New little adventure for Desmond and I. I was on Yelp looking for a new dog park or trail for my…read moredog 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.

This is a lush, peaceful neighbourhood park. We parked on N Chambliss and headed south, and…read moreimmediately 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.

Easy to get to from highway, not super crowded and had plenty of parking (granted, it was a…read moreweekday). A few decent miles of trails with lots of cute bridges. There are benches scattered throughout the preserve on the trails, as well as some picnic tables near the pond. At some points the trails were well marked, well at others it was less clear where to go. Great for a quick fix of nature not too far from the city. Probably will go again!

Beautiful park that's truly a hidden gem. There are a few miles of trails, a man-made waterfall,…read moresmall picnic area and pond. Great place to spend an hour or two- without having to drive far.

A great spot for casual rides, with plenty of excellent restaurants along the way--perfect for…read moregrabbing a bite when you need a break. However, it tends to get crowded on weekends, so be prepared for heavier foot and bike traffic.

The Washington and Old Dominion Trail is 45 miles long. I have jogged in Reston and in Herndon…read more The Herndon portion seems to be busier, but maybe it's because it goes right through the downtown area. It was definitely congested with bikers on the weekend. I mean, huge groups of cyclists. The Herndon part of the trail is not very scenic, it's mainly just greenery. There were a few water fountains and because it's passes through downtown, you can stop for a snack or a drink at any of the nearby shops. There's even a bike store right next to the trail. There's a cute small museum which used to be the train station. I couldn't visit it because it was closed. But I need to check it out. 5 stars. Pretty cool trail.

I never knew this was about a 15 minute drive from my house but I'm glad I finally checked it out…read more I did the section from Eakin Park on Prosperity Avenue down to Lake Accotink and back. Most of it is paved which is convenient and it wasn't too crowded on a weekday. Luckily there was only one street crossing, but it's near a curve so pay attention and move fast. It's mostly woods between rows of suburban houses, and a short portion near a highway interspersed with more wooded sections through parks and leading to a gravel section at Lake Accotink. One part was almost like walking through a tall grass prairie with only a small clearing for the trail itself, I hadn't seen that anywhere else around here. I saw some deer near Lake Accotink and they watched me for a minute then decided to run off after they were kind enough to stop for a picture. Also, unlike some trails it's VERY difficult to get lost here so that's a major plus. I'll definitely check this out again and will check out some other segments as well.

The part from Fairfax (behind the circle bowling alley) to Accotink park: 5 stars. I love how it…read moregoes under roads (like Old Lee Highway and Pickett) for uninterrupted runs and rides. It is well maintained and very safe in these areas. Lots of cool old bridges. This is one of my favorite running routes. Part of it us even paved, from Pickett road by the baseball field to where to where it splits off near Nutley (under a mile). The rest is well maintained gravel. The part in Oakton: 3 stars. Super confusing and rough. Too rugged for a casual biker or even trail runner. Might be nice for a hike or dog walking. I agree with the reviews before that said there are places that lack signage and you have to know what you're doing to know how to follow it.

A nice neighborhood park. It may lack amenities or fancy extras. Yet this is a pleasant place to…read morespend time. Hiking and biking are great for your health. Is this park and trail going to create a cardiovascular challenge? No. Yet it's good for people of all ages and abilities. Have met kind walkers and other folks here. This is an area to relax in. One has to smile when you think how close the Beltway is. Here your far away from that, as lots of Oak and Maple trees. There aren't any mind blowing views, but this park serves a purpose. It's a safe place to unwind and get out of the fast life the areas known for.

I started running along the trail from the Braddock road entrance and went just over two miles and…read moreit seems trail does not circle. I stopped and turned around once I reached a major street. Approved for biking, trail running, hiking and dogs. I also so a basketball court.

This park is part of the Fairfax County Cross County Trail and is the trail is partially paved and…read morepartially gravel. I parked at Eaken Park across the street (don't tell anyone but there were plenty of parking spots on a sunny Saturday afternoon) and crossed Prosperity Avenue to get to the park. You'll see hikers, walkers with dogs, joggers, runners, bikers and even the occasional stroller along the trail bu it's less crowded than say the W&OD trail so you're not constantly dodging bikes, strollers and roller bladers. Much of the trail is shaded and runs along a creek and you'll see houses/backyards nearby but it does a great job of feeling like you're in the woods rather than almost in someone's backyard. I didn't see too much wildlife, mostly lots of squirrels and humans but no snakes either so that's always a plus and the bugs weren't too bad for a May afternoon. Don't expect any Instagram worthy views here if you're into that (I've never used it but my wife done sometimes) but it's a solid and not overly crowded place to hit the trail and get some steps whether you're just doing the park or going further along the traill.

It's a nice area along the county trail. Just decided today is too hot. Already at 0930 it's 89 and…read morewho knows what it'll be. Am not pleased as like hiking and biking. This area works for both. There are a lot of trees for shade here. That alone is something to be grateful for. There's not a lot going on here. No big time facilities or anything like that. Sometimes simplicity can be a pleasant surprise. Also there's a lot of wildlife here. Yes you're in a safe suburban location, but still back enough to see deer, squirrels, and birds. For that reason alone I happen to like it.

Quaint little wooded parklet that stretches along a section of Wolftrap Creek. Not too much to it…read moresave for a nature trial, some bridges across the creek and its various tributaries, and a few wildlife preserves and signs about the flora/fauna of the area. The park is historically associated with the bridge that FBI double agent Robert Hanssen made a number of dead drops under for his Soviet and later-Russian handlers on multiple occasions from the late-1970s into the early-2000s. The bridge is still there, and more-or-less the park's main attraction, though it is unmarked and easy to miss. Feels like there should be at least a little informational plaque on/near the bridge, but I suppose the county/federal government doesn't want to glorify espionage. Keep in mind that the park is narrow as it hugs the creek, and passes in plain sight of suburban backyards. There are several exit paths to the trail that take you into the adjacent developments; I wouldn't recommend just walking across the brush if not near an exit path despite its proximity. This area gives strong NIMBY vibes and some of the homeowners may chide you for it. Also, there is almost no bus service in these neighborhoods and you will have to walk 30 minutes to get to the nearest metros (Spring Hill/Greensboro).

For Cold War aficionados, definitely stop by here. If you are familiar with the movie Breach, or…read morethe real FBI traitor Robert Hanssen, you'll want to go here. For years he left garbage bags full of US National security secrets here. On a plus note this is where, the disgraced agent was arrested for his crimes. He later was convicted, sent to Colorado's Supermax prior to dying this past winter. It is eery walking here for these reasons. Other than that a pleasant stroll. Connected to neighborhoods in Vienna, it certainly is safe. Well traveled during day light hours. I used to take my dog down here for walks. Admittedly I miss her but am thankful for those good memories. Was happy to meet a happy dog walking here last week. If you're in the area, this is a nice break from suburban madness.