Family Hike at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is a 650-acre park full of trails, streams, and wildlife. It’s hard to believe this Chantilly, Virginia park is just minutes from Dulles airport! It’s one of our favorite parks for hiking.

This land all used to be part of Walney, a family farm that was established in the mid-1700s. Last owned by Ellanor C. Lawrence, the park fell under the ownership of Fairfax County Park Authority in 1971. Both Ellanor C. Lawrence and Fairfax County Park Authority have worked to preserve several of the structures.

Exploring Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

The first you’ll encounter is this smokehouse. It still smells of smoke and meat!

You really get a sense of how the farm was operated by the way the lands are set up.

Beyond the smokehouse, a kitchen garden is already showing spring growth! Be cautious of the beehives on the edge of the woods. (They are clearly marked and you won’t encounter them if you stay on the trail.)

Continue down the trail and you’ll find a restored ice house. The original did not last. While the exterior is clearly modern, the interior still retains the shape of a traditional ice house.

The forest has also been preserved, at least for the last 100 years or so. From spring wildflowers to giant oak trees, the forest was brimming with life on our spring hike!

My son spotted deer grazing near the trail. We were very close to her and a few of her companions!

I was delighted to see eastern redbuds were already adding a pop of color to the landscape.

We crossed several streams during our hike, most on small pedestrian bridges. Everyone was using them!

You’ll often find photographers catching the perfect shot of newly-engaged couples on these bridges throughout the park. You can see why; they’re lovely!

There are also alternative ways to cross some of the streams. These rocks seem to have been put in place with my son in mind!

We spent about 15 minutes here so that he could cross back and forth. I am pleased to report that he returned to the car completely dry! It was a small miracle.

If you arrive at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park from Sully Road, you’ll find a small parking lot by the pond. The pond was teeming with life! We found turtles basking in the sun and swimming in the cool water.

Much to my son’s disappointment, we did not see any snakes, toads, frogs, or polliwogs. I was relieved — especially with regard to snakes — but maybe he’ll get his wish next time!

If you have a license, you are permitted to fish in the pond. One fisherman was quite frustrated with this turtle who kept trying to eat his bait! (He was eventually successful; we spotted him catching a couple of fish before we left for the day.)

With the exception of the pond, the majority of the park is naturally shaded. Trails can be steep, but several benches and “rest stops” are provided throughout. The majority of trails are marked “easy.”

We were advised that the north trail is best for spotting turkeys and raptors. The south trail is best for “wet” life: turtles, snakes, fish, toads, and so on. Both are easily done in a single afternoon.

Plan Your Visit

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
5040 Walney Road
Chantilly, Virginia 20151
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