Trails with the Loveliest Fall Foliage Views in Every NoVA County
Last updated: October 23, 2025
With autumn and its beauty taking over the region, it’s the perfect time to take it all in. What better way to check out the changing scenery than with a hike on one of these Northern Virginia trails with great fall foliage.
ARLINGTON
Dog-friendly Donaldson Run Park is situated on 30 acres and has trails in a forested area and a stream that runs into the Potomac River. 4020 30th St. N., Arlington
Fort Bennett Park and Palisades Trail
In the 11 acres of open space surrounded by trees in the North Highland neighborhood, there are marked paths, paved paths, an old spring house, and a footbridge. 2220 N. Scott St., Arlington
The dog-friendly, paved trail follows a stream and is surrounded by two acres of greenery. It parallels the W&OD Trail. 3100 S Glebe Rd., Arlington
In addition to pickleball, volleyball, and basketball courts, you’ll find a paved path and nature trails in this 31-acre park. 200 N Columbus St.
An 18-mile paved trail stretches from Theodore Roosevelt Island to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The trail features views of DC monuments and the Potomac River. Begins at Theodore Roosevelt Island
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
This 67-acre park offers just under 2 miles of easy hiking trails with access to the Potomac River and Potomac National Heritage Scenic Trail via the adjacent Donaldson Run Park. 2845 N Marcey Rd., Arlington
The paved trail is great for biking and running and offers views of the Potomac River in addition to a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt. Access via George Washington Memorial Parkway
Washington & Old Dominion Trail
The 45-mile route from Shirlington to Purcellville is paved on top of what used to be the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. Access points at Shirlington and Bluemont Park
This 14-acre park offers both paved trails and rocky marked paths, plus streams, small waterfalls, and bird-watching opportunities. The park is dog friendly. 2420 N Kenmore St., Arlington
ALEXANDRIA
This 23-mile trail through historic Old Town Alexandria takes you past many of the town’s historic landmarks. Portions of the trail are off-road, though the entire trail is paved and well designated, with sidewalks offering a respite at the more challenging portions. Multiple access points
Take a midday stroll or enjoy a picnic at Fort Hunt, on land which once belonged to George Washington and is rich with military history. 8999 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria
Just over 18 miles long, the trail runs alongside the Potomac River from Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island in Rosslyn. One of the most popular trails in the area, it runs through Old Town and four miles in Arlington with views of the Navy Marine Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The entire path is paved. Begins at Theodore Roosevelt Island
Old Town, the Metro-DC area’s largest preserved colonial neighborhood, is best known for its historic sites and centuries-old structures, but it’s also home to more than half a dozen interconnected riverfront parks paralleling the Mount Vernon Trail on the west and the Potomac River on the east. Multiple access points
FAIRFAX
This park is over 1,500 acres and offers several trails: the Bluebell Trail, which features wildflowers in spring, the Yellow Trail, and the trailhead of the 19.7-mile Bull Run Occoquan Trail. 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville
The park’s 218-acre lake is surrounded by a 4.7-mile gravel trail for walking, running, or biking. 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station
In addition to the Walney Visitor Center, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park has 4 miles of trails showcasing streams, meadows, and a pond. 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly
Fountainhead Regional Park offers biking and equestrian trails, plus the Occoquan Watertrail and Bull Run Occoquan Trail. 10875 Hampton Rd., Fairfax Station
Perhaps NoVA’s most dramatic and popular park, Great Falls is a must-see for DMV residents. It’s best known for its waterfalls and rapids, which can be enjoyed from three overlooks, plus 15 miles of hiking and walking trails, nearly 6 miles of horseback riding trails, and 4 miles of bike trails. 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
With trails featuring views of hickory, oak, maple, and beech trees; streams; and a creek, plus the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, Hemlock Overlook has several hiking options. 13220 Yates Ford Rd., Clifton
Look for wildlife as you hike Huntley Meadows’ boardwalk trail over the wetlands and the rest of the park’s 4 miles of trails. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk trail. 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria
Situated on an inlet of the Potomac River, Pohick Bay features a network of hiking trails, a 3.3-mile equestrian trail, and the Occoquan Watertrail. 6501 Pohick Bay Dr., Lorton
Riverbend Park has more than 10 miles of hiking trails. A section of the Potomac Heritage Trail runs along the Potomac River in this park, along with the other park trails: Bootlegger Trail, Follow the Hollows Trail, and Madison’s Escape Trail. 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
The trails in Scott’s Run Nature Preserve lead to a scenic view of a waterfall on the Potomac River. Some are easy and go through the forest, while others go up steep hills. 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Washington & Old Dominion Trail
The 45-mile route from Shirlington to Purcellville is paved on top of what used to be the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. Access points in Vienna, Reston and Herndon
LOUDOUN
This 838-acre park offers plenty of entertainment. There are open areas and fields for pick-up games, picnic shelters, boat launches, an 18-hole golf course and mini golf, paved hiking trails, and Volcano Island Waterpark. You can also make a weekend of the park and rent out one of the riverfront cottages right along the Potomac. 47001 Fairway Dr., Sterling
Walk the nature trails of the 16-acre, dog-friendly Ashburn Park to enjoy views of a creek in a wooded setting. 43645 Partlow Rd., Ashburn
Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
The site of the largest Civil War engagement in Loudoun County, Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park is now a serene spot for natural wandering and contemplation. A gravesite marks the spot where 54 Union soldiers are buried, all but one of whom are unknown, and there is a monument to the fallen Confederate Sgt. Clinton Hatcher. Guided tours are available. Seven trails crisscross the park. Ball’s Bluff Rd., Leesburg
This 699-acre natural area features wildlife, rolling hills, views of Goose Creek, and 20 miles of family-friendly hiking trails. 21085 The Woods Rd., Leesburg
Hikers can find nature trails plus a portion of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail within Bles Park’s 124 acres. 44830 Bles Park Dr., Ashburn
With trails that range from 0.19 miles to 3.3. miles, Claude Moore Park offers hikers views of forests, ponds, and meadows. 21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd., Sterling
Plenty of waterfront views can be found at Bazil Newman Riverfront Park, with access to the Potomac River and Goose Creek. Part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is within the park. 44105 Heron Way, Lansdowne
Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains can be seen from Franklin Park’s 3.5 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. 17501 Franklin Park Dr., Purcellville
Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park
At Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, visitors can explore the 156-acre park with hiking trails that are steeped in history. 23557 Watson Rd., Leesburg
The former home of Westmoreland Davis, Morven Park is now a place for educational tours through the historic buildings and a major sports park for recreational programs, equestrian events, and hiking trails. 17195 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg
In addition to sports fields, picnic areas, and a visitors’ center, the 200-acre Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park has 3.5 miles of nature trails to explore. 42405 Claudia Dr., Leesburg
Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park
Explore several historic buildings and take in the views of the Potomac River as you traipse through this park’s winding trails. 43098 Edwards Ferry Rd., Leesburg
Sixty-eight acres of meadows, forests, and ponds make up Rust Sanctuary, which also features six different habitats around the property. The walking trails go through forests and meadows. 802 Children’s Center Rd., Leesburg
Washington & Old Dominion Trail
The 45-mile route from Shirlington to Purcellville is paved on top of what used to be the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. Access points in Ashburn, Leesburg, Purcellville and Sterling
PRINCE WILLIAM
Leashed dogs are welcome on this 3.5-mile trail that follows Neabsco Creek. Access point in Andrew Leitch Park at 5301 Dale Blvd., Dale City
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park
Two battles were fought on this land that is now a 140-acre historic site in the western part of Prince William County: the Battle of Kettle Run (1862) and the Battle of Bristoe Station (1863). Now it is a park with more than 2.7 miles of walking and equestrian trails. 10501 Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow
For bikers, hikers, and equestrians, James Long Park’s 4 miles of wooded, natural surface trails feature hills, woods, and views of Catharpin Creek. 4603 James Madison Hwy., Haymarket
Access to the Occoquan Watertrail plus 1.5 miles of hiking trails make the 74-acre Lake Ridge Park a year-round destination for outdoorsy types. 12350 Cotton Mill Dr., Woodbridge
Leesylvania State Park in Prince William County is a great option for hiking with five trails. Two are easy trails of up to a mile and the other three are of moderate difficulty from 1 to 5 miles in length. Make it a day trip and enjoy a picnic or time near the water. 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge
This park, next to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum, has 3.2 miles of scenic nature trails. Plus, there is a fitness trail, an amphitheater, an 8-acre pond for fishing (blue gill, largemouth bass, and crappie) and boating (seasonal pedal boats and canoes), a driving range, an 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages, playgrounds, and tennis and volleyball courts. 4701 Locust Shade Dr., Triangle
Manassas National Battlefield Park
The only other place in Northern Virginia that could rival the importance of the Civil War is Arlington National Cemetery. While the northeastern neighbor to this battlefield holds a solemn place, the 5,100-acre Manassas National Battlefield Park is where the South truly tested the North. Now it holds the somber reminders of our past conflict as a place where one can peacefully stroll the grounds. There are more than 40 miles of hiking trails. 6511 Sudley Rd., Manassas
Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area
Two trails (the Upland Trail and the Floodplain Trail) take visitors through the vast area of wetlands and woods, plus views of Cedar Run and a 7-acre island. 15014 Deepwood Ln., Nokesville
Explore 1.6 miles of trails with views of a stream, plus sports fields, playgrounds, and an equestrian ring. 12560 Aden Rd., Nokesville
Nestled in the far southeastern corner of Prince William County, the Prince William Forest Park is a sprawling 15,000-acre park managed by the National Park Service and a good choice for those who can’t make it to the mountains. As the name implies, the park is mostly forested and runs along Quantico Creek. The park has 37 miles of trails. 18170 Park Entrance Rd., Triangle
Four miles of trails for hikers surround a 23-acre lake and feature views of meadows and pine trees. 15800 Silver Lake Rd., Haymarket
FAUQUIER
Cedar Run Greenway — White’s Mill Section
This trail is a paved T-trail in the 70-acre stream valley park and winds through wetlands bordering Cedar Run. Perfect trail for biking, hiking, and wildlife watching. Access via the cul-de-sac just beyond Baymont Inn and Suites off Route 29 north of Warrenton
C.M. Crockett Park is the county’s largest lakeside park, and it offers almost everything an outdoorsy person could ask for. There’s fishing, boating, picnicking, horseshoes, volleyball, and a cross-country trail. There is a 1-mile nature trail through woods. 10066 Rogues Rd., Midland
Scenic views that are the crowning jewel of Virginia are found in this 1,860-acre park with woodlands, pastures, and a historic farm. There are 10.5 miles of bridle trails, 22 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trails and Appalachian Trail access. The trails vary in difficulty from easy to difficult. 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane
The Stafford Trail is a natural surface trail through 1.1 miles of woods alongside corn fields and Turkey Run with significant elevation changes. Access points at Stafford Educational Farm at 8428 Meetze Rd., Warrenton
Running over 2.2 miles between Old Town Warrenton and Old Meetze Road, the greenway is a flat paved surface. The trail crosses two bridges and passes an old uncovered railroad turntable. Benches and dog waste facilities are available as is a bike rack at the Fourth Street parking lot. Access points at South Fourth Street and at the end of Old Meetze Road, Warrenton
In the center of Fauquier County is the Whitney State Forest, 148 acres of serene environments for hiking and horseback riding. Access point off Lee Ridge Road, Warrenton
FREDERICKSBURG
This scenic park, with at least 21 types of trees along its 1-mile loop trail, is ideal for a relaxing stroll past its creek and over its bridge. It’s outfitted with picnic shelters, playgrounds, and grills, perfect for a family picnic. Access point at the end of Greenbrier Drive
A wooded area with views of Hazel Run, this park features a 1-mile-loop trail. Intersection of Willis Street and Cobblestone Boulevard
Dixon Park spans 46 acres of open fields and nature preserve. There’s also a picnic area and playground for a day of quality time with the family. It features 1.5 miles of trails. 1300 Dixon St., Fredericksburg
Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area
Motts Run is home to 860 acres of undisturbed nature and a 160-acre reservoir. It also offers 17 miles of biking and hiking trails, an orienteering course, and a nature center. 6600 River Rd., Fredericksburg
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