Top 14 Outdoor Adventures in Northern Virginia

Virginia is definitely for Outdoor Lovers, and there is no better way to experience the great outdoors than in Northern Virginia, where visitors can explore the largest green spaces in the D.C. Metro area. From hiking, biking, fishing and camping to sailing and zip lining, there truly is an outdoor adventure for everyone in Virginia’s Cultural Region.

1. Take a Bike Tour from Alexandria

Explore Alexandria, Virginia and the D.C. region on bike with new tours this spring by Pedego Alexandria Electric Bikes in Old Town Alexandria. The new e-Bike tours will include a tour of Old Town Alexandria, a tour to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, which includes admission to the estate, a monuments tour of D.C., a seasonal tour to the cherry blossoms in D.C., and an Old Town at Night tour—a 90-minute ride that will take cyclists across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, offering extraordinary nighttime views of Old Town, D.C. and National Harbor.

2.  Challenge Friends and Family to a Game at Pev’s Paintball Park

Pev’s Paintball Park is the ultimate outdoor adventure park, spanning 48 acres and includes 14 fields, a town with 25-plus buildings and props; a fortress with three mega towers and eight buildings, two man-made rock fields with caves and other inflatable obstacles.

3. Explore 95 acres of Ornamental Display Gardens and Unique Native Plant Collections at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Take in majestic views of the Piedmont hills, regain your zen at the unique Korean Bell Garden (the only public garden of its kind in the Western Hemisphere), or pay a visit to the restored 18th century log cabin on site. This park is a year-round treat, featuring beautiful cherry trees in bloom during springtime, stunning fall foliage in autumn, and a dazzling Winter Walk of Lights show during the winter holidays.

4. Explore Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Island

 

This memorial to America’s 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Island, offers visitor’s miles of trails through wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands that honor President Roosevelt’s legacy as a great outdoorsman and conservationist.

5. Play a Round of Foot-Golf and/or Golf in Prince William County

Choose one of the 13+ golf courses throughout Prince William County to spend a day on the greens. Visitors can enjoy traditional golfing options or can also choose to set-up a rousing game of Foot-Golf.

6. Try Goat Yoga at the Little Goat Farm at the Lake

Start your day with a refreshing Goat Yoga class on the banks of Lake Manassas at the Little Goat Farm at the Lake. This is one of the many farm experiences visitors can find in Prince William, Virginia.

7. Hike, Camp and Fish at Prince William Forest National Park

Prince William Forest National Park is the largest green space in Northern Virginia and offers visitors a variety of camping options, catch-and-release fishing ponds and 40+ miles of trails to explore.

8. Hike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Hike from county-operated Riverbend Park into National Park Service-operated Great Falls Park for stunning views of the cascading rapids, ample wildlife and wildflower viewing, and historical anecdotes along the way.

9. Hike Potomac Overlook Regional Park

 

With 67 acres of wild and cultivated land to explore, Potomac Overlook Regional Park is the perfect way to learn about Virginia’s flora and fauna while hiking the afternoon away.

10. Hit the Mount Vernon Trail

Bike, walk or jog on the award-winning Mount Vernon Trail. This 18-mile, paved, multi-use trail winds along the Potomac River from George Washington’s Mount Vernon through Alexandria and to Theodore Roosevelt Island in Arlington offering stunning views of the national monuments and memorials in D.C.

11. Kayak, Bike, Hike, Birdwatch and Picnic at Mason Neck State Park

 

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by driving down to Fairfax County’s Mason Neck peninsula, home to Mason Neck State Park and Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, America’s first-ever bald eagle preserve. This is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as there are ample opportunities for kayaking, biking, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and more at this quiet and beautiful Virginia State Park.

12. Ride Down the W&OD Trail

The Washington & Old Dominion Trail, locally referred to as the W&OD, is an old railroad bed that is now the perfect escape for walkers, joggers and cyclists. The trail spans 45 miles and takes visitors through historic towns and by numerous LoCo Ale Trail breweries. Grab a pint and pedal on!

13. Set Sail on the Potomac

If you’re looking to get out on the water, the Washington Sailing Marina on Daingerfield Island in Alexandria, Virginia, is the place to go. The marina not only offers traditional boat rentals and lessons with sailboats, kayaks and canoes, but also regular events like stand-up paddle board (SUP) yoga on the Potomac. Imagine getting into downward dog on a SUP on the river with views of the Washington, D.C. monuments and planes landing. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. Plus, you can refuel at Triple Craft restaurant, which serves specialty burgers, beers and shakes.

14. Zip Line at Empower Adventures

Get a bird’s eye view of Virginia’s countryside with a trip through Empower Adventures zip line course, which features five zip lines over 20 acres.

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