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Huntley Meadows Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,968 Google reviews · Running trail in Alexandria, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Huntley Meadows 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.
Park with forests & a historic house, home to wildlife & wetlands, plus an observation platform.
What runners say about Huntley Meadows Park
“The paths are easy, well-maintained, and have plenty of clear signage, but they're also natural material and blend well into the surrounding forest.”
“Went there with my son just for a little bit on a nice day, and the pace was beautiful.”
“It is so peaceful and serene, and the marshland is just gorgeous.”
Excellent place to view wildlife of all types, especially birds. The boardwalks that wind their way through the park offer sweeping views of the marshy area. You’ll meet a lot of people taking pictures of the wildlife (including myself).
Huntley Meadows Park is one of the best nature walks I have ever encountered. They have wood bridges and walkways through the meadows and over the water. The elevated area with stairs allowed me to get a panoramic view of the lake and wildlife - very breathtaking.
This is an outstanding park for walking, photography, and bird watching. Several types of habitats that include marshes and woods. Note that dogs are not allowed on some of the paths and boardwalks. I suggest that you check the website for rules before you go. This park is well maintained.
NO DOGS ON BOARDWALK! NOT EVEN IF CARRIED!! This place is gorgeous! But know before you go with your pet, that dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk, but they are allowed on the trails. We went on a Sunday afternoon and the visitor center was open and the restrooms were clean.
Trail conditions & character
“If you’re coming out here with small children, be mindful of the fact that large portions of the boardwalk do not have railings so keep them close.”
“The elevated area with stairs allowed me to get a panoramic view of the lake and wildlife - very breathtaking.”
“Note that dogs are not allowed on some of the paths and boardwalks.”
“There are outdoor port a potties (one handicap accessible) and ones available in the nature center.”
“Bathrooms are inside the building by the parking lot (on the Lockheed Blvd entrance of the park.”
“Bathrooms are inside the building by the parking lot (on the Lockheed Blvd entrance of the park.”
“They do have a separate paved bike trail for bicycles.”
“It is so peaceful and serene, and the marshland is just gorgeous.”
“Nice, short loop to hike on, pretty flat and made of pavement or gravel or boardwalk.”
Plan your run at Huntley Meadows Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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) 768-2525
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 4 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 4 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 4 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 4 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 4 AM–7 PM |
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