Gilbert's Corner Regional Park
A serene regional park offering peaceful wooded trails, a charming story trail for kids, and a welcome escape into nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, vibrant colors
Gilbert's Corner Regional Park
Best Time
Mild weather, vibrant colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene regional park offering peaceful wooded trails, a charming story trail for kids, and a welcome escape into nature.
"A lovely little escape off of the commuter crossroads that is rt. 50 and 15."
🚗 Parking Tips
Park north of the roundabout near Mt. Zion Church. Arrive early on weekends for best spots!
👟 Trail Ready
Wear sneakers, especially in spring/fall. Trails can get muddy but are manageable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Story Trail Adventure
Bluebird Trail
Engaging children's story pages displayed along a short, easy loop. Perfect for little explorers!
Wooded Creek Walk
Eliza Davis Trail
A peaceful escape into nature with charming creeks and abundant wildlife. Great for a quiet stroll.
Sunset Views
Parking Lot Overlook
Watch the sun dip below Bull Run Mountain for a serene end to your day. A simple, beautiful moment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Etiquette & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Park north of the roundabout near Mt. Zion Church. Arrive early on weekends for best spots!
👟 Trail Ready
Wear sneakers, especially in spring/fall. Trails can get muddy but are manageable.
📚 Story Trail Fun
Check out the Loudoun County Library's story trail on the Bluebird Trail for kids!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
Leashed dogs are welcome! Plenty of sniffing opportunities and not too many thorns.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Park north of the roundabout near Mt. Zion Church. Arrive early on weekends for best spots!
👟 Trail Ready
Wear sneakers, especially in spring/fall. Trails can get muddy but are manageable.
📚 Story Trail Fun
Check out the Loudoun County Library's story trail on the Bluebird Trail for kids!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
Leashed dogs are welcome! Plenty of sniffing opportunities and not too many thorns.
🐦 Bird Watching Spot
Keep an eye out for cardinals and other birds, especially in the meadows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Gilbert's Corner Regional Park to be a surprisingly enjoyable and peaceful escape, perfect for short nature walks and family outings. The story trail is a hit with children, and the wooded paths offer a pleasant respite. While lacking amenities like restrooms, its accessibility and natural beauty make it a worthwhile stop.
"There are two main, connected, trails; a small grass covered 'bluebird trail' and a longer one that leads into the woods. The longer trail is a nice respite from the city and the shorter is definitely designed with children in mind. If you walk the shorter loop, it is easy to hop onto the longer trail.
The parking lot is immediately north of the roundabout that has Mt. Zion church. It is the second roundabout east of 15. If you come near sunset, you can see the sun lower over Bull Run Mountain. Even the parking lot would be a nice place to unwind for a moment. There is a little library in the parking lot, so a nice place to read a book, take a book, or leave a book.
Speaking of libraries, the smaller bluebird trail has a 'story trail' from the Loudoun County library. There are small signs with pages from a children's story book placed about every 30 feet along the trail. They seem to change them with some frequency, and the changing of the seasons seems to be a theme of the books they select.
I don't know how far north the larger trail goes. I have only walked about 30 minutes with a toddler, but there is a charming little creek and quite a bit of wildlife. It doesn't take long before the sounds of 50 are extinguished and the tranquility of a trail established.
Throughout the fall and spring, there is a bit of mud, but nothing unmanageable in sneakers.
This is a dog friendly trail: plenty to sniff and not many thorns.
My photos were taken in February or early march---it is much greener during the summer."
Tyler Crabb
"Surprisingly enjoyable. The previous reviews are spot on. The experience is definitely what you make it. The terrain is very easy to traverse (great for families), and there is an adventure at every intersection. To do it justice, give yourself at least a few hours. Part of the fun is researching the namesake of each trail to learn a bit of history. The late March trek highlighted new growth and allowed for more visibility through the trees. Spring and summer foliage will more than likely yield denser vegetation. HAVE FUN!"
Reginald Jackson (Gunny Jack)
"Lovely little escape off of the commuter crossroads that is rt. 50 and 15. All alone as cars driving by on a beautiful late May afternoon.
There were multiple trails of mown grass through a rolling sea of trees and hills, with bird boxes along the way, along with plenty of cardinals and other birds to be seen flittering about in the enjoyable refuge of the trees and bushes. The bridge across the creek on the Eliza Davis trail is semmingly starting to break away/be eaten by something? Some of the signs could be fixed, made clearer which path connects where, but its a small park and even if you get lost you can easily just continue walking and you'll connect back again. Only other downside is ticks, but you're going to get that anywhere with grasses and such, so just check for and eliminate those little monsters afterwards.
Overall, A+ for nature walk lovers"
Brian Nagurny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located near the intersection of Route 50 and Route 15. The parking lot is just north of the roundabout that has Mt. Zion church, which is the second roundabout east of Route 15.
Information on direct public transportation routes is limited. It's generally recommended to drive to the park.
The park features two main connected trails: the 'Bluebird Trail' (shorter, grass-covered, good for kids) and a longer trail into the woods. You can easily hop between them.
Yes, the Mt. Zion Church and Graveyard are located across the traffic circle and are worth a visit.
Absolutely! It's a lovely escape off the commuter crossroads, perfect for a few hours of nature exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Gilbert's Corner Regional Park is free to enter. There are no admission fees.
The park is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific closing times are not usually posted, but it's best to visit during reasonable hours.
Parking at Gilbert's Corner Regional Park is free.
While the park itself doesn't require booking, events like the 'Made for Mama Market' have their own ticketing systems. Check event organizers' websites for details.
The park is open to the public for recreational use. Standard park rules apply, and it's a dog-friendly space.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There are two main trails: the shorter, grass-covered 'Bluebird Trail' designed for children, and a longer trail that winds into the woods, featuring a creek and wildlife.
Yes, the Bluebird Trail with its 'story trail' from the Loudoun County Library is perfect for kids. The terrain is easy to traverse.
Visitors have reported seeing deer, various birds like cardinals and prairie warblers, and other small creatures.
Currently, there are no restrooms or water fountains directly within the park. It's advisable to come prepared.
Yes, birdwatchers have spotted various species, including Prairie Warblers and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the park itself. It's a nature-focused area for outdoor activities.
The park is a 'pit stop' location for BBQ. Pit Stop in Sterling, which grew out of a roadside stand here, is known for its delicious BBQ. [^R]
While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors often bring their own food and enjoy a picnic on the trails or in open grassy areas.
You can find various dining options in nearby Leesburg, including Colombian food and other local eateries.
Occasionally, events like the 'Made for Mama Market' are held at Gilbert Regional Park, which may feature food vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
The wooded trails offer opportunities for nature photography, especially with the creek and wildlife. The overlook near the parking lot is great for sunset shots.
Yes, birdwatchers and photographers have found success here, particularly for species like Prairie Warblers and hummingbirds.
Morning and late afternoon light is ideal for softer, more atmospheric photos. Sunsets from the parking lot overlook are particularly striking.
The story trail on the Bluebird Trail provides charming photo opportunities with children interacting with the story pages.
A versatile lens for nature shots and a telephoto lens for wildlife or birds would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the scenic landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The terrain throughout the park is generally easy to traverse, making it suitable for strollers and young walkers. The Eliza Davis Trail offers a bit more adventure with its wooded paths and creek, providing opportunities for exploration. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site, and consider bug spray for warmer months.
🐶 Dog Owners
Both the shorter Bluebird Trail and the longer wooded trails are suitable for dogs. Just be sure to bring water for your pet, especially on warmer days, and always clean up after them to help keep the park pristine for everyone.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
Birdwatchers will appreciate the park's diverse avian population. Keep an eye out for common species like cardinals, and be on the lookout for rarer sightings such as Prairie Warblers. The park's natural setting makes it a rewarding destination for quiet observation and photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
The Eliza Davis Trail (or a similar longer wooded trail) provides a more immersive nature experience. This path winds through trees, offering a peaceful respite from urban noise and a chance to observe local flora and fauna. While generally easy to traverse, it can become muddy during wetter seasons, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The trail leads to a charming creek, and visitors have noted the presence of various wildlife, making it a rewarding walk for nature enthusiasts.
Combining the trails is easy, allowing visitors to create a longer hike or a shorter, more focused exploration. The park's layout ensures that even if you venture off the main path, you'll likely reconnect with another trail, making it difficult to get truly lost.
Nature and Wildlife Spotting
Bird enthusiasts will find much to appreciate. Cardinals are commonly seen flitting through the trees and bushes. More specific sightings include Prairie Warblers, which have been noted by visitors, and even Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been observed in the vicinity. The park's natural setting provides excellent opportunities for observing these and other avian species in their natural environment.
Beyond birds and mammals, the park's ecosystem supports various insects and smaller creatures. The presence of bird boxes along the trails further indicates a commitment to supporting local bird populations. For those interested in nature photography or simply enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors, Gilbert's Corner offers a rich environment for observation and appreciation.
Historical and Community Connections
The park also fosters community engagement through initiatives like the 'story trail' on the Bluebird Trail, a collaboration with the Loudoun County Library. This feature transforms a simple walk into an educational and entertaining experience for children, highlighting the park's role as a community resource.
Furthermore, the park has been a site for community events, such as the 'Made for Mama Market and Expo', showcasing local vendors and artisans. This demonstrates the park's versatility as a venue that supports both natural recreation and community gatherings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit