Cool state parks nearby

THESE PARKS WERE MADE FOR HIKIN’

Area parks worth visiting this season

DARIO SUTERA REPORTER

G.W. PARKWAY

The George Washington Memorial Parkway, a 25-mile stretch of road located along the Potomac River, features views of D.C., monuments and historical places. With multiple parks to drive into, its main purpose is to educate, entertain and expose visitors to the natural beauty that exists in the area, which is especially spectacular when the leaves change colors.

SENECA CREEK state PARK

Near Clopper Lake in Montgomery County, Maryland, Seneca Creek Park spans over 6,300 acres with 50 miles of trails, offering various ways to explore—its trails are open to horseback riding, biking and hiking. The lake is perfect for boating, and the park overall is great for picnicking and camping. Extra features worth checking out include a recently restored 19th century cabin and a tire playground.

LAKE FAIRFAX PARK

Located in and around Lake Fairfax in Virginia, this park is a diverse area providing many opportunities for activites such as boating, hiking, camping and fishing. The scenery is beautiful throughout the day, from the morning sunrise to the breathtaking evening sunsets, when hues of orange and red reflect off the water.