National Parks in Fairfax, Prince William & Stafford Counties

 National Parks in Fairfax, Prince William & Stafford Counties

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out some of the local National Parks!

🌿 Fairfax County, VA

1. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Address: 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182

The only national park dedicated to the performing arts, Wolf Trap offers a unique blend of culture and nature. It hosts concerts, dance, and theater in a stunning outdoor amphitheater surrounded by forest, with walking trails and picnic spots nearby.

2. Great Falls Park

Address: 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102

One of the most scenic natural areas in Northern Virginia, Great Falls Park features dramatic waterfalls cascading over jagged rocks along the Potomac River. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the rocky cliffs, picnicking, birdwatching, and viewing the falls from three main overlooks. It's part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

🌿 Prince William County, VA

3. Prince William Forest Park (National Park Service)

Address: 18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA 22172

A serene expanse of over 15,000 acres with lush forests, hiking and biking trails, and historical CCC-era cabins. It’s perfect for camping, nature walks, and family-friendly outdoor adventures.

4. Manassas National Battlefield Park

Address: 6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109

A deeply historic site preserving the locations of two major Civil War battles. The park includes trails through fields, historic buildings, monuments, and an informative visitor center with exhibits on the war’s early years.

🌿 Stafford County, VA

5. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (partially in Stafford)

Address (Visitor Center): 1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

This national military park preserves multiple Civil War battlefields. Stafford County includes areas where Union troops encamped and maneuvered. The park features walking trails, historic buildings, cemeteries, and interpretive programs.

6. George Washington Birthplace National Monument (nearby in Westmoreland County)

Address: 1732 Popes Creek Rd, Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Though located in neighboring Westmoreland County, this site is a frequent educational stop for Stafford-area residents. It marks the approximate location of George Washington’s birth and offers a reconstructed colonial farm, gardens, and a visitor center.

🛶 Bonus: Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Accessible from waterways in all three counties

This national historic water trail commemorates Captain John Smith’s 1607–1609 explorations of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. It can be experienced through kayaking, canoeing, and local interpretive sites, offering a unique blend of history and recreation.