With so many things shut down right now, the options for things to do and places to go in Northern Virginia are limited. Many parks are closed, but the trails are open. If you want to get outside and enjoy some time in the sun, a boardwalk hike in Northern Virginia provide great options.

Top Choices for a Boardwalk Hike in Northern Virginia

Bayview Trail

Located inside the Mason Neck State Park, this beautiful boardwalk hike is perfect for anybody looking to enjoy the outdoors. The park is found next to Belmont Bay and provides some unique wetlands to enjoy.

When you decide to take on the Bayview Trail boardwalk hike, you will get to enjoy plenty of scenery throughout. It’s a dirt trail connecting to the boardwalk, which passes over the wetlands. While it’s super-popular during the fall due to the leaves changing, this hike is a great choice right now, too.

You can enjoy getting outside in the sun with this hike and even if you’re looking for a wheelchair-accessible hike, the Great Marsh Trail at the park offers a good choice.

Make sure to check the website before heading out for any updated information on capacity issues or other important park information.

Boardwalk at Huntly Meadows Park

While the facilities and parking lots may be closed, you can still enjoy the trails at many of the Fairfax County Parks in Virginia. The boardwalk at Huntly Meadows Park is one of the best in the area. While it’s just a half-mile long, it provides a good way to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

You will need to follow the Heron Trail for about a half-mile before you reach the boardwalk, which does make for a longer hike. As the boardwalk crosses over the wetlands, you’ll gain access to many unique views. You can even climb the Observation Tower.

Since this is a trail near wetlands, you will want to check the website for current information before heading out. This trail is prone to flooding and, sometimes, it’s closed due to flooding. Visit the Huntly Meadows Park for current trail information here.

Stone Bridge at the Manassas National Battlefield

It’s not technically a boardwalk, but the Stone Bridge at the Manassas National Battlefield still makes for wonderful views. There is a short boardwalk to the bridge and you can cross the bridge to reach it. The boardwalk goes over the field, which does flood sometimes.

The bridge and the boardwalk are a part of a loop trail, which makes a great option for a family with younger children. You can enjoy the boardwalk, the bridge, and a nice hike on the dirt trail.

Currently, the Stone Bridge is in the final phase of construction and will be closed intermittently during the month of May 2020. You can check the website for updated information on the bridge and the trail here.

Theodore Roosevelt Island Boardwalk

Found closer to Washington D.C., the Theodore Roosevelt Island Boardwalk makes for a great hike. You can reach the boardwalk by following the Woods Trail, which is a dirt path okay for strollers, but not wheelchair accessible.

This trail will lead you to the Swamp Trail boardwalk, which is found next to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge. You’ll enjoy views of the marshlands and plenty of birds and other wildlife throughout.

If you want to enjoy a view of Georgetown, you can keep going to the end of the walkway. There’s even a statue honoring Theodore Roosevelt here.

Make sure to check the park website for updated information on what’s open and what’s closed by going here.

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

A three-quarter-mile boardwalk over Neabasco Creek provides incredible views of the wetlands and tall grasses in Woodbridge, VA. This boardwalk trail is an excellent choice and a part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which covers a total of 800 miles through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

If you want to enjoy the Potomac waterfront and plenty of historic landmarks, this boardwalk hike in Northern Virginia is a good choice.

Check the website for updated closures and information before heading out by going here.

While many of the parks currently don’t offer the amenities they would normally offer, you can still enjoy a boardwalk hike. Getting outside is a great way to boost the spirits of your family and those you’ve been at home with during this time.

If you’re looking for a wonderful hiking trail to enjoy right now, these boardwalk hiking options offer plenty of amazing views. The sunshine will help lift your spirits and you’ll be able to enjoy some exercise or a leisurely stroll.