Winter Hikes & First Day Hikes in Northern Virginia

by Micaela Williamson

Don't shy away from going out in the cold.  Bundle up and take the whole family on a winter hike in Northern Virginia. During the dreary winter months, it's good for the body and soul!  See our list of Top Picks of Favorite Winter Hikes for Families in Northern Virginia below:

• Bull Run Mountains Conservancy: This scenic preserve borders Fauquier and Prince William County. The trail map online shows many great treks for all levels of hikers.  BRMC has a few family-friendly public programs each month and special events throughout the year.

• Claude Moore Park: Be on the lookout for deer and wild turkeys in this Loudoun County park.  Trail maps are offered online here. After the hike, take the family to one of our favorite hidden gems, The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum.

• Great Falls Park:  No DC area "best-of" hiking list is complete without mentioning the iconic Great Falls Park. Besides taking a stroll to see the amazing falls, the park offers 15 miles of hiking trails (some are multi-use for horseback riding.) There are many different levels of hikes from easy circuits to challenging climbs. Trail maps are available online and at the entrance station or Great Falls Park Visitor Center.

• Fountainhead Regional Park:  This park in Fairfax Station is part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park system and is known in the warmer months for its great boating programs. For a family-friendly winter hike, try the 2.25 mile Nature trail (White Blazes.)

• Huntley Meadows Park: Located in Alexandria, this park features a two mile interpretive trail loop and an easy boardwalk trail through the marshland. There is also a visitors’ center with exhibits.  Read our past, comprehensive review on Huntley Meadows Park here. 

• Mason Neck State Park:  This beautiful park overlooking the Occoquan Bay and Potomac river has about six miles of unpaved hiking trails and three miles of paved multi-use trails.  Elevated walkways allow visitors to explore some of the marshland in the park.  There is also a great playground and visitor center with exhibits and restrooms.  

• Prince William Forest Park:  This respite in Dumfries, VA is over 15,000 acres and is a National Park. Prince William Forest Park contains 37 miles of hiking trails that range from flat lowlands to hilly terrain. It is also a great spot for wildlife sightings.  Check out the visitor center upon arrival for trail maps, programs and circuit hike recommendations.    

Plus, on January 1st, New Year's Day, annual First Day Hike and special events are offered at all 36 Virginia State Parks.  Click here for a detailed list by park. 


Do you have any other favorite winter hikes in the area?  Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below.