Hike: Lake Fairfax Loop, VA

$5. Long hike: 12 mi.,700 ft. ascent/descent. Moderate hike: 10 mi., 500 ft.

Fairfax County, VA, is not ordinarily considered wilderness, but it does in fact feature several trails that quickly take you away from the houses and roads of suburbia into tranquil woodlands. This loop will begin from Lake Fairfax Park and take an equestrian trail to lead into the Fairfax Cross-County Trail. Hikers continue on the CCT to the W&OD Trail and return to Lake Fairfax, using a network of park trails to return to the parking area. Long hikers will take an additional there-and-back to Lawyers Road along the CCT as it diverges from the W&OD Trail.