Glade Stream Valley Hike and Walker Nature Center in Reston Virginia

Updated on November 7, 2023 by Julie McCool

The Glade Stream Valley hike follows paved wooded paths along a peaceful stream with a stop at the lovely Walker Nature Center in Reston Virginia. We describe a 3.75-mile easy loop along the stream and Glade Road. We've also suggested ways to modify your route or add a stop for dining or drinks.

Reston trails are popular options in our Local’s Guide to Top 10 Things to Do in Reston Virginia.

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Glade Stream Valley Hike

Fairfax County includes many Stream Valley Trails (SVTs). These little ribbons of green cut through suburban neighborhoods and help protect waterways that feed the Chesapeake Bay. SVTs are a mix of dirt, stone-dust, and paved trails. They all provide an urban escape from the busy roads nearby.

Shady Glade Stream hike Reston Virginia
Shady Glade Stream hike Reston Virginia

The Glade Stream Valley Trail is a paved path that follows a section of stream that was restored in 2008. Our favorite route for the hike begins at Twin Branches Road, follows the trail to Soapstone Road, then returns along Glade Drive. It's an easy, well-shaded hike with a few shorts hills to add a little workout.

Glade Stream Valley Hike Reston Virginia
Glade Stream Valley Hike Reston Virginia

To follow our route, park near the Lake Audubon Pool and take the sidewalk along the lake. The trail heads downhill and right just after you cross Glade Drive. Once you've entered the woods, street noise dims and birds take over. Here, you're on a section of the Fairfax Cross County Trail, and you'll see CCT mile markers along the way.

Lake Audubon Reston Virginia
Lake Audubon, Reston Virginia

Follow the paved trail over a few small hills then left over the stream. Shortly after the stream, turn right, following the Reston Association markers toward Hunter Woods.

Glade stream from bridge Reston Virginia
Glade stream from bridge Reston Virginia
Glade Stream Valley Trail marker
Glade Stream Valley Trail marker

Near the stream, the path is more exposed to neighboring houses, but the trail is still peaceful. You'll have nice views of the wetlands on your right. You'll pass additional bridge crossings to your right, one of which leads to a tot lot with playground equipment. This would make a nice stop if you have children in your group.

The path is well maintained and level, popular for hiking, running, and biking. On a recent outing, we saw joggers, strollers, kids on bikes and scooters, and dog walkers out enjoying the day. Fun fact: Reston Association owns and maintains the entire trail; no Fairfax County tax dollars or staff are used.

Explore more: 15 Northern Virginia Bike Trails for Paved / Mountain Biking Near DC.

Glade Stream Valley Reston
Glade Stream Valley, Reston

When you reach Soapstone Road, cross carefully and continue. There is a picnic area next to Soapstone Drive if you want to take a break.

Soapstone Drive crossing and parking Reston
Soapstone Drive crossing and parking Reston
Picnic area near Soapstone Dr Reston
Picnic area near Soapstone Drive Reston

Turn right at the first paved trail, heading uphill to Glade Drive. Now you have two options: follow the sidewalk path along Glade Drive to complete the loop or double back through the woods to avoid the road.

If you take the sidewalk route you can stop at the Walker Nature Center, Reston's center for environmental education. The sidewalk dips into the woods a couple of times on the return, adding a little more hill work. When you reach Twin Branches Road again, turn left for the return to your car.

Reston's Walker Nature Center

Walker Nature Center sundial
Walker Nature Center entrance and sundial

Reston's Walker Nature Center offers a nice break spot for our loop hike. Inside you'll find a library and reading area, a few nature displays, and cozy spots for watching birds. Around the back are clean restrooms and water fountains, plus a picnic area.

Walker Nature Center Reston Virginia
Walker Nature Center Reston Virginia
Kds area Walker Nature Center
Kids area Walker Nature Center

The Walker Nature Center occupies 1300 acres of open space. The center operates classes, summer camps, and special events throughout the year. Ask for a trail map to explore the woodland trails around the center.

Adjust the Glade Stream Hike

Here are some ways to adjust your Glade Stream Valley hike, along with suggestions for things to do nearby.

Skip the Sidewalk

To skip the sidewalk section of our loop hike, park at Glade Pool and make it an out-and-back hike. Park near the Glade Pool. Cross the street and head down the paved path, turning left when you reach the Glade Stream Valley Trail. Follow our route in reverse until you reach Twin Branches Road, then return the way you came.

Reduce or Eliminate the Hills

Skip the hills near the Twin Branches Road end by parking at Glade Pool and making your trip an out-and-back stroll. You'll have one moderate hill from the parking lot down to the stream valley, but the trail is otherwise level. To skip the hills entirely, park along Soapstone Drive and enter the trail heading east.

This is an ideal stretch for wheelchairs strollers, or little ones on bikes and scooters. Follow the trail until the hills begin or for as long as you like, then head back the way you came.

Explore more Wheelchair and Stroller Friendly Trails in Northern Virginia.

Add Dirt Paths

Walker Nature Center maintains a small but nice collection of dirt trails near the Glade Stream. Just before you reach Soapstone Drive, turn right and cross a bridge onto a dirt trail. Follow the trails uphill and cross Glade to visit the Walker Nature Center. There are more trails, on the other side of Glade Drive, that lead downhill to Lake Audubon. Pick up a trail map and explore the trails if time allows.

Nearby Dining and Drink

The South Lakes Village Center is close to the Audubon Pool parking and it offers several great places to stop for a meal or drink. We love Cafesano for fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced Mediterranean food. Favorites include the arugula pizza and chicken pesto panini, and they have a nice outside dining deck if the weather is good.

Cafesano patio, Reston VA
Cafesano patio, Reston Virginia
Reds Table patio Reston VA
Red's Table patio Reston VA

For a little more upscale and equally delicious meal or drink, you can't beat the lakeside patio at Red's Table. Red's also offers a good selection of craft beer and cocktails, and their daily happy hour specials are usually a great deal.

The giant, hand-tossed pies at Flippin Pizza are another good bet for a casual meal. If you parked at Walker Nature Center or the Glade Pool, we recommend nearby Ariake for tasty sushi and bento box lunch specials that are a great deal.

See 10 Tasty Reston Restaurants to Eat and Drink Local in Virginia for more local dining.

The Glade Stream Valley hike is accessible year-round. It's shady in the summer and usable when dirt trails are muddy from rain or snowmelt, and it offers a nice suburban escape with tasty dining nearby. Happy hiking!

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The Glade Stream Valley hike offers paved wooded paths along a restored section of stream with a stop at the lovely Walker Nature Center in Reston Virginia.

This article was published in 2016 and updated in 2019 and 2020.