Huntley Meadows Park

Alexandria Virginia Hikes , Alexandria Virginia Parks , Alexandria Virginia Trails , Fairfax County Virginia Parks , Washington DC hikes

Welcome to Huntley Meadows Park, a forest and wetland nestled in the Hybla Valley of northern Virginia. This beautiful park boasts some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area.

Park History: During colonial times the land that is now Huntley Meadows Park belonged to George Mason IV, a large land owner. In 1825 his grandson Thomson built a home on the property which still stands to this day and is on the Virginia Landmarks Register, Fairfax County Historic House Inventory, and the National Register of Historic Places. The Mason family held onto the land until the early 20th century when they started selling off various parcels. The U.S. Government eventually acquired the land and did various military and transportation experiments on the land before declaring it surplus in 1970. In 1975 President Ford signed the legislation that authorized the donation of this land to the people of Fairfax County. In 1992 165 acres were added.

Wildlife: Huntley Meadows Park helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including beavers, dragonflies, frogs, raccoons, and herons. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Huntley Meadows Park boasts over two miles of trails, a visitor center, and much more. Come on out and explore.

This was RecPlanet place of the day on May 29, 2015.