NOVA Parks News
The Best 4th of July Destinations in Northern Virginia
Family Finale: These parks offer a variety of activities that will satisfy adventure seeking families, as well as those who enjoy just sitting around the picnic table, relaxing in the sun. Spend your 4th of July weekend catching up on lost time with the family and remember how to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature.
Fountainhead Regional Park, in Fairfax Station, VA, offers a one of a kind mountain bike trail, kayak, canoe and jon boat rentals, hiking trails and the perfect pier to cast a fishing line. The mountain bike trail is not for the faint of heart, so if you are a thrill seeking crew, you have hit the jackpot. Fountainhead is the trail head for the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, a 19.6 mile natural surface trail that connects all the way to Bull Run Regional Park. All watercrafts are available for hourly or daily rental and the views from the water are one of a kind.
Occoquan Regional Park, in Lorton, VA, offers many great spots to have a picnic with a waterfront view. The hiking trails throughout the park, wind through forested areas, offering scenic vistas of the Occoquan River. Cyclist, walkers, runners and skipping children are welcome. The park also includes a boat launch ramp, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, shelter rentals and batting cages. Spend a day hopping around the park and enjoy a day full of family fun.
Great Waves Waterpark , in Alexandria, VA, holds the title for our favorite place to cool off in the hot July sun! Wave pool, waterslides, mini-golf and batting cages…say no more. Oh wait, and FUNNEL CAKES. This is definitely the day trip extravaganza that your family won’t forget.
Secluded Show: If you would rather “get lost” than mingle with the holiday crowds, then these parks are just what you need in life. Gear up to pack a snack and spend a day with the hidden beauty that Northern Virginia has to offer.
Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, in Aldie, VA., includes 155 acres of rolling country side and a number of walking and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the land. There is much civil war history that occurred at Gilbert’s Corner such as a cavalry skirmish that took place near Mt. Zion Church and the home site of Alexander G. Davis, a Connecticut farmer with Northern sympathies. Gilbert’s Corner is located just ten minutes outside of the adorable town of Middleburg. Be sure to make a pit stop and grab a delicious snack at one of the many quaint cafes and restaurants located in town.
Hemlock Overlook, in Clifton, VA, has trail access to the Bull Run Occoquan Trail. Spend the day hiking through the woods while exploring the creeks and wildlife along the trail. This trail connects all the way to Bull Run Regional Park, as well as Fountainhead Regional Park. After the hike, hop across the road to Paradise Springs Winery for a nice glass of wine or a delicious cheese board.
Big Shebang: Searching for an all-inclusive 4th of July weekend? Look no more. All of these parks have endless amenities that will hit everyone’s sweet spot. Whether you are avid about camping, kayaking, hiking, boating, golfing or paddle boarding, you are sure to find your calling this holiday weekend.
Bull Run Regional Park, in Centreville VA, offers great camping locations to pitch a tent, park your RV or “glamp” in one of the rustic cabins. Bull Run is also home to Atlantis Waterpark that includes a 230 foot open slide,170 closed slide, large main pool, play island with slides and a huge water dumping bucket. Bull Run is located 27 miles from Washington, DC and only 15 miles from the Vienna Metro Station.
Pohick Bay Regional Park, in Lorton, VA, also offers outstanding camping ammenities for tents, RV and cabins. Spend some time on the potomac rive by renting a kayak, canoe, paddle board and more. Pirate's Cove is the on-site waterpark at Pohick Bay and makes for a memorable trip that will leave the kids smiling all day long. With a 300 gallon water dumping bucket, slides, pirate themed play features and delicious beach fries, the family is sure to have a blast! Pohick Bay also offers an 18 hole golf course.
Algonkian Regional Park, in Sterling, VA, is located on the scenic Potomac River and the perfect place for a holiday getaway. The park includes Volcano Island Waterpark, a par 72 golf course, mini-golf, a boat launch pinic shelters and our amazing cottages. Algonkian is also bisected by the Potomac Heritage Trail, offering plenty of challeging and scenic hikes.
So pick your journey and enjoy this holiday weekend by exploring the best of Northern Virginia!
