Yes, Richmond Highway is a hub of redevelopment and vibrant businesses, but it’s also a gateway to some of the most beautiful outdoor experiences in Fairfax County. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a budding birder, or just someone craving fresh air, the corridor offers trails, parks, and wildlife that are perfect for reconnecting with nature.
Here’s how you can "get ONE with nature" this weekend:
The ONE Trail You’ve Gotta Try: Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Stretching 18 miles along the Potomac River, this scenic path offers breathtaking views of the water, shady forests, and plenty of historical landmarks along the way.
The paved multi-use path—originally built by volunteers and the National Park Service in the 1970s and 1980s—is perfect for everyone, from casual walkers to hardcore bikers. Start your journey at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and wind your way toward Old Town Alexandria or even further into Washington, D.C.
For biking, the trail offers a steady, accessible ride that works whether you are banking miles or just trying to clear your head. For walking, it gives you room to stretch your legs and take in the historic skyline that includes the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and the Washington Monument.
Stop by Gravelly Point Park to watch planes fly directly overhead in and out of Reagan National Airport—just be sure to cover your ears. Rent a kayak at Belle Haven Marina to paddle the Potomac River and the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. The midpoint of the trail passes directly through Old Town Alexandria, where you can stop to eat lunch or stroll through the shops.
Pro tip: Have your camera ready! From the possibility of spotting a bald eagle soaring overhead to the sun rising behind a monument, the Mount Vernon Trail offers incredible opportunities for photography.
The ONE Spot for Your Birdwatching Bucket List: Huntley Meadows Park
If birdwatching is your thing (or even if you’ve never tried it before), or if you’re looking to slow down and have a moment of silence amid the daily rush, Huntley Meadows Park is a must-visit destination. Nestled just off Richmond Highway, the 1,500-acre preserve is considered one of the best birdwatching and wildlife-viewing locations in the region.
The peaceful oasis of wetlands, woods, and meadows is home to dozens of bird species—some rare and others delightfully common. In fact, more than 200 bird species have been recorded in the park. Huntley Meadows provides opportunities to glimpse a great blue heron stalking its lunch or hear the chatter of red-winged blackbirds. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the swoop of a hawk or the flash of a colorful warbler.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot animals, including beavers, muskrats, turtles, and other reptiles and amphibians. Spring migration is especially popular, while winter can bring waterfowl and other seasonal species.
The park’s low elevation boardwalks, accessible trails, and viewing platforms are excellent for wildlife photography. Local photographers frequently gather along the boardwalk to capture birds, insects, and wetland landscapes. Community discussions often highlight the park as one of Northern Virginia's top wildlife photography spots.
While the boardwalk gets most of the attention, the park also includes wooded trails and meadow habitats. These quieter areas provide opportunities to see wildflowers, butterflies, and seasonal foliage. An observation tower offers elevated views across the wetlands, making it one of the best places to appreciate the scale of the marsh. It's also a different vantage point for birdwatching and photography.
ONE Day, Two Wheels, Endless Fun
While the Mount Vernon Trail might be the star of the show, there are also plenty of smaller trails and quiet neighborhood streets perfect for a leisurely ride.
Don’t have a bike? No problem! Nearby rental shops make it easy to hop on two wheels and explore. Families will love the flat, scenic stretches that are perfect for riders of all ages.
ONE Way to Reconnect with Yourself
Spending time outdoors is great for your body and your mind. Walking, biking, or birdwatching along the trails near Richmond Highway is the perfect way to de-stress and reconnect with yourself or loved ones.
For the full experience, why not pack a picnic? Stop by a local deli or café along Richmond Highway to grab some fresh sandwiches or pastries, then enjoy them at a scenic spot.
Ready to Be ONE with Nature?
From birding at Huntley Meadows to cycling the Mount Vernon Trail, the Richmond Highway corridor offers endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these trails and parks will make you fall in love with the natural beauty of Fairfax County.
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your trail shoes, grab your bike helmet, or pack your binoculars, and head out this weekend. And don’t forget to tag @onerichmondhwy on social media to share your adventures.
Join the Faces of ONE Movement
Access to nature is just one of the benefits highlighted by the Faces of ONE campaign, a community-driven initiative by the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC). Faces of ONE celebrates the people, businesses, and places that make Richmond Highway shine—even as the corridor undergoes major redevelopment.
Want to learn more about local businesses, upcoming events, and how to support your neighbors? Check out onerichmondhwy.com and follow @onerichmondhwy on social media. Together, we’re building the future of Richmond Highway—one story, one business, and one bird-spotting at a time.
