Reston: Lakes Audubon & Thoreau

Let’s go for a hike around Lakes Audubon and Thoreau in Reston!

The route: Starting from the Walker Nature Center parking lot, we’ll walk clockwise along a connected series of trails circling Lakes Audubon and Thoreau, passing through South Lakes Village Shopping Center and crossing over Lake Thoreau Dam along our way.

The hike is a loop, and an easy 5 miles of smiles. It should take no more than 2 hours at a moderate pace. The surface is paved, with a little gravel here and there, and features rolling hills and several foot bridges and tunnels.

A Google map of our route is here: http://tinyurl.com/php3q4g

How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take exit 49 for I-66 W toward Manassas/Front Royal. Follow I-66 W for 1.2 miles and take exit 62 to merge onto VA-243 N/Nutley St. Follow VA-243 N/Nutley St for 1.5 miles and turn right onto Courthouse Rd SW. Follow Courthouse Rd SW 0.7 miles as it curves north and northwest to intersect Maple Ave. Courthouse Rd SW becomes Lawyers Rd NW as it crosses Maple Ave NW; continue straight along Lawyers Rd NW another 5.1 miles. At Soapstone Rd turn right, then take the next immediate right at Glade Dr. The entrance to Walker Nature Center is the first left. However...

Please DO NOT park in Walker Nature Center parking lot! There is a birthday party concurrent with our hike and the nature center director asked us to give them priority on parking. Instead, parallel park anywhere along the south side of Glade Dr opposite Walker Nature Center at 11450 Glade Dr. There is also parallel parking along the streets across Glade Dr from the Nature Center, Tumbletree Way and French Horn Ln. Park friendly and don't block driveways!

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). The forecast is cloudy, a high of 62 degrees, and a 70% chance of rain. Since our path is paved we won't be splashing around in the mud, but an umbrella is a good idea.

Cost: none.

Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and drinking fountains at Walker Nature Center. About halfway through the hike we’ll take a break outside the Starbucks in South Lakes Village Shopping Center, should anyone need a pit stop en route. As a reminder, this is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.

After the hike: There are several restaurants in South Lakes Village Shopping Center if anyone would like to grab a bite after the hike.