I am too and when I find them I enjoy passing them along to you. I would like to recommend a couple of spots that I was recently introduced to. If you're from the DC area you are probably familiar with the popular camp spot in Berryville Va. along the Shenandoah River called Watermelon Park. Almost certainly you're familiar with Wakefield/Accotink Park. If you are a transplant like me, then maybe this will be a nice score for you.
About 20 miles west of Leesburg Va. there is a sweet spot along the Shenandoah River called Watermelon Park. I had heard so many good things about this place but never got the opportunity to get out there. Last weekend I finally did. Watermelon Park is a small campground in the foothills of the Shenandoah mountains along the river. There are many things to offer at this campground such as tube rentals ,kayak and canoe rentals with shuttle provided, fishing. On some weekends there are live music festivals. There is a 30 mile paved rd/loop popular for mountain and road bikes, as well as a gravel road that runs along the river providing spectacular views even including a Blue Heron or Eagle here and there.
When there are festivals or live music, the tickets range in price. On other weekends it's $10 and I believe first come first serve. You can find out more info by clicking on the link here http://www.watermelonpark.com/. We had a great time at Watermelon Park and plan on going back if not in the fall for some foliage, then in the spring for some flowers. There is a bluegrass festival at Watermelon Park Friday Sept. 24th through Sunday September 25th. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it, however I hear its a blast and there's a great line up. Details here http://www.watermelonparkfest.com/. Enjoy the river, mountains and friendly people at Watermelon Park. Hope to see you there some time.
Wakefield/Accotink
The other place I stumbled upon is Wakefield Park at Lake Accotink. I have been in the DC area for 14 years now and probably have past the entrance to this park a hundred times. Little did I know what a great park was hidden in the woods right off of 495 and Braddock rd. a very busy traffic area. This place is way cool if you're into gee let's see, mountain biking, walking, running, bird watching, fishing, skateboarding, softball, soccer etc... If it has to do with outdoors you can pretty much get it done here. It is simple to get to right off the capital beltway.
For mountain bikers from beginner to intermediate there is something here for you. If you're a novice or an expert, it's just going to be a Sunday afternoon stroll for you. To start off with, there is a 3 mile gravel loop that surrounds the lake. The main loop is fairly easy with a few good uphill climbs. It's a good warm up to the many single track trails that spur off of the main loop. These single tracks provide many challenges to the more daring rider with whoops, ruts, rocks, logs, water and mud depending on the day, switchbacks and other last second obstacles. You can really spend a good three to four hours at this park riding or doing really whatever outdoor activities you please. There are plenty of places to stop and take breaks, picnic areas, water fountains and restrooms.
To get there: Take the Braddock Road exit off of 495. Stay right. Turn right at the stoplight onto Braddock Road. Take a right at the first stoplight into the Wakefield Recreation Area. There is more info provided in the following link to the Fairfax county parks website http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/bikes2a.htm
If you go check it out gimme a shout. Have fun and be safe
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I am a native of the area, and did not know about either of these places. Thanks for sharing!
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