Claude Moore Park
A 350-acre haven blending nature, history, and recreation with trails, a lake, and a community center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Claude Moore Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 350-acre haven blending nature, history, and recreation with trails, a lake, and a community center.
"A respite from NOVA's commercial, governmental, and technological hellscape."
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be limited, especially near sports fields. Arrive early or use the community center lot.
👟 Trail Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes! Some trails are unpaved and can be uneven.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lanesville Heritage Area
Historic District
Step back in time with 18th and 19th-century buildings and farm structures.
Serene Lake and Trails
Central Lake
Enjoy peaceful walks around the lake, spotting wildlife like deer and herons.
Community Center Amenities
Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center
Features indoor pools, a fitness center, and a rock wall for active fun.
Lighted Nights Display
Vestals Gap Road
Experience a magical holiday light display during the festive season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be limited, especially near sports fields. Arrive early or use the community center lot.
👟 Trail Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes! Some trails are unpaved and can be uneven.
📅 Event Check
The park hosts many events. Check the schedule for festivals, holiday lights, and sports. 
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Enjoy the picnic pavilions with tables, grills, and trash cans for a great outdoor meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be limited, especially near sports fields. Arrive early or use the community center lot.
👟 Trail Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes! Some trails are unpaved and can be uneven.
📅 Event Check
The park hosts many events. Check the schedule for festivals, holiday lights, and sports.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Enjoy the picnic pavilions with tables, grills, and trash cans for a great outdoor meal.
📸 Nature Photography
Bring your camera for wildlife sightings and scenic fall foliage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Claude Moore Park is praised as a peaceful escape with diverse offerings, from historic sites and nature trails to recreational facilities. Visitors appreciate the wildlife and the festive Lighted Nights event. However, some find parking and restroom facilities to be insufficient, and one reviewer reported a negative experience with pavilion rental staff.
"We were here for the local youth baseball games. There were seven fields and five gathered around the restrooms: Fields 1-5 located from the southwest direction then clockwise. The field conditions were at average. In general, needs more parking and more restrooms."
Adam Lee
"a respite from NOVA’s commercial, governmental, and technological hellscape.
features:
• several short, well-maintained trails
• a centralized lake
• wildlife (deer, herons, squirrels, geese, owls, groundhogs, and more)
• roofed picnic pavilions with tables, grills, and trash cans
• a community center with indoor pools, a fitness center, and rock wall
• events of various types hosted throughout the year"
Newt Salamander
"A lovely park with a lot to offer visitors to the area
Claude Moore Park, located near Dulles Airport in Sterling, VA, is a hidden gem offering a mix of natural beauty and recreational activities. It spans over 350 acres and provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the nearby airport and city. The park features a variety of walking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and around serene ponds, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families looking for a relaxing outdoor experience. The park also has sports fields, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits about the local history and wildlife. For those interested in history, the Lanesville Heritage Area within the park offers a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century life, including a historic house and farm buildings. During my visit, I found the trails to be fairly well-maintained and the signage helpful for navigating the expansive grounds. Parking near the visitor center was limited but there are other lots near the fields. Our group was there so that we could use the rustic buildings and forest as a natural backdrop and the park was perfect for that. The trails to the lake and around the older barns and buildings are not paved and may be difficult for the mobility impaired but they are level. Overall, this is a good park with a lot to offer visitors from sports to nature. It's a peaceful, enjoyable spot worth visiting if you're in the Dulles are"
Ward Dougherty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Claude Moore Park is located in Sterling, VA, near Dulles Airport. You can reach it by car via major roads like Route 7. Parking is available at various lots throughout the park, including near the community center and sports fields.
Public transport options to Claude Moore Park are limited. It's best accessed by car. Check local Loudoun County Transit for potential bus routes that may get you close to the park's vicinity.
The park has multiple access points. The main entrance for the community center and historic area is off Vestals Gap Road. Sports fields are accessible from other points within the park.
Parking can be a challenge, especially on busy weekends or during events. Visitors recommend arriving early to secure a spot, particularly near the sports fields or the community center.
Yes, using GPS is recommended. For the Lighted Nights event, using '21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd, Sterling' can help you find the right parking area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Claude Moore Park itself is free to enter and explore. However, some specific activities or rentals, like pavilion rentals or special events such as the campfire during Lighted Nights, may have associated fees.
Park grounds are generally open from dawn to dusk. The Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center has specific operating hours, which can vary. The Lighted Nights event typically runs from 5-7 PM during the holiday season.
No, the Lighted Nights event at Claude Moore Park is free and does not require tickets or registration. It's a self-guided walking event.
Yes, you can rent picnic pavilions at Claude Moore Park. It's advisable to book in advance, especially for popular dates. Be aware of rental terms and conditions.
There are no age restrictions for visiting Claude Moore Park. It's a family-friendly destination suitable for all ages, from young children to adults.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking trails, explore the historic Lanesville Heritage Area, picnic, fish in the lake, visit the Heritage Farm Museum, or use the facilities at the Recreation & Community Center.
Some trails are paved, offering accessibility, while others are unpaved and can be uneven. The trails around the lake and historic buildings may be more challenging for those with mobility issues.
Yes, the park is known for its wildlife. Visitors have spotted deer, herons, squirrels, owls, and groundhogs. It's a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
The Heritage Farm Museum, located within Claude Moore Park, offers a hands-on, immersive experience for children, focusing on local history and farm life.
Yes, fishing is permitted in the lake at Claude Moore Park. It's a popular spot for anglers.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic Lanesville Heritage Area offers charming rustic buildings and farm scenes. The lake and surrounding natural landscapes provide beautiful backdrops, especially during fall.
Absolutely! The park is renowned for its stunning fall colors, making it an ideal location for capturing seasonal beauty.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always check with park management for specific guidelines.
You can photograph various local wildlife, including deer, various bird species like herons and owls, squirrels, and groundhogs.
Yes, the Lighted Nights event creates a festive and visually appealing atmosphere, perfect for capturing holiday spirit and illuminated displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Lighted Nights event during the holidays provides a free, magical experience with festive lights, and on select nights, campfires with s'mores. +1Beyond these specific attractions, the park offers spacious picnic areas with pavilions, making it easy to enjoy a family meal outdoors. The walking trails are generally stroller-friendly, though some unpaved sections might require more effort. The community center with its indoor pools and rock wall also provides excellent options for active fun, rain or shine.
🚶 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
While some trails are paved, others are unpaved, offering a more rustic hiking experience. The park's diverse landscapes provide a peaceful retreat and a chance to disconnect from the urban bustle. It's an ideal location for a refreshing hike or a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature.
📸 Photographers
Wildlife enthusiasts can also find opportunities to photograph local fauna. The Lighted Nights event during the holidays offers a chance to capture festive and illuminated scenes.
+1 Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you explore different areas for the best photographic vantage points. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lanesville Heritage Area
While exploring, you can wander around the historic house and farm buildings. The trails in this area are generally unpaved and can be uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended. It's a peaceful part of the park, offering a quiet escape and a chance to connect with the area's historical roots. The area is particularly charming when combined with a walk around the nearby lake.
This heritage section is a key reason why many visitors find Claude Moore Park to be a refreshing break from the more commercial aspects of Northern Virginia. It provides a tangible link to the past that is both educational and visually appealing.
Recreation and Community at the Center
Beyond the fitness facilities, the center often hosts community events, preschool programs, and other activities. This makes it a valuable resource for local families and visitors looking for structured entertainment. The preschoolers' egg hunt is a notable example of the family-friendly events held here.
While the park's natural beauty is a major draw, the community center ensures that there are options for recreation regardless of the weather. It complements the outdoor offerings by providing indoor spaces for sports, fitness, and community gatherings, making Claude Moore Park a versatile destination.
Seasonal Spectacles: Lighted Nights
+2On select Friday and Saturday nights, visitors can extend their experience with a campfire, marshmallows, and hot chocolate, adding a cozy element to the chilly evenings. While the light display is simple, it's described as cute and particularly enjoyable for young children.
The event is free and doesn't require any tickets or registration, making it an accessible holiday activity for everyone. This event highlights the park's ability to host diverse activities throughout the year, catering to different interests and seasons. It's a testament to the park's role as a community gathering space, especially during festive times.
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