30 Places to Creek Stomp in the DMV in 2023

While swimming and lounging by pool sides are a summertime must, why not mix things up this year and swim in nature?

First off, what is Creek Stomping?

Creek stomping near me is a fun activity that adults or kids can enjoy in the summer and is precisely what the word suggests. You’ll want to wear a pair of appropriate shoes, or not wear any, find a creek and start stomping away! The kids love splashing in the water so this is an awesome way for them to get that crazy energy out. Haha so, if you are looking for a fun family activity this summer, definitely give creek stomping a try.

Now, lets pack your bags and hit the road to enjoy some creek stomping with your family! Here is a list of 30 places in the DMV area where you can enjoy a classic creek stomping experience:

1. Silver Lake Regional Park – Haymarket VA

• Address/location: 16198 Silver Lake Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169
• Parking: Yes, you’ll have to pay for parking.
• Cost: $5.00 per day entry fee.
• Walk time or miles from the creek area: 30-min walk
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Silver Lake Regional Park is a spacious park offering a lake-side view, picnic spots, trails, and wildlife. You can enjoy an evening walk with your family and even bring your dog along, as pets are allowed. Please bring a bug spray – to be on the safe side.

The lake is perfect for fun water activities. So, if you have a canoe, kayak, or small boat, bring it!

2. Webb Nature Sanctuary – Clifton VA

• Address/location: 12829 Chestnut St, Clifton, VA 20124
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: FREE
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 5-mile loop
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Webb Nature Sanctuary is known to preserve nature’s beauty. Two trails lead to the Park; one runs with the stream while the second one reveals the Potomac River. It’s a great place to go lake swimming near me, soothe your senses, and find solace away from city life

3. Mason Neck State Park – Lorton Virginia

• Address/location: 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: $7 | Weekends: $10 | FREE for active military personnel and Lorton residents.
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 1.3 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Mason Neck State Park is home to the beautiful Bay View Trail. It’s a 1.3-mile hike that leads to a fantastic view of the beach grreat for swimming. The trail is a flat walk in the woods, ideal for the whole family. You will also learn about various animals and birds on your walk!

4. Lake Accotink Park – Springfield VA 

• Address/Location: 7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA 22150
• Parking: Yes, limited parking is available.
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 3-mile hike
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Lake Accotink park looks like something out of a fairy tale. The Park has multiple trails going in all directions, so you can easily spend the whole day here doing various fun activities with your family. From paddling boats to taking a walk on one of the trails, you can plan your day accordingly.

5. Hidden Pond Nature Center – Springfield VA

• Address/location: 8511 Greeley Blvd.
  Springfield, VA, 22152
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free for individuals or families. Group Admission Fee: $30 for groups of 12-60 people.
• Walk time or miles from creek area:0.5 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

This Park offers a beautiful view of the pond and is surrounded by picnic areas and walking trails. Your kids will fall in love with this place and wouldn’t want to come out of the playground, making it the perfect place to keep them busy and entertained. The creek area is quiet and peaceful. You can catch the daffodils in bloom if you visit around springtime.

6. Pohick Creek Stream Valley Park  – Springfield VA

• Address/Location: Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22152, United States
• Parking: No public parking
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 5.5-miles long
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Pohick Creek Park is usually not very crowded, due to that you can enjoy a peaceful time with your family here. The river blesses onlookers with beautiful views that they can enjoy when walking along the path. Additionally, there is another nature center near the pond where you can find some animals and enjoy bird-watching.

7. Hidden Oaks Nature Center – Annandale VA

• Address/location: 7701 Royce Street, Annandale, VA, 22003
• Parking: Yes, free parking is available at the Hidden Oaks
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 1.5 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Stroller accessible, not wheelchair
• Playground: Yes

Hidden Oaks is situated in Annandale District Park, surrounded by nature and multiple terrains. The center serves as an information sanctuary for fauna and flora for children. It also has a rustic vibe to go along with a pleasant path by the lake.

8. Dora Kelley Nature Park— Alexandria VA

• Address/location: 5750 Sanger Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311
• Parking: Yes, free parking.
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 1 to 3-mile hike
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

This gorgeous trail is located right in the heart of Alexandria. This place can absolutely be described as nature’s backyard. The trail is ideal for hiking or a family adventure. The Dora Kelley Nature Park features various playgrounds for kids, so you will enjoy visiting the track if you have kids.

9. Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve – Alexandria VA

• Address/location: Alexandria, VA 22307
• Parking: Yes
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 1.8 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: No

A beautiful little wetland amongst the woods, this location provides a peaceful escape from the life’s hustle and bustle. Relax and rejoice as you explore this stunning location with your family. You can rent out a kayak or canoe and enjoy rowing along the steady currents. There’s plenty of wildlife and greenery that will mesmerize you.

10. Holmes Run Trail – Alexandria VA

• Address/location:  5750 Sanger Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: Adjacent to the creek
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: No

Holmes Run is a paved scenic trail along the Holmes Run creek. It is a leveled trail that can be used for running, cycling, or inline skating. The track has multiple streams running alongside it, making the whole experience even more delightful.

11. Daniels Run Park – Fairfax VA

• Address/location: Daniels Run Trl, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 45-min walk
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Kids and adults love this city park as it offers something for every age group. The Park features an incredible playground for kids and basketball and tennis courts for adults. The trail provides hillside views and woodland areas for anyone looking for a refreshing nature walk.

12. Stone Bridge Loop Trail – Centreville VA

• Address/location: Centreville, Virginia 20120, USA
• Parking: Yes, large parking lot to easily accommodate trailers.
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 33 mins,  1.429 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

The creek at Stone Bridge is the perfect spot for walking, running, and cycling. It is a moderately challenging route that takes around 33 minutes to finish. You should visit Stone Bridge Loop Trail during the weekdays as weekends are mostly crowded. The loop offers a scenic view of the river, wildflowers, woods, and fields.

13. Cub Run Stream Valley Trail – Centreville VA

• Address/location: 0534 06 D Centreville, Virginia 20120, USA (Use the AllTrails App for the exact location)
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 6.587 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: No

Club run stream valley trail is a kid-friendly trail near Centreville, Virginia, offering activities like nature walks, wildlife, hiking, running, bird-watching, fishing, etc. It is recommended that you visit the trail anywhere from March until October[YT2] , and the best part about it is that you are also allowed to bring your dog on a leash.

14. Long Branch Nature Center & Park – Arlington VA

• Address/location: 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204
• Parking: Yes, free parking is available at the Long Branch Nature Center At Glencarlyn Park
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 0.6 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

This lovely little Park near town proves to be a sanctuary to enjoy the love and knowledge of nature. It features a nature center with turtles and snakes and hosts multiple events and activities for the kids. Long Branch Nature Center & Park is located very close to the town and has clean paths that are not too muddy.

15. Cherry Valley Park – Arlington VA

• Address/location: 1731 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22207
• Parking: Yes, free but limited parking is available at Cherry Valley Park
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 2.4 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: No
• Playground: Yes

Cherry Valley Park is situated in the city of Arlington. This neighborhood park spans seven acres in an area housing two ponds, an observation deck, a nature trail, and a paved trail as well.

16. Four Miles Run Creek – Arlington VA

• Address/location: 3671 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22305, USA
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 6.2 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: No

The Four Miles Run Creek starts from the Bluemont Junction Park, where the trail meets Arlington’s Ballston. The trail is surrounded by greenery, and you will find scenic views of the creek in numerous places. The track is ideal for running, cycling, or just a casual stroll walk with the family.

17. Scotts Run Nature Preserve – Mclean VA

• Address/location: 7400 Georgetown Pike McLean, Virginia 22102, USA
• Parking: Yes, free parking is available at the Scott Run Nature Preserve. However, parking is limited, and if you are planning to visit, you should go early.
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 3.107 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: No
• Playground: No

Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a great place to explore nature and hike through unique historic stone formations. It is located near Washington DC, and despite being close to roads, the sound of running water makes it a peaceful location. It is a lovely place for kids as they can enjoy fun activities such as rock climbing.

18. Wolf Trap Run – Vienna VA

• Address/location: 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 2.5-mile loop
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: No
• Playground: No

Wolf Trap Run Trail features a beautiful view of the river. It is perfect for hiking, walking, and nature trips. The trail will take you around 1 hour to finish, and it will be a pleasant experience to walk along the creek. The best part is that you can also bring your dog with you and enjoy swimming at the lake. However, don’t forget to put your dog on a leash. 

19. Ellanor C Lawrence Park – Chantilly VA

• Address/location: 5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 2.796 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Ellanor C Lawrence Park dates back hundreds of years and is home to more than 200 wildlife species and over 150 bird species. This is a huge park that offers many activities ranging from hiking and biking to fishing and camping.

20. Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail – Fairfax VA

• Address/location: 12826 Mt Royal Ln, Fairfax, VA 22033
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 4.6 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: No

Offering plenty of wildlife and scenic views, this spectacular trail is delightful and refreshing. There are multiple resting spots and benches for you to relax and enjoy nature in its purest form. The course is quite famous for walking and running, but visitors can also enjoy some peaceful views if they arrive later.

21. Ashburn Park (Dinosaur Park) – Ashburn VA

• Address/location: 43645 Partlow Rd, Ashburn, VA 20147
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 30-min walk
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Ashburn Park is ideal for a family getaway adventure. The Park offers various entertainment options and activities like nature walks, cycling, sports courts, etc. Your kids will fall in love with this place, especially the creek area and the playgrounds.

22. Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park  – Herndon VA

• Address/location: 397 Herndon Pkwy, Herndon, VA 20170, USA
• Parking: Yes, parking is available. However, it is limited.
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 8.823 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: No

The ideal time to visit Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park is April to September. This forested trail crosses a creek and is known for attracting runners, bikers, and hikers for its greenery and scenic beauty. It is also an ideal place to bring your dog for a walk. However, it takes around 3 hours and 8 minutes to complete. So, make sure you are prepared and have all the supplies you might need.

23. Prince William Forest Park – Triangle VA

• Address/location: 18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA 22172
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: $20 for a 7-day pass, $35 for annual access & Free for military personnel
• Walk time or miles from creek area:  1 to 4 mile hike
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Prince William Forest Park is an urban oasis that offers peace and tranquility for visitors. Fragrant woods and trickling streams have welcomed generations of campers, hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. Spring is the best time to visit, and I recommend hiking around the Farm to Forest trail as the views are incredibly refreshing to the soul.

24. Widewater State Park – Stafford VA

• Address/location: 101 Widewater State Park Rd, Stafford, VA 22554
• Parking: Yes, you’ll have to pay for parking.
• Cost: $7 on weekdays and self-served
• Walk time or miles from creek area: The Park features two areas and two drivable playgrounds.
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Widewater State Park is relatively new but offers a scenic view through the trails. However, the water is muddy and not appropriate for a swim, but you can rent out a canoe and enjoy the serenity of the place. They have the cleanest bathrooms, which was a plus point.

25. Alum Springs Park – Fredericksburg VA

• Address/location: 1 Greenbrier Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: $6 per visitor
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 0.994 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

The trails at Alum Springs Park can be described as fun and homely as there is a cozy vibe about this place. With multiple picnic tables, playgrounds for kids, and cooking facilities for adults, Alum Springs is an excellent choice for all. The creek water is shallow and slightly muddy, perfect for a quick dip with the kids.

26. Lions Tale Trail – GW National Forest

• Address/location: Crisman Hollow Rd, Luray, VA 22835
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 0.5-mile loop
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

The little ones loved this trail which allowed them to walk through water. This was an excellent way for them to connect with nature. The drive to the course is smooth, and the place is not too crowded.

27. Whiteoak Canyon Trail – Luray VA

• Address/location: Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Luray, VA 22835
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: $15 per vehicle
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 9.5 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: No
• Playground: Yes
• Link to a map of the area

This is considered a difficult hike trail, but it features incredibly scenic views. Start hiking from the valley and move towards the great White Oak falls, followed by a dip on the Cedar Run Trail. Try to arrive as early as possible to ensure you get a parking spot and please note you may not have good cell phone service in this area.

28. Watermelon Park & RV Campground – Berryville VA

• Address/location: 3322 Locke’s Mill Rd, Berryville, VA 22611
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: You will have to rent a camping space
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 30-min walk
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Watermelon Park & RV Campground is a hidden gem offering mesmerizing views of the river. It’s ideal for a family getaway. You can take advantage of the lazy river tubing then rent out an RV space and live around nature for a few days to seek refuge from the fast pacing world.

29. Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek Park – Washington D.C.

• Address/location: Ridge Rd NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Parking: Yes, free parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium.
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 5.2 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek, and Valley Trail are urban oases. Follow the markings to get to your location and enjoy splashing in the muddy spots. Visitors will come across various relaxing stops where they can catch a breath and admire the surrounding nature.

30. Cabin John Creek – Bethesda MD

• Address/location: 7400 Tuckerman Ln, Bethesda, MD 20817
• Parking: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Walk time or miles from creek area: 2 miles
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes
• Playground: Yes

Cabin John Creek is located 2 miles away from the Cabin John Regional Park. It offers an incredible trail with parking available on both sides of the road. It’s a fun trail for the whole family to enjoy, and it takes around 1hr 20 minutes to finish. Moreover, the trail is open throughout the year to visit anytime. Dogs are allowed, but they must be put on a leash for safety reasons.

We hope you enjoyed reading our ultimate creek stomp guide and are excited to visit some or all of the places we shared with you. What are your favorite creek parks around the DMV area you and your family love to visit? Please comment below and share your thoughts with us.

For more travel tales, follow us on Instagram at @KidsQuarantineAndMe.

Wishing you an adventurous day! 😊

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