thing is there's a few water bridges that are crossed by these stone pillars so if you're not very mobile you'll either deal with the stone pillars or if you wear some water boots you can walk through the water, when I went the water was really low but if you get a rainy season the water might be impassible. But people were walking and riding bikes and running so overall it's great come visit read more

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I love Dora Kelley Park. Right in the heart of a residential Alexandria neighborhood, tucked away unexpectedly off Beauregard Street, is this secluded, 45 acre recreation area and wildlife preserve. A paved bike and walking path, as well as a self-guided nature trail, wend along wooded hillsides, streams, and freshwater marsh. It's a wonderful place for a stroll, to bring your dog, or to set up a picnic next to Holmes Run. You can spot white-tail deer, fox, frogs, turtles, and all variety of birds. In good weather, husband and I spend a good deal of time here walking the connecting paths. In the heart of Dora Kelley is the Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center where you'll find interpretive exhibits on local geology and history; an aquarium and live animals like salamander and toads; a small reference library; and a greenhouse with rainforest plants among other permanent exhibits. They also offer nature programs, welcome school groups, and have rental facilities. Dora Kelley is just one of many great parks we Alexandrians are lucky to have at our disposal, and it's one of the best. read more

Dora Kelley Nature Park - Beauregard entrance - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Amazing place, there's a park for kids and small grill, I never used but I see people using it, if you have a dog or kids they will the love the park. I live 3 min walking from the river and I don't get to enjoy it as much I wish but highly recommend ( use a lot or su protector and insect repellent) read more

Such a beautiful path to walk along, especially during the week when it's a bit more quiet. My toddler loves to toss rocks in the water and explore the natural surroundings. read more

Found this randomly and I am so glad I did! I did not expect all of this! The views are great and there is a great bike trail too!

I went to this park today and looked at the neighborhood, and thought it wasn't going to be a good park. I went inside and changed my whole though process. It is beautiful and I had a great time. I will be back. read more

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Hidden gem! This place is beautiful and is a great way to escape the city hustle and bustle. Enjoy!! read more

Dora Kelley Nature Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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A hidden gem in the middle of the city. Had a great time walking, talking and skipping rocks with my daughter. Recommend water shoes if you plan on getting your feet wet. read more

Dora Kelley Nature Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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You can tell if you're in a well planned city when you walk through the green space it provides. Dora Kelley is a little oasis in the midst of Alexandria urban development. While pretty small, you really feel like you're in the middle of nowhere when you walk through their well maintained nature trails. There is even a paved path for those of you who don't want to deal with walking in the middle of the trees or need more sure-footed ground. It was pretty empty when I came early on a Saturday morning, and only came across a couple other people running with their dogs or taking leisurely strolls. Definitely a place I plan to return to for a quick nature fix. read more

We were looking for other dog park options and stumbled across this place && loved it. Our pup enjoyed splashing around in the water, the trail is scenic and peaceful, plus it's right in Alexandria! We loved it and plan on coming back! read more

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Definitely a hidden gem. Basically in my back yard! I love the trails paved and non paved. The creek is the best part, runs along the whole park almost. And also at the elementary school entrance there is a cute little nature center, which has turtles and snakes. Something nice to do if you have never been. read more

Dora Kelley Nature Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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My first visit was incredibly amazing! Is the perfect place to shut off your brain, breathing fresh air and is great to pass some relaxing time enjoying the rushing sounds of the river and great spots. Sincerely this is my favorite park, I highly recommend visit Dora Kelley Park for a nice morning run, walk or biking. read more

Dora Kelley Nature Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This park is less crowded than Glen Carlyn or Shirlington and is a nice escape from busy Alexandria. If you turn on to Sanger Ave. off Beauregard Ave., there is some street parking, but not much. There is also a nature center next to the high school but I haven't visited it yet. There are some paved trails, some trails through the woods, and some rubber like trails that would be good for running. If your dogs like to swim, they will be happy here (but you want to keep them out of the "bog' area). The reason I don't love this park is that the sewer lines obviously run close to the water and don't smell great, and you can always see houses or apartments nearby. However, it's still worth checking out since it is less popular than some other parks in the area. read more

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Great short hike. Dogs are allowed. There is a stream that runs through the forest. I would not suggest going here if you are looking for a challenging hike. read more

The Dora Kelly trail is really pretty and probably my favorite in Alexandria. However, please beware of the water. Our dog swam in the stream this August and was diagnosed with a skin infection shortly after. Our friend's dog also swam in the water and got a skin infection a couple days later. Her dog usually swims at the shirlington dog park and never had any issues there. read more

This is a beautiful park and a wonderful place to take your kids to learn and explore nature. When you get on the trail the busy world is gone and all of the sudden you feel like Peter Pan in Neverland. read more