Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ago, created a popular fishing hole. As you leave the picnic and boat-rental area be-
hind, the trail shoots up a short, steep hill toward the woods surrounding the lake.
Lake Accotink Trail is a popular destination for Northern Virginians seeking a little
woodland respite.
The first half of this route hugs the lake's curves as it travels deeper into the
small woodlands preserve that provides shade and wonderful views of marshland and
the lake. When you reach the fork in the road at the trail's midpoint, either continue
straight to get another 0.75-mile jaunt on the rail-trail before it dead-ends at Rolling
Road, or follow the trail marker indicating a right turn to loop back to your starting
point. This 4.5-mile option takes you down a short hill and onto neighborhood side-
walks for three or four blocks as you pass an elementary school before you return to
the park.
On the main route, several stairs lead downhill to a bridge and back to the Lake
Accotink Trail, which circles around the other side of the lake, to the creek and sur-
rounding marshland. Your round trip will end with a wonderful view of the antique
carousel and geese swimming in the shallow lake waters.
DIRECTIONS
From Washington, DC, take Interstate 395 south. This turns into Interstate
95 south at Springfield. Take the Old Keene Mill Road exit (VA Route 644) west
toward Springfield. Turn slightly right onto Backlick Road and then turn left
onto Highland Street. Follow Highland Street through a neighborhood and then
