Burke Lake Park
A scenic county park featuring a beautiful lake, shaded trails, a miniature train, carousel, and picnic areas for family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Burke Lake Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic county park featuring a beautiful lake, shaded trails, a miniature train, carousel, and picnic areas for family fun.
"This is one of our favorite spots. The trail around the lake lets you get some exercise and see lots of birds and wildlife."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Non-residents pay a fee. :car:
👟 Trail Comfort
The 4.7-mile trail is mostly shaded, perfect for hot days. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Lake Trail
Around Burke Lake
A 4.7-mile shaded loop perfect for walking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Ideal for a refreshing escape.
Miniature Train Ride
Near the marina
A charming 10-minute ride through picturesque woodlands and along the lake. A hit with all ages!
Fishing & Boating
Burke Lake
Accessible piers, boat rentals, and a marina make it a popular spot for anglers and paddlers.
Family Fun Zone
Central park area
Features a carousel, mini-golf, playgrounds, and an ice cream shop for a complete family outing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Parking Crunch
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Non-residents pay a fee. :car:
👟 Trail Comfort
The 4.7-mile trail is mostly shaded, perfect for hot days. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🎣 Fishing Fun
Bring your gear or rent a boat for a day of fishing on the lake. Piers are easily accessible. :fishing_pole:
🚂 Train Tickets
Book train tickets online in advance for convenience, or purchase at the window. Contactless payment accepted. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Non-residents pay a fee. :car:
👟 Trail Comfort
The 4.7-mile trail is mostly shaded, perfect for hot days. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🎣 Fishing Fun
Bring your gear or rent a boat for a day of fishing on the lake. Piers are easily accessible. :fishing_pole:
🚂 Train Tickets
Book train tickets online in advance for convenience, or purchase at the window. Contactless payment accepted. :ticket:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic areas available. Pack a lunch and make a day of it! :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Burke Lake Park is a highly-rated local treasure, praised for its beautiful, shaded lake trail and family-friendly attractions like the miniature train and carousel. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities and opportunities for fishing and picnicking. Some find parking can be challenging and a fee applies for non-residents.
"It us a very nice park. I live in MD, so I found a local treasure. Apparently this is where the locals go to get away from crazy busy roads. The lake is so pretty. The leaves changing added an extra nice touch. The hike was clear of debris. It is very clean and very family friendly. The only reason its not a 5 was parking was tricky and there wasn't alot of spaces."
Dustie Brown
"Burke Lake Park in Fairfax is a beautifully maintained park built around a scenic reservoir. It offers a diverse range of outdoor activities—from a peaceful c115 ft elevated 4.7‑mile shaded trail ideal for walking, biking, and wildlife spotting to well-loved kid-friendly attractions like a miniature train, carousel, and mini-golf. The lake is a popular fishing spot accessible piers, boat rentals, and a marina that enhances the experience for anglers and paddlers. Parking fee is applicable for non residents and multiple lots are available. The park also offers multiple picnic tables corners, sand volleyball zones and a few free hand exercise spots."
Jaheed Abdullah
"The trail around this lake is perfect for walking. Most of it is well shaded, so you can even get your steps in on a 90+ degree day! You can take several paths around the lake, and there are multiple entry points, it's roughly 5 miles around if you don't deviate too much from the circular path.
There are activities that you can engage in along the trail as well and foot traffic isn't too bad
However, if you are looking for a biking experience, this trail is not among the better options as it's quite narrow and many folks who are walking are not really used to sharing the trail with cyclists (in my experience).
Oh, and there's lots of birds in the water and you will see several benches where folks are fishing.
It's now my go-to trail when I want to get my 5 mile walk in and it's super hot outside."
D Henley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Burke Lake Park is located in Fairfax, Virginia. It's accessible by car, with major roads leading to the park. Parking is available on-site, though it can fill up quickly on busy days.
Public transportation options to Burke Lake Park are limited. It's primarily a destination best reached by private vehicle. Check local transit schedules for any available bus routes that may get you close.
Parking fees apply for non-Fairfax residents. The fee is typically around $12. Residents may have free access or a reduced fee. It's best to check the official park website for the most current pricing.
Yes, Burke Lake Park has multiple parking lots spread throughout the park, serving different areas like the marina, picnic spots, and activity centers.
To avoid traffic and secure parking, aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons. Weekends and holidays tend to be much busier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free, but there is a parking fee for non-residents. Specific attractions like the miniature train and carousel require separate tickets.
Yes, you can easily purchase tickets for the miniature train online in advance, which is recommended to save time. Tickets can also be bought at the window.
Operating hours for attractions like the miniature train and carousel vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Burke Lake Park website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Discounts are not widely advertised, but check the park's official website for any seasonal promotions or special event pricing.
Contactless payment methods, including Apple Pay and tap-to-pay, are accepted for tickets and at the ice cream shop.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include walking/biking the 4.7-mile trail, fishing, boat rentals, a miniature train, carousel, mini-golf, playgrounds, picnic areas, and disc golf.
While you can bike the trail, it's quite narrow and shared with walkers. Many visitors find it better suited for walking due to the potential for conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians.
Yes, Burke Lake is a popular fishing spot with accessible piers and a marina. You can bring your own boat or rent one.
The park offers clean and well-maintained bathrooms, numerous picnic tables, sand volleyball courts, and exercise spots.
Absolutely! It's very family-friendly with attractions like the miniature train, carousel, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's an ice cream shop that also serves hot dogs, pretzels, and other refreshments. Many visitors also bring their own food for picnics.
Absolutely! Burke Lake Park has many picnic areas, making it a perfect spot to bring your own lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors.
The ice cream shop offers ice cream, pretzels, hot dogs, and a variety of other refreshments.
While not explicitly mentioned, many picnic areas are suitable for grilling. It's advisable to check park regulations regarding personal grills.
Park regulations regarding alcohol can vary. It's best to check the official Burke Lake Park website or contact them directly for current policies.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic lake views, especially during sunrise or sunset, offer beautiful photo opportunities. The miniature train and carousel also make for charming shots.
Yes, Burke Lake Park is excellent for nature photography with abundant birdlife and scenic woodland views along the trail.
Yes, you can take photos of the miniature train, especially when it's stopped at the station or chugging along the tracks.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks to ensure safety and privacy. It's essential to check Burke Lake Park's specific drone policy before flying.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photography, highlighting the lake and surrounding nature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With ample picnic areas, packing a lunch is a great way to save money and enjoy the outdoors. The ice cream shop is the perfect treat to cap off a fun-filled day. The park's clean facilities and family-friendly atmosphere make it a stress-free outing for parents.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Lovers
This trail is perfect for getting your steps in while enjoying scenic views. Multiple entry points offer flexibility, and benches along the way provide spots to rest and soak in the natural beauty. It's a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
🎣 Anglers & Boaters
The park's setup caters well to those who love water activities, offering a serene environment for both fishing and boating. Plan your trip to make the most of the lake's offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lake Trail
Wildlife spotting is a common pastime along the trail, with many visitors reporting sightings of various birds on the water and in the surrounding woodlands. Benches are strategically placed, offering resting spots and vantage points for those who enjoy fishing or simply taking in the scenery. For those looking to achieve a consistent 5-mile walk, this trail is a go-to option for many locals.
Pro Tip: If you're planning to bike, consider visiting during less crowded times or being extra mindful of walkers to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Family Fun at Burke Lake
Beyond the rides, the park boasts numerous picnic areas, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely lunch or snack. An on-site ice cream shop is the perfect spot to cool down and treat the kids after a day of play. The park's clean and well-maintained facilities, including restrooms, contribute to a stress-free family outing.
Community Insight: Many parents rave about how much their toddlers enjoy the park, highlighting it as a place they'll definitely return to.
Fishing and Water Activities
Whether you're an experienced angler or a casual boater, Burke Lake offers a peaceful setting to enjoy your chosen water activity. The presence of the marina also suggests that those with their own boats can likely launch and dock them here, enhancing the park's appeal to a broader range of water sports enthusiasts.
Tip: Check the marina's operating hours and rental availability in advance, especially during peak season, to plan your aquatic adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit