Ellanor C Lawrence Park – Walney Visitors Center

Going here on a gorgeous cool early Fall weather is simply perfect. Get your walking (or running) shoes ready, and be prepared to be perfectly lost in the woods for a little bit.
We actually did get a little lost, and the map on site wasn’t helping. So we ended up using our phone’s GPS to figure out our way back. However, as long as you stay on the main trail and not get caught up in the «loops,» you should be a-​okay.
Do take your time looking around the educational area. Especially if you have a young one with you! There’s a few exhibits featuring local animals like snakes, frogs, and turtles. When the weather is appropriate, you’ll see some turtles outside!
From the looks of it, there are classes and events available here too. We didn’t look too much into this, so you’ll have to ask them yourself if you’re interested.

Great park in the heart of Chantilly! Nice walking trails, nature center and lots of family programs. Only hitch — needs better walking paths to get to it, especially at corner of Poplar Tree and Walney. Summer Saturday morning concerts for kids –10 am in the amphitheater. Free!

Great place for a nice easy run or walk. Make you forget you’re surrounded by highways.

I took my daughters to the Saturday Arts in the Park and we had a blast. If you need a quick retreat from city life the trails are beautiful and easy for all ages. The kids can see turtles, snakes and frogs, and there is a play area too where they can play dress up. It’s very hands on and a wonderful place to get back to nature and take a break.

Just wanted to sing the praises of Cheryl and Hayley who support the programs at the Walney Nature Center. Just had my son’s birthday party here and it was a huge success! Guests are still talking about it a week later! The staff was friendly and flexible and the park itself is spacious and beautiful! Great walking trails and seasonal events held there as well –many free or very inexpensive. Highly recommend!!!

This is a very nice property with scenic walking trails, streams, and a pond. It would be five stars except for the fact that it is very close to Route 28 and the Dulles Airport. You can hear traffic and planes fly overhead frequently.

The park and visitor center is somewhere everyone should go at least once. The trails are well kept and have benches along the way if you need to sit down. Dogs are welcomed. I love taking my dogs here to go for walks on nice days.

Situated in the middle of Chantilly, you would never know this large outdoor area existed. There are miles of mildly hilly trails that are great for walking, jogging, and nature watching. In addition, there are several streams and a pond in the park. This is a perfect place to take children for a picnic and good family outdoor time!

This is a soothing slice of reclaimed wilderness in an area punctuated by ugliness. Once the farm-​estate of some wealthy old lady, the place now serves as one of the best jogging spots in the western half of the county. There are numerous densely wooded trails that pass by trickling streams that you can link up to do a pretty long run. If you’re into history, you can tour the remains of an early 19^th century dairy. There is also a working kitchen garden, herb garden, and bee colony. The visitor center has exhibits of area history and wildlife. There are a few snakes in cages to wow the kids. Down the road on the right you will find Walney Pond where I always see a couple people fishing. It is a great spot to enjoy the singular sound of a bullfrog on a summer evening. This area connects to the trail system, as well.
Only negative note-​on weekday afternoons the upper parking lot seems to be serving as a spot for discreet encounters for lonely, closeted men so sometimes there is a police car or two hanging about.