No. 2 -- Burke Lake

Ratings

Unusual: (for DC)

Cost: ($8 / car unless you are a Fairfax resident)

Distance: (22.2 miles from DC -- ok, this place violates my 15 mile rule).

Kidability: (trains, ice cream, mini golf and more)

Physical Difficulty: Easy.

Website: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelake/

Summary

Ok, I made four rules, just four simple rules when I started this blog. So why, you may ask, would I pick Burke Lake as the second locale on the list of 52 when it clearly violates my 15 mile rule? Simple. Sometimes you just need to see some water. I don't mean Potomac water. I mean a lake, or the ocean. Something without cars driving by, helicopters flying overhead. If you are looking for a water site, Burke Lake is a great pick.

Description

I lived in the D.C. area for seven years and had no idea that there were lakes anywhere close by until one day I was looking at Google Maps and wondered what those blue blobs in Alexandria and Fairfax were. So the off-the-beaten path fact is that there are three lakes within an easy trek from D.C.

The closest, Lake Barcroft, is 10 miles from D.C. near Seven Corners and Bailey's Crossroads. Although it is a "lake," its a little small and has no real public access and is functionally a private lake for the surrounding houses.

The second closest is Lake Accotink which is 16 miles from D.C. near Springfield. Its bigger than Barcroft, and has a public "beach" with carousel and a walking path, but has the definite feel of a reservoir, and has too much litter, and too little scenic appeal to make it on the list of 52.

The third closest is Lake Burke. Although its a 22 mile trek, and has a relatively hefty $8 entrance fee for non-Fairfaxians, once there you feel like you are at a mountain lake, not just a half-hour from D.C. The other advantage of Burke Lake is that there is a ton to do. If you just want to get some excercise and enjoy the lake views, there is a 4.7 mile relatively easy dirt hiking / walking / biking trail that circles the lake. The trail, combined with a pack lunch, can be a great afternoon by itself.


If you are looking for more entertainment or activities the park has:

1. A very well groomed frisbee golf course,
2. Canoe rentals (extra charge),
3. Fishing,
4. Mini golf,
5. Sand volleyball courses,
6. An antique carousel,
7. An ice cream parlor, and
8. A minitature train ride for kids.

Last, but not least, if you are looking for a good place to weekend camp, there is a small (probably tent only) campground on the North side of the park.

All-in-all in easy way to go back to nature for an afternoon, a day, or a weekend.