The Fairfax County Park Authority is the steward of the County's numerous natural, cultural and recreational resources. Managing over 22,000 acres of land, the Park Authority is the leading provider of active and passive recreational facilities in the region. Trails provide one of the primary means to enjoy the many oases of green in the County, with over 334 miles of trails in the County park system alone. While trails are used for a variety of recreational purposes, they also serve the community by providing connectivity as transportation corridors between homes, businesses, schools and parks.
The Park Authority's trails are shared by bike riders, walkers, joggers and horseback riders alike. Please be considerate of others.
The Countywide Trail Plan is part of the county's Comprehensive Plan. The Park Authority maintains and operates most of the stream valley trails throughout the county, some of which are significant.
View afull screen (mobile-friendly) version Fairfax Trail Buddy.
Accessible trails have a few general characteristics that make them accessible. Check out our recommended accessible trails, measured from the closest accessible parking spaces on site to the trail and totaled in a round trip format.
Trails located in stream valley parks and floodplains present a unique set of challenges for both construction and maintenance. Learn what types of improvements are needed in these flood prone areas.
The Trail Development Strategy Plan is an internal Park Authority document created to examine the issues surrounding trail development, collect and analyze the relevant data concerning trail projects, and devise the best process for objectively evaluating and prioritizing trail projects
The Guide to Trail Management is designed to provide insight to the community and guidance to the Park staff on how trails are planned, developed, managed and maintained on Fairfax County parkland. There are four sections in the plan, with associated appendices to provide more specific information.
