28. Laurel Hill Park

For the better part of a century, the grounds of Lorton Prison, one of the most beautiful parcels of land in Fairfax County, was restricted and, to an extent, hidden from public view. Now it is a park of meadows on rolling hills with expansive views, and patches of forest. Carriage paths and  trails wind through the meadows. Interestingly, the hulking Lorton Prison buildings remain, waiting to be redeveloped into an adaptive re-use. Much of the surrounding area was used for prison farmlands and industries.

Trail map. The Fairfax Cross County Trail serves as a backbone trail from which you can access the other trails, marked in color on this map.

Directions: Go south on Interstate 95 from Washington, DC to exit 163 toward Lorton. Turn right onto Lorton Road (VA 642). Go one-half mile and turn right at Laurel Hill sign. Park at top of the hill (above Giles Run Meadow Park).