Huntley Meadows Park
- Best seasons
- spring, fall
- Best time
- First two hours after sunrise
- Access
- Free. Boardwalk is flat and wheelchair accessible.
A 1,500-acre freshwater wetland tucked into suburban Fairfax County, built around a central marsh that used to be a beaver pond. A half-mile boardwalk loops out over the open water, putting herons, beavers, and red-winged blackbirds within easy reach of a long lens without a canoe.
Parking is a small lot off Lockheed Boulevard that fills up on spring weekends — arrive before 7am to get a spot and the best light. Stay on the boardwalk; the marsh floor is soft muck that swallows boots and disturbs nesting birds. No drones.
