What do Brambleton and the National Park Service have in common? We’re both ringing in milestone birthdays in 2016: our 15th and their 100th! As part of the centennial festivities, the National Park Service is offering free admission to national parks from August 25 to the 28. With 46 national parks across DC and Virginia and 74 national historic landmarks in D.C. alone, we couldn’t help but get inspired to go outside ourselves. Here are just a few of our favorite parks and green spaces, both in D.C. and our own backyard!
At the heart of all the Washingtonian political intrigue, there are miles of gorgeous trails for walking and biking. Rock Creek Park boasts greenery with impressive historic roots, chances to spot wildlife in the bustling nation’s capital, and a unique opportunity to explore the night sky (it’s got the only planetarium in the National Park System)! Rock Creek Park is the perfect escape from the urban hullabaloo, and into a historic sprawl of nature.
With our own extensive spread of bike paths and walking trails, Brambleton may very well be Ashburn’s answer to Rock Creek Park. And the crown jewel in our green space is Legacy Park. This 11-acre park is home
to many of our most popular activities – including our weekly Farmers’ Market with Yoga In The Park and the upcoming Neighborhood Campout — and features two playgrounds, a natural pond, waterfalls, tennis courts and so much more. If you’re up for an evening game of tennis, the lights on the tennis courts operate from 5 – 10 PM daily.
Venture just a half hour outside Brambleton for breathtaking views of U.S. natural history. Great Falls Park features the Potomac River barreling over massive, jagged rocks and flowing through the Mather Gorge’s narrow passageways. What began as a trading post is now a stunning 800-acre site for picnics, get-togethers and adventurous hikes. Great Falls is celebrating its own 50th birthday on August 27 with live music and a screening of Wall-E, which is even more reason to get out and get exploring — for free!
For an incredible experience in nature that’s a bit farther outside of Brambleton, take a trek to the Shenandoah National Park. This fantastic national park features countless views to ogle over, stories to learn and spaces to get lost in, including the 105-mile stretch of the scenic Skyline Drive which runs right through the heart of the park. Shenandoah is also celebrating NPS’s centennial with a number of free events, including guest speakers, photography seminars and a centennial hike.
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the country’s most amazing parks while the weather is still perfect. Visit findyourpark.com to discover more ways to celebrate your favorite national park this August.
