The dog days of summer are starting to creep into Fairfax County. When they do one of the best local places to escape is Burke Lake Park.
Burke Lake Park is located just off of Route 123 and a few miles from the City of Fairfax. With over 850 acres including a 220 acre lake there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. For the walkers, joggers and bikers the 5 mile dirt loop around the lake is a great way to take in all of the vistas. For the youngsters the miniature train ride chugging along at 10 MPH is a hoot. Want to get in a round of golf? You can do that too at the 18 hole Par 3 course.
The Frisbee golf course is a challenge for young and old, though for the life of me the fun of trying to throw a Frisbee through a hoop eludes me! For the young and young at heart stop by and give the Carousel a whirl and don't forget to bring your stale bread to feed the ducks. Guaranteed you will be attacked without it!
For the guys who like to fish you can rent a small electric powered boat or canoe and cast your line. Make sure you have a valid fishing license. It's the law!
One of the best things about the park is that no matter what season you go you will find the park well maintained and friendly park staff around to help.
Burke Lake Park is just one example of the benefits of living in Fairfax County. With over 25,000 acres of parkland maintained by the Fairfax County Park Authority you can find a park just around the corner from almost any neighborhood in the county.
See you around the park!
Maps of Burke Lake Park Activities
Photo Credit: rla579 from Flickr
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Beautiful photo of a place I would enjoy beating the heat.
Hi Cindy, I sat across the aisle from you at raincamp. Burke lake park is one of the first places I think of when I want to take the family out for a day "at the park." The day before we had to put our invalid dog down, we took her to the park and pulled her around in a wagon. She was a very happy dog in her last few hours and the memories of that day at Burke Lake Park will remain etched in my mind.
Burke Lake Park looks gorgeous ... fabulous picture!
Cindy, I love love love that photo you chose! Great stuff, and a wonderful way to enjoy summer!
Hi Cindy, that is the most beautiful photo I've ever seen! That sky is awesome! Certainly a pretty place to beat the heat!
Cindy, Great photo did you take this? I think taking time off is just as important as working hard- You shouldn't do one without the other.
Kellie
Cindy, really nice photo, looks like a great place to hang out. Hope your having a great summer.
Cindy, the dog days of summer are quickly approaching. Looks like a great place to spend the day doing any one of the things you mention...have a great weekend
Cindy - love the picture! Burke Lake Park sounds like a great place to go for a vacation.
Cindy: That's a great pic of Burke Lake Park. I used to go there and play frisbee golf a few times a month every summer during my college years. This is a great place. And I love the train and carousel for the young kids (or adults like me that think they are kids.)
Allen-I've spent many a summer day hanging out at Burke Lake Park. Plenty of places to hide in the shade.
Tom-I"m sorry to hear about your dog. There is no doubt that Burke Lake Park is a great place for both humans and pets.
Pippa-BLC is a terrific place for fun.
Kristin-the photo popped out at me. Credit to the photographer for their skills.
Jackie-I'm an early morning person at the park. Love to ride around the trail before it gets crowded and of course before it hits 90 degrees.
Kellie-no I didn't take the photo. Photo credit is given through Creative Commons license on Flickr.
Nick-I"m working on it!
Gerry-back attcha. Enjoy your Sunday.
Maria-you can actually camp at the park so if you want a "staycation" you can.
Chris Ann-one summer my son worked at concession stand by the train station. For the first time in his life I think he reached his limit of ice cream and hot dogs.
What a great (and timely) Localism post! Nothing like time at the lake to beat the summer heat ;-)
Russell-considering it is going to be in the high 90's here for the rest of the week I suspect Burke Lake will be crowded.