Washington, D.C.: Including Suburban and Outlying Areas of Maryland and Virginia by Paul Elliott

Author:Paul Elliott
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781634040914
Publisher: Menasha Ridge Press
Published: 2017-11-12T05:00:00+00:00

DESCRIPTION

The 218-acre man-made lake was built on land in Fairfax County, Virginia, that was set aside by the federal government in the 1950s to build an airport. Protests from residents, as well as the rapid expansion of Washington’s suburbs led to the construction of Dulles International Airport on its current site in Chantilly.

Burke Lake Park is operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, while the lake is maintained by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, muskie, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and walleye. Bald eagles and a variety of waterfowl can often be seen, including common, red-breasted, and hooded mergansers; common and red-throated loons; bufflehead, ruddy, and ring-necked ducks; and gadwall, pied-billed, and horned grebes. The loop trail traverses the lake and is well marked and easy to follow. It is very popular with local residents. You can begin from multiple locations and proceed in either direction.

Starting at the marina parking area and walking clockwise, you will soon pass the miniature train, the disc golf course, and the outdoor amphitheater. The Parcourse fitness trail begins on the west side of the lake and provides a circuit-training course with stations such as parallel bars, log hop, balance beam, body curls, sit-ups, and leg stretch. There are many benches along the perimeter of the lake that provide great vistas for photography and spots for resting.

On the west side of the lake, as you reach Burke Lake Road, follow the trail to the right and stay along the edge of the lake. From this point the trail passes multiple side access trails on the left as it continues around the lake. Stay on the main trail. On the east side of the lake, when the trail intersects with pavement, turn right to cross over the dam. This open section of the hike has one of the best views of the lake. As you continue, the trail becomes pavement (the south side of the lake near the boat-launch area) with wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms. Continue past the playground, cross the parking lot, and when you see a sign for the disc golf course, walk to the right to return to the marina parking lot.

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