Burke Lake Park! An Easy 7 Mile Sneaker Friendly Social Hike

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Burke Lake: An Easy 7 Mile Social Sneaker Hike!

Burke Lake Park is Located Some 20 Miles Southwest of Washington in Fairfax County

Burke Lake Park consists of a 220-acre man-made lake enveloped by almost 700 acres of woodlands remarkably, much of the 40-year-old, county-managed park remains undeveloped and unvisited. Its main path primarily follows the lakeshore, so that hikers encounter few other people. This hike is a 1.35 mile jaunt from South Run park to the entrance of Burke Lake Park. The trail around Burke Lake is a 5.1-mile loop consisting of most of the lakeshore path followed by a brief detour. You’ll spend most of your trail time in the woods, surrounded by young oaks and other deciduous trees, as well as a scattering of conifers. In the warm-season months, expect to have wildflowers and birds for company (the island in the lake is a state waterfowl refuge). You may even see a deer or two on the path from South Run to Burke Lake. Hiking boots are not necessary for this hike as sneakers will do just fine.

Trail Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Annandale
Scenery: Woodlands and lake glimpses
Length: 7.35 total miles
Elevation Gain: Very Mnimal
Exposure: Mostly shady; less so in winter
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: Easy and Newbie Friendly
Trail Surface: Sneaker Friendly and mostly paved, some fine gravel; some dirt and sand.
Season: Year-round
Local Maps: USGS Fairfax
Topo Map: Burke Lake Park Topographic Map
Facilities: Toilets, water, phones at marina; toilets off trail at campground, picnic area

Our RSVP Policies and Group Etiquette

Click Here (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/RSVP_Rules_and_Etiquette/) to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click here (http://www.weather.com/weather/today/USVA0723) for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead!

Carpool Information

Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan, people can arrange to meet at Savage Station. You should post that on the Comments section. Click here for directions (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Carpool_Directions_for_Savage_Station/) to Savage Station.

If you can drive or want to carpool from any locations such as the DC area, please post your location and needs in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/messages/boards/thread/8958392) complete with directions. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

Directions to the Trailhead

Click Here for Directions (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/pages/Directions_to_Burke_Lake_via_South_Run_trailhead/) to Where We Meet for this Hike.

Hike is at 8:30 a.m.

Carpool Meetup Time from Savage is 7:00 a.m.

Gear Information Click here for suggestions (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Gear_Information_and_What_to_Bring/) for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-NoVA-Hiking/pages/Hiking_and_Trail_Etiquette/?name=Hiking_and_Trail_Etiquette). We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" which helps ensure no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing leaving no trace. (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-NoVA-Hiking/pages/Leave_No_Trace_Hiking/)

Please note that our holiday and holiday weekend hikes are not refundable for any reason (including switching hikes, not finding the trailhead, or carpools not working out) due to too many people backing out or changing hikes at the last minute. Sorry, but this is the only way to help make sure that there is a good turnout and our leaders not offer to lead a hike on their holiday in vein...or we will be all become burned enough that we will no longer offer them. Since we have made holiday hikes non-refundable it has boosted attendance rate significantly and often have perfect attendance. Thanks so much for your understanding and I look forward to seeing you out on the trail soon.

Fido is Welcome on this Hike!

Please take the hike leaders number with you and enjoy the hike

Mike: 240.393.7642