Hiking, running, and cycling in Fairfax County is its own reward—beautiful parks, scenic pathways, and an excellent workout. But what if you could double your reward with a payoff hike?
Fairfax County is filled with parks and trails that just happen to be adjacent to some of the region’s best breweries and wineries. So you can get the reward from working out AND the reward from a nice frosty craft beer refreshment afterward. So join us on an adventure and make your next workout your most rewarding yet!
Get on the workout train.
Caboose Tavern is on the Washington and Old Dominion (WO&D) Trail, a paved 45-mile trail for cycling, walking, and running (and in some areas, even horseback riding!). Park here at Mile 12, cycle to Reston and back, then reward yourself with Caboose’s award-winning Vienna, VA Lager.
Ride the bike lane to the beer lane.
You’ll find Reston’s Bike Lane Brewing at mile 16.5 on the W&OD Trail, creating the perfect 9-mile round trip between here and Caboose Tavern. Be sure to try Bike Lane’s WOD-A-Ride American IPA in honor of all the cyclists who jump off the trail and say, “What a ride!”
Do a lap around the lake.
Image courtesy Lake Anne Brew House
Also in Reston, you’ll find Lake Anne Brew House. Take a brisk lap or two around the lake to get your metabolism high. Then order a glass of Heron House Hefeweizen and let it burn off you in your post-exercise bliss.
Let your taste buds in on the game.
Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. in Merrifield is a short hop from Jefferson District Park, where tennis, basketball, and a 9-hole golf course call out to your active nature. After your game, head to this expansive taproom to see how your taste buds fare with the brewery’s signature Sweet Scoville Sting, a honey jalapeno ale.
Go where the winds take you.
Image courtesy Fair Winds Brewing Co.
Down in our historic South County, Fair Winds Brewing Company is doing its part to keep Lorton (and nearby US Army soldiers) healthy and fit. Located adjacent to the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail in Lorton, you can cycle, walk or run more than 80 miles, round trip, to earn your Sessions in the Abyss whole-grain IPA. Dogs welcome.
Wine your way through time.
Image courtesy The Winery at Bull Run
The Winery at Bull Run is adjacent to the 5,000-acre Manassas National Battlefield Park, with miles of hikes and loops, perfect for any fitness level. The winery itself is on 21 acres with its own history to share. Try their signature, award-winning Delaney or Norton varieties for a real taste of Virginia.
Get a little taste of paradise.
Image courtesy Paradise Springs Winery
Enjoy the paradise of hiking in a stream valley park where heron and hawks fly free. The Bull Run-Occoquan Trail is 18 miles of hiking bliss. Follow that with a glass of 2017 Petit Verdot at the adjacent Paradise Springs Winery and you’ve doubled your paradise!
Want to enjoy a scenic park that’s not near a brewery or winery? Try this, this or this. And be sure to visit our other breweries, regional wineries, and restaurants while you’re in the area! Want more hiking options? Check out these Best Fall Hikes and even more Scenic Hiking Spots in Fairfax County. Don't forget to share your pics on social using #FXVA or @VisitFairfax!
