Home › Virginia › Fairfax Station › Burke Lake Park
Burke Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,844 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairfax Station, Virginia · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Burke Lake Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
County recreational park featuring a fishing lake, picnic areas, a miniature train & playgrounds.
What runners say about Burke Lake Park
“The hiking trails are well-maintained, surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for both nature lovers and families.”
“The miniature train travels for about a total of 10min through the park's picturesque views of the surrounding woodlands and lake.”
“7‑mile shaded trail ideal for walking, biking, and wildlife spotting to well-loved kid-friendly attractions like a miniature train, carousel, and mini-golf.”
“We enjoyed watching ducks and birds gracefully swimming in the serene lake, creating a peaceful ambiance.”
“These stations are equipped with pull-up bars, balance beams, and sit-up benches, making it a perfect outdoor gym for all ages.”
Today, I visited Burke Lake Park with my kids, and it was a delightful experience. The park offers ample parking, and the weather was perfectly cool and refreshing. We enjoyed watching ducks and birds gracefully swimming in the serene lake, creating a peaceful ambiance.
Burke Lake Park is situated in Fairfax Station, which is just 25 minutes away from Washington, D.C. The park features a stunning lake with a walking trail for visitors. It's also an excellent spot for fishing and enjoying the tranquil beauty of nature.
Burke Lake Park is honestly my favorite place in this area. The trail length and difficulty are just right, especially if you’re walking with kids or family. The path is well maintained and feels very safe.
A beautiful green oasis with much to offer. I walked the 4.8 mile trail and thoroughly enjoyed the greenery and the views of the lake. The trail is mostly shaded so very doable on a sunny day. I was fortunate to spot a couple of woodpeckers and other birds at close range.
Trail conditions & character
“The miniature train travels for about a total of 10min through the park's picturesque views of the surrounding woodlands and lake.”
“Located just off VA-123, the park offers ample parking, and the trails are suitable for all fitness levels.”
“We enjoyed watching ducks and birds gracefully swimming in the serene lake, creating a peaceful ambiance.”
“The lake is a popular fishing spot accessible piers, boat rentals, and a marina that enhances the experience for anglers and paddlers.”
“You can take several paths around the lake, and there are multiple entry points, it's roughly 5 miles around if you don't deviate too much from the circular path.”
“They have the classic carousel 🎠 ride, multiple picnic areas, lots of people walking on the trails that loop around the lake, a mini golf section, and a playground!”
“7‑mile shaded trail ideal for walking, biking, and wildlife spotting to well-loved kid-friendly attractions like a miniature train, carousel, and mini-golf.”
“They also served pretzels, hot dogs, and a variety of refreshments.”
Plan your run at Burke Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefairfaxcounty.gov
- Phone(703) 323-6600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Fairfax Station
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bull Run-Occoquan Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 123 reviews
Long natural-surface trail for hiking and horseback riding through 5,000 acres of varied landscapes.
Fountainhead Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,421 reviews
Reservoir fishing & boating with rentals available plus mountain bike trails & nature programs.
Pohick Stream Valley-Burke VRE Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 84 reviews
Level, paved path, also great for biking, along a stream and a railroad, with several stepped creek crossings.
Royal Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 458 reviews
Paved, dirt and gravel lakeside trail at a family-friendly park featuring basketball courts, tennis courts and playgrounds.
Bull Run Occoquan Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 224 reviews
Lengthy, riverside forest trail for hiking & horse riding, with remains of Civil War earth forts.
Long Branch Stream Valley Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 63 reviews
Park featuring a footbridge and trails that run along a creek, plus wildlife.