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Lake Anne Loop Trail

4.7
·63 reviews·Reston, United States

A scenic 2-mile loop around a picturesque lake, featuring a charming plaza with dining and relaxation spots.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Lake Anne Loop Trail - Image 1

Lake Anne Loop Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic 2-mile loop around a picturesque lake, featuring a charming plaza with dining and relaxation spots.

4.7
(63 reviews)

"Magnificent view of the lake with a few pretty hiking trails leading to Anne Plaza where you can stay and chill beside water."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stick to the Path

The main loop is about 2 miles. Some sections go behind homes, but the trail remains pleasant and varied .

🍽️ Plaza Dining

Enjoy custard, brews, or hot chocolate at Lake Anne Plaza. Avoid Kalypsos for food, per reviews .

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 63 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Anne Plaza

Lake Anne Plaza

Center of the loop

Enjoy restaurants, snacks, and waterfront seating. A vibrant hub for relaxation and people-watching.

Scenic Lake Views

Scenic Lake Views

Throughout the loop

Capture stunning photos of the lake, trees, and wildlife. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a brisk jog.

Canoe Rentals (Seasonal)

Canoe Rentals (Seasonal)

Near Lake Anne Plaza

Paddle on the calm waters for a different perspective of the lake and surrounding nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Etiquette & Access

The Lake Anne Loop Trail is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and biking. Be mindful of others, especially cyclists, and yield appropriately. While the main loop is accessible, some Reddit users mention confusion navigating the wider Reston trail system, so having a reliable map is key.Reddit

Plaza Perks & Parking

Lake Anne Plaza offers dining and relaxation spots, perfect for a break during your walk. Street parking is available nearby, making it convenient for a quick visit or a longer exploration of the trails and plaza amenities.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings at the Plaza
Why
Dine and enjoy the ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Moving to north point this week! Looking for recommendations on trails I can walk to nearby!

Also interested in any other fun things in the area you guys could recommend, excited for the move!

🚶‍♀️ Stick to the Path

The main loop is about 2 miles. Some sections go behind homes, but the trail remains pleasant and varied.Reddit

🍽️ Plaza Dining

Enjoy custard, brews, or hot chocolate at Lake Anne Plaza. Avoid Kalypsos for food, per reviews.Reddit

reddit.com

Biking through Hidden Creek Country Club

I am still trying to get a handle on the trails that are available throughout Reston and Google and maps from the Reston town website are getting me a little turned around. Is it possible to go from the W&O through Hidden Creek Country Club to get to Lake Anne? (Rather…

reddit.com

Looking for photographic spots near the Herndon/Reston area

Hi, I’ve just gotten back into photography, and as a relatively new resident of Herndon, I am not familiar of some of the beautiful spots in the area or surrounding. The most I’ve heard of is Great Falls, but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions that aren’t too far out…

📸 Photo Opportunities

Beautiful lake views, trees, and seasonal plantings offer great photo ops, especially during sunset.Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly

A great place for walking your dog, just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them.

reddit.com

Good place to get coffee and walk around in the centerville/chantilly/fairlakes area?

Hello, I'm just looking for recommendations on a good place to get coffee at and go for a walk afterwards in the centerville/chantilly/fairlakes area. I'm not quite familiar with the area yet, so any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stick to the Path

The main loop is about 2 miles. Some sections go behind homes, but the trail remains pleasant and varied.Reddit

🍽️ Plaza Dining

Enjoy custard, brews, or hot chocolate at Lake Anne Plaza. Avoid Kalypsos for food, per reviews.Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Beautiful lake views, trees, and seasonal plantings offer great photo ops, especially during sunset.Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly

A great place for walking your dog, just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(63 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Lake Anne Loop Trail for its beautiful lake views, pleasant walking paths, and the vibrant atmosphere of Lake Anne Plaza. It's a popular spot for leisurely strolls, dog walking, and photography. Some reviews mention minor issues with specific dining options at the plaza and the potential for confusion when navigating the broader trail system.

"Magnificent view of the lake with a few pretty hiking trails leading to Anne Plaza where you can stay and chill beside water while enjoying the restaurants with food and snacks. I haven't seen any boats on the water but there is a place for renting canoes (closed during Corona pandemic). It is safe and you can park your car on the streets nearby. There are some geese on the water and you can take beautiful photos of the lake, trees, hiking trail, etc. Some people go there to walk their dogs or for a short walk. I love this place! ♡"

Alex A

"It is two miles around the lake, and while you don't see the lake for some of it -- you walk behind homes that front the lake -- it's still very pleasant. There's a lot of variety, seasonal plantings and folks out walking, jogging, and fishing. Stop at Lake Anne Plaza for frozen custard, a nano brew or hot chocolate depending on the season."

Ruth Sievers

"Do NOT go to Kalypsos. HORRIBLE guest service and the food tastes like frozen food. There NEEDS to be more restaurants where you get served at the plaza. A great place to walk at!"

Julia Cooper (Gamma Phi)

What People Like

Magnificent lake views
Pleasant hiking trails
Vibrant plaza atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent dining quality
Trail navigation complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trail is accessible from various points around Lake Anne. Street parking is available near Lake Anne Plaza, which serves as a central access point. For cyclists, it's possible to connect from the W&O trail, though navigating the wider Reston trail system can sometimes be confusing.Reddit

Yes, street parking is available in the vicinity of Lake Anne Plaza. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car to access the trail and the plaza amenities.

Absolutely! The Lake Anne Loop Trail is popular for biking. Be courteous to walkers and runners, and be aware of other cyclists, especially when connecting to other trails in the Reston area.Reddit

While specific bus routes might vary, Reston is generally well-served by public transportation. Checking local transit schedules for routes near Lake Anne Plaza would be the best approach.

Lake Anne Plaza is a primary access point, offering amenities and parking. Other points along the lake's perimeter can also be used, depending on your starting location.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Lake Anne Loop Trail is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities for free.

While the trail is accessible at all hours, the shops and restaurants at Lake Anne Plaza have their own operating hours, typically extending into the evening.

No advance booking is required for accessing the trail or the plaza. However, if you plan to dine at a popular restaurant, making a reservation might be advisable.

The trail itself is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific areas like the plaza may have their own hours for businesses.

Yes, the trail is open on holidays. Lake Anne Plaza often hosts events, like fireworks on the 4th of July, making it a lively place to visit.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The loop around the lake is approximately two miles long, offering a pleasant walk or run with varied scenery.Reddit

You can walk, jog, bike, fish, or simply relax by the water. Lake Anne Plaza offers dining and a place to chill.Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at Lake Anne Plaza, especially within the vicinity of the restaurants and shops.

The paved sections of the trail are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though some parts might be uneven. It's a good option for a leisurely stroll.

You might see geese on the water, and various birds and other small wildlife along the wooded sections of the trail.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Lake Anne Plaza offers a variety of dining options, including restaurants for meals and places for snacks like frozen custard or coffee. However, some reviews suggest a need for more diverse service options.Reddit

Yes, you can find places offering coffee, frozen custard, and other snacks at Lake Anne Plaza, perfect for a break during your visit.Reddit

While there aren't designated picnic areas with tables, you can certainly find spots along the trail or by the plaza to enjoy a picnic.

Reviews are mixed. While some enjoy the offerings, one specific review strongly advises against Kalypsos due to poor service and food quality.Reddit

This would depend on the specific restaurants at the plaza. It's best to check individual restaurant menus or call ahead if you have specific dietary needs.

📸 📸 Photography

The entire loop offers beautiful scenery, but the views from Lake Anne Plaza, especially during sunset, are particularly picturesque. Capture the lake, trees, and any wildlife you encounter.Reddit

Late afternoons and evenings offer beautiful lighting, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' which can enhance the natural beauty of the lake and surroundings.Reddit

Lake Anne Plaza itself, with its waterfront seating and architecture, makes for a great backdrop. The natural landscape surrounding the lake also provides ample photographic opportunities.

Yes, you can often see geese and other birds on the lake. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules or contact the relevant authorities before flying a drone in the area.

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