Tuscarora Creek Park in Leesburg, VA!

Last week we checked out Tuscarora Creek Park in the Town of Leesburg, VA. A local Dad had told me about the park along with a few others. The park gets it's name from the Tuscarora Creek which sits below the park near the W & OD Trail. Trail access is available right next to the park and a paved path takes you down a slight hill to the trail.

The park has one piece of play equipment which is more appropriate for the older kids than the younger crowd. There are both toddler and regular swings available. There is no shade over the equipment but the kids can escape the sun either under the pavilion or amongst the trees that surround the park. A picnic pavilion is available to rent along with the restrooms. Sadly the restrooms are only available during the rental periods.

The Tuscarora Creek Park in Loudoun County is small but great if you live near the Battlefield Parkway Expansion Bridge. With access to the W & OD Trail if you live near you could use the trail to access the park. An added bonus is the small creek down the paved trail where the kiddos can check out the frogs and throw rocks into the water.

Bluemont Park in Arlington, VA!

Today we checked out Bluemont Park in Arlington, VA! This is a beautiful park with a lot to offer everyone in Arlington County. The W & OD trail and 4-Mile Run winds through the park and if you live in the neighboring Bluemont single family home neighborhood this an option to get to the park.

The park has baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts. If you like to exercise there are gravel and paved trails to walk, jog and ride bikes on. The creek that runs through the park has many bridges crossing back and forth over it with lots of chances for the kids to see fish and frogs. Tons of older trees for a large amount of shade throughout the park.

When we were at the park I struck up a conversation with a local mom and she said the play equipment had only just been replaced since last year. There is a great piece of equipment shaped like a train for the older kids including a rope spiderweb for them to crawl around and swings. For the younger kids there are two pieces of play equipment with a farm theme. Also a set of toddler swings, large sandbox, and small house just their size to stop and eat a snack. Around the equipment are large concrete seats for the parents to take a break along with picnic benches. The entire play area is covered in shade by large older trees. There is a gate and fence once you enter the playground area but it doesn't go entirely around the play area. The gate and fence is up to keep the kids from running out into the walking path and getting struck by a bicyclist. Right next door to the playground are indoor restrooms!!! When we were there the restrooms were very clean.

I have to say this is a great park with lots to offer the entire family! We'll definitely be returning again and bringing some friends. If you live in Arlington County this is a must see!

Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park

The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is better known as the W&OD Trail to most in Northern Virginia. Labeled as the "skinniest park in Virginia" it is one of the longest parks at 45 miles.

Most of the W&OD Railroad Regional Park is sitting on the same site as the old railbed of the retired Washington & Old Domionion Railway. The 45 miles of trail are asphalt paved with crosswalks and or lights where the trail crosses major roads. Alongside 35 miles of the trail is gravel base path for equestrian riders. The trail takes you from Shirlington, VA in Arlington County and if you travel the entire 45 miles you end up in Purcellville, VA in Loudoun County. From Shirlington to Purcellville you pass through the cities and towns of Arlington, Ballston, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, Paeonian Springs, and Hamilton, VA.

The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad closed it's doors in 1968. The last large project the failing railroad company faced was the installation of Washington-Dulles International Airport. Many supplies were brought to the area via the railroad company. After the Washington-Dulles International Airport project was completed the railroad company closed it's doors unable to compete with other railway companies in the region. Shortly thereafter the railbed property was sold to Virginia Department of Highways and then portions were sold to Virginia Electric and Power Company for the installment of electric transmission lines.

The first portion of the trial opened in 1974 in the City of Falls Church when Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority leased the rights from the power company. When the trail became popular they purchased this portion and other segments to continue the trail. The trail eventually reached Purcellville and was completed in 1988. Other small segments were then added with the last being paved in 2007. Small remnants of the railroad remain along the trail along with small exhibits/displays that talk about the history of the railroad company and trail. Companies like Norfolk Southern Railway and others have donated three cabooses that are displayed along the trail and two of them house small displays about the W & OD Railroad and Trail.

The W & OD Trail is great place to walk, jog, bike and or horseback ride. Many cyclist use this trail to ride to and from work since it crosses many towns and cities. Of course the trail is the safest in the day light hours but you pass through many scenic and natural areas so it's wise to take precautions when using the trail alone.

Happy Trails to you!

Dunn Loring Park in Vienna, VA!

Dunn Loring Park in Vienna, VA is located off of Gallows Road in Fairfax County. It is within walking distance of the W&OD Trail and the Merrifield/Dunn Loring Metro Stop.

The park is completely in the shade of an older grove of trees. The equipment was newer and included a swing set for both older and younger kids. A porta potty is available in the parking lot and it was in pretty decent shape when we went to the park. A small picnic shelter is also available at the park and available for rental. The park does include tennis courts and a full size basketball court. Also there is small set of walking paths around the park.

Fun neighborhood park in Vienna!

Northside Park in Vienna, VA!

While we were in Vienna,VA we checked out Northside Park. It is a 26 acre undeveloped park with unpaved hiking and walking trails throughout. This Fairfax County park is located just off of the W&OD Trail tucked next to a nice older neighborhood.

This park is a great location to take the kids hiking/ walking through the nature trails. Also if you enjoy geo-caching then this is the perfect place for you. Northside Park is a nice natural park found in the middle of Vienna. The family and I will definitely return here to check out all the trails.

Trailside Park in Ashburn

Trailside Park in Ashburn is located off of Claibourne Parkway in the Ashburn Farm Community. Ashburn Farm was once known as Gray Dairy Farm. In 1986 construction began on the planned community of homes, townhomes and condos. Many natural areas were preserved and some turned into parks including Trailside Park. This Loudoun County park includes 3 baseball fields, in-line skating rink and a big playground. The W&OD trail runs right along side the park and is nice way to walk, jog or bike to get there.

The play equipment is tucked back away and the trees offer plenty of shade during the hotter months. There are 3 large pieces of play equipment equipped for all age ranges. One of the larger pieces of equipment looks like a castle. Littler equipment is also available including a rocket, train and school bus for the kids climb in and pretend. Picnic tables are available inside and just outside the playground. Bathrooms are available at the snack bar and if the doors are locked they also have a porta potty just outside the entrance to the playground.

 Trailside is one of our top ten parks of all time. It's very well maintained and always a hit with the kids.

The next park we plan to explore is Bles Park in Ashburn!

Ashburn Park aka "The Dinosaur Park"

The Ashburn Park located in Ashburn, VA is known as the Ashburn "Dinosaur" Park to many parents. This park is located in Loudoun County off of Partlow Road in the heart of Old Town Ashburn. It has four different sets of equipment for all different age groups with pictures of dinosaurs on them. The park has lots of shade on a hot day and a porta potty is located near the entrance to the park.

A pavillion is located in the middle of the park and is great place to have a picnic lunch. They added a new piece of equipment for the older kids and it has a great scavenger hunt game and rock wall. If you walk further into the park there is also a small creek and trails. The trail eventually leads to the W&OD Trial and backs to another community trail system.

Great park with lots of things for the kids to do. Ashburn Park is definitely in our Top Ten of parks in the Northern Virginia area!

Check out my next write up on the Luray Caverns....