Updated on March 18, 2021 by Julie McCool
Fairfax County’s Ellanor C Lawrence Park, located in the heart of Chantilly, Virginia, is an excellent option for family hiking with a little learning fun. There are easy, shady trails through the woods; a pond where kids can spy fish, turtles, and birds; and several interesting, learning opportunities.
There are roughly 4 miles of trails in the park, and the network of segments offers plenty of options to customize the length of your hike. We like to hike the perimeter to maximize our time on the trail. For a shorter hike, you could head straight to the pond and back for a one-mile round-trip.
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The visitor center offers a closer look at snakes, turtles and other park denizens, and has frequent programs for kids and families.
Stop in the Visitor Center when you arrive to pick up a trail map and learn about what you'll see in the park. Kids will enjoy the touch table and the up-close look at turtles, snakes, and fish found in the park.
Head out behind the Visitor Center toward the ruins of the Walney Dairy Farm. During the 1800s, the farm originally grew tobacco, which depleted nutrients and left the soil unproductive. During the Civil War, the area was overrun with troops, who decimated the forests and further eroded the land.
After the war, the farm was shifted to dairy, at one point producing 3,000 pounds of butter a year. Interpretive signs explain a little about the history and workings of the dairy.
Perimeter Hike in Ellanor C Lawrence Park
Continue down to the wooden bridge, and head to the right, up a flight of wooden steps. You'll connect to the .9 mile North Loop trail, which is shady, wooded, and mostly level. You'll likely hear construction and road noise, because you're still pretty close to Walney Road. Fortunately, the dirt paths, wildflowers, and trees are pretty and the road is out of sight.
Further on, you can extend your hike a bit on the .4 mile Turkey Run loop, or just continue on the North Loop back to the bridge.
When you return to the wooden bridge, stay right, and take an easy .5 mile trail to a metal bridge over Rocky Run.
The trail around the pond has benches and platforms where you can stop to look and listen for birds, fish, frogs, and turtles.
If you have a license, you can try fishing from the boardwalk or one of the platforms.
Continue back the way you came, or bear right on the Ridge Trail. The Ridge is slightly steeper but doesn't add much distance. On your return, bear right at the fork and take time to check out the historic garden and smokehouse. There is also a large field and some picnic tables where you can play and relax.
If you are looking for a longer hike, try the nearby Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail. The trail begins behind Cabell’s Mill, across Walney Road from the pond.
Ellanor C Lawrence Park is at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly, VA off Route 28, just north of route 66. Visit the park website for special events and more information. The network of easy, shady trails makes the park ideal for family hiking. But it's also a nice destination for adults looking for a nature break in the suburbs.
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