Photograph Burke Lake - Saturday, October 18th - 7:00 AM

Please do not have any valuables visible, as I have heard there have been break-ins at the park.

Sunrise is at 7:22 AM

The leaves will be at their peak.
Fairfax County is expected to reach peak fall color, with vibrant leaves, between October 13th and October 20th in 2025. The leaves should be near peak by October 6th and past peak, with most having fallen, by October 27th. Cooler temperatures and less rainfall than usual are creating ideal conditions for a vibrant and early display of fall colors in Northern Virginia.

What3words app location ///oils.prefer.heats
https://what3words.com/oils.prefer.heats

Info to Know:
Admission: There is no charge for Fairfax County residents. Show your driver’s license as proof at the gatehouse if anyone is there...
Non-residents: Check the website for fees
Dogs: Allowed on a Leash
Bathrooms: On the north side of the Marina
Address: 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Location:
Lat, Long: 38.760676, -77.302009 - Parking lot
Plus Code: QM6X+75 Fairfax Station, Virginia
Websites:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelakepark/
Types of Photography:
Landscape, Close-Up, and Birds

We start at the Burke Lake Park Marina parking lot and walk to the fishing pier on the other side of the marina building. This route allows the Group to see the sunrise and birds flying above the lake. There is a Great Blue Heron rookery (nesting site) across the lake and a Bald Eagle nest with young ones on the other side of the lake. The Group usually continues on the trail, either going north or south, to look for other birds and landscape opportunities to photograph.

On one of these field trips, the Group rented an electric motorboat for a ride around the lake. We saw Great Blue Herons and a Bald Eagle. The Group also had a guided tour of Burke Lake on a rented pontoon boat.

Another route to take starts on to Outlet Road towards the Camping area. It goes to the end of the lake where Great Blue Herons and other birds can be found. There are only a few parking spots along the side of the road in that area.

At the end of the field trip, only on Sundays, the Group typically has breakfast at Hopsfrog Grille, 6030 Burke Commons Rd, Burke, VA, 22015.
Otherwise, we will go to IHOP at 6419 Shiplett Blvd, Burke, VA 22015

Might be able to get in for no charge if you get into the park before 7:00 AM as there will be no one at the gate.

Burke Lake is 888 Acres: A 218-acre lake with fishing, boating, rowboat rental, camping, a miniature train, a carousel, outdoor volleyball courts, open fields, an 18-hole par 3 golf course, clubhouse with snack bar and driving range, disk golf, horseshoe pits, an ice cream parlor, picnic areas with grills, 3 playgrounds, trails, amphitheater, and miniature golf course. Swimming and windsurfing are prohibited.

Bring:
Tripod
Comfortable shoes
Water
Fully charged batteries
Empty memory cards

Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip and keep it to between 5 and 10 photos.

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.