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August 21, 2024
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Burke Lake Trail
4.9
(38)
200
hikers
8.33km
02:07
20m
20m
The Burke Lake Loop Trail offers a delightful and accessible outdoor experience, circling the scenic Burke Lake under a beautiful forest canopy. This generally flat and well-maintained path, primarily gravel but with varied surfaces, provides continuous lake views and opportunities to spot wildlife like blue heron and seagulls. It's a moderate 5.2-mile (8.3 km) hike with a minimal 79 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing.
Planning your visit to this popular multi-use trail is straightforward; it's shared by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, and dogs on leashes are permitted. Most hikers can complete the loop in about 2 hours and 7 minutes. The trail is part of Burke Lake Park, which boasts numerous amenities like fishing piers, picnic areas, and exercise stations, catering to a wide range of interests and fitness levels.
What truly sets the Burke Lake Loop Trail apart is its versatility and recognition as one of the top 10 fitness trails in the nation by the American Hiking Society. Beyond the trail, Burke Lake Park offers a miniature train ride, a carousel, and boat rentals, making it a perfect family-friendly destination. Its convenient location near Washington, D.C. also makes it a popular and easy escape for city dwellers seeking nature.
3.0
(1)
9
hikers
5.38km
01:23
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
5
hikers
17.7km
04:33
80m
80m
Embark on a varied journey with the Burke Lake – Burke Lake Trail loop from Newington Forest, a moderate 11.0-mile (17.7 km) hike that offers a blend of wooded paths and continuous lake views. You'll start by traversing wooded common areas and stream valleys, often on paved surfaces, before reaching the popular Burke Lake Loop, which features gravel and compacted dirt. This route, with its gentle 253 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, provides a peaceful escape with ample forest shade and opportunities to spot diverse birdlife around the lake, taking approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes to complete.
Planning your visit means preparing for a popular trail; the Burke Lake Loop can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so consider an early start or a weekday trip for a quieter experience. Dogs are welcome to join you, provided they remain on a leash throughout the hike. The park also offers various amenities like picnic areas and exercise stations, making it a great spot for a full day out.
This extended loop is a fantastic way to experience the interconnected park system of Fairfax County, Virginia, combining the well-known Burke Lake Loop with accessible trails from Newington Forest. It's an ideal choice if you're looking for a longer, immersive hike that prioritizes distance and scenic variety over challenging ascents, offering a rewarding outdoor experience for those with good fitness.
Details
Informations
Distance 265 m
Uphill 0 m
Downhill 0 m
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Sunday 28 June
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