Dominion rounds out a rigorous classical education with year-round field trips, outdoor time, and fresh air.  My family tries to build on that by taking weekend walks and hikes, especially during the winter. Fortunately, Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas have many great walking and hiking paths. Here is a list of some of our favorites:

Northern Virginia Hiking and Walking Paths

• Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - Families with children of all ages can enjoy 95 acres of beautiful ornamental gardens with large walking paths. We love standing on the bridges watching the huge coy fish. We also enjoy exploring the many lovely landscaped areas. Open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. During winter there is free admission (December - February). 

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182 

• Sky Meadows State Park - This 1,860-acre park has 22 miles of hiking trails with views of scenic rolling pastures. Nature and history programs are offered year-round. At the trailheads area, there is a historic house, gift shop, and public restrooms. Open 8:00 a.m. - dusk ($10 parking fee, and parking fills up quickly on nice days). 

11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144

• Scott’s Run Nature Preserve - This nature preserve is wooded with a combination of gentle and steep hilly hiking paths. Several paths lead to overlooks of the Potomac. This may be a hike for older children due to steep bluffs overlooking the rapids of the river. There are two small parking lots that are free and fill up fast. One has a small stream, and the other is closer to the Potomac. 

7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22102

• Manassas National Battlefield Park   - With 5,100 acres of land and more than 40 miles of hiking trails, there are many walks to choose from. Some are over rolling fields, while others are through woods and over creeks. All are well maintained. There is a visitors’ center that offers trail maps, and staff are there to answer questions. There are also historical markers throughout the park. Parking is free and fills up pretty quickly on nice days. 

6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109

• Burke Lake Park  - Burke Lake offers a nice, relatively flat 4.7 mile trail around the lake. This is a great place to take a walk, jog, or bike ride. There is plenty of parking, which is free to Fairfax County residents (and free for everyone throughout the winter). They have many facilities like mini golf and a marina, which are closed until April.
  7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

These walks should be pretty easy to plan, but as with any trip, please check each site’s website to see COVID-related closings or protocols. There are many more wonderful walks and hiking paths in and around Northern Virginia. Taking a long walk with my family is a great way to have a conversation about what my children are learning at Dominion, and I tend to learn a lot from them on our walks.  I hope the same will be true for you!

Suzanne Landon is the mom of both an upper and a lower school student at Dominion. She is an ESOL teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools, has an MA in History, and is currently working on an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to the welcoming and kind community, she is inspired and awed at how much her kids learn at Dominion from the wonderful teachers.