Burke Lake–Heron Rookery (Rating: D)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

A 5 mile hike with no elevation change. We'll stop halfway to view the heron rookery (or herony) on Vesper Island. The herons nest on Vesper Island and have their young every winter about this time. We'll snack there and watch for awhile. Bring binoculars if you have them. (Herons and Eagles) Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to sign-in. We will leave promptly at 9:00 p.m.

DETAILS: There are restrooms if you continue into the parking lot where we meet, towards the lake, by the marina. Bring water and, if you like, something to eat as we watch the herons at the half way point. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes.

DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the parking lot near the Marina. Enter the park at the Burke Lake Park Entrance on Ox Road (Route 123). If using a GPS to find the park, just key in "Burke Lake Park." More directions are below. After entering the park, go straight following the road as it curves right and goes into the marina parking lot. This will be the first parking lot (not counting some parking along the side of the road) that you come to. Bear right into the lot. We congregate at the area soon after entering the parking lot.

DOGS: No dogs on this hike.

LEADERS: Harvey

FEE: Free

More Directions:

Burke Lake Park is located off Route 123 between I-95 to the south and the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) to the north.

From I-95, follow 123 North (Ox Road) for 7.5 miles to the park entrance on the right. (If you see the golf course, then you have gone too far. The golf course entrance is the next right off Route 123; this is beyond the park entrance. Good place to turn around, if need be.)

From the Fairfax County Parkway, take 123 South (Ox Road) for 2 miles. Turn left into Burke Lake Park. The golf course entrance is the first left off Route 123. The park entrance is the second left off Route 123.