The countywide rule: dogs are welcome in most Fairfax County Park Authority parks but must stay on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet, and you must clean up immediately. That's the baseline everywhere below.
Burke Lake Park
The classic. A 4.5-mile loop around the lake — flat, scenic, and endlessly walkable with a dog. Go early on weekends; the parking lot fills up.
Leashed dogs welcomeLake Accotink Park & Trail
A 4-mile paved trail around a 55-acre lake. Paved means it's good year-round (less mud), and the loop is a satisfying distance without being a commitment.
Leashed dogs welcomeFountainhead Regional Park
Leashed dogs on the shared-use hiking and equestrian trails. This is also the trailhead for the 19.7-mile Bull Run Occoquan Trail if you want a serious day out.
Leashed dogs welcomeScott's Run Nature Preserve
Rugged and beautiful — but best for confident hikers and sure-footed dogs. The terrain is rocky in places. Not a first-hike spot, but a great one once you know your dog can handle it.
Leashed dogs welcomeBull Run Regional Park
1,500 acres with the Bluebell Trail as a highlight. Leashed dogs welcome. Lots of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Leashed dogs welcomeManassas National Battlefield Park
Dogs on leash on the historic grounds. Open fields, long sightlines, and a different vibe from the wooded county parks. A nice change of pace.
Leashed dogs welcomeWorth the drive: Loudoun & Prince William
Leesylvania State Park
556 acres on the Potomac with 6 trails (the 1.6-mile Lee's Woods Trail is the favorite). Dogs on a 6-ft leash; per-vehicle entry fee.
Prince William Forest Park
15,000 acres of Piedmont forest, and leashed dogs are welcome on all hiking trails. The biggest dog-friendly trail system in the region.
Potomac Heritage Trail
Riverside trail with multiple sections — the Lansdowne stretch near Leesburg runs 10.9 miles. Dogs on leash throughout.
Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve
227 acres of wetlands boardwalk and trail. Leashed dogs welcome; great for an easy nature walk.
Beaverdam Reservoir Trails
7.2-mile loop around the reservoir. Pets leashed at all times; the park closes at sunset.
Raven Rocks Trail
5.7 miles and genuinely challenging, with a payoff view. Leashed dogs welcome; typically open April–October.
Where dogs are NOT allowed
Save yourself the wasted trip — dogs are prohibited at:
- Huntley Meadows boardwalk
- Riverbend Park trails
- Green Spring Gardens formal garden areas
- Winkler Forest Preserve
Trail tips with a dog
- 6-foot leash, non-retractable. It's the rule, and retractable leashes are a hazard on shared trails.
- Bring more water than you think. Especially at Burke Lake and Fountainhead where the loops are long.
- Check for ticks after. Northern Virginia woods mean ticks most of the year.
A trail-ready dog is a trained dog.
Loose-leash walking, recall around distractions, settling at a rest stop — Bull Run K9's programs build the exact skills that make hikes enjoyable instead of a wrestling match.
Learn about training →