10 Fairfax County Hikes For Your New Year's Resolutions

Let's face it: New Year's resolutions are tough — especially if they center on health and fitness. Go to the gym. Eat more fruits and veggies. Cut out sugars and fats. We all know what to do; yet, millions of people around the world fall short of their goals and find themselves slipping back into familiar, bad habits.

So, now what? Well, it's not too late to get back on your feet. For starters, you can check out this article. Patch spoke with owners of a locally-owned fitness studio in Alexandria, and they shared a lot of great tips and tricks.

But if you're looking for more ways to get healthy and stay active — beyond the confines of a gym or basement recreation room — why not start in the great outdoors?

Fairfax County is home to various hiking trails accommodating different skill levels. Hiking isn't just a great way to exercise: it's a chance to take in the idyllic scenery and bond with family and friends.

Patch has rounded up a number of hiking trails to check out in Fairfax County. They are:

1. Scott's Run Nature Preserve

Location: 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA

Trail characteristics: Trails leading to bluffs above Potomac River, some gentle trails winding through forest, other trails with steep hills and cliffs

2. Lake Accotink Park

Location: 7500 Accotink Park Road Springfield, VA

Trail characteristics: Miles of multi-use trails, main trail around lake, single-track trails popular with bikers and hikers, some single-track trails have steep inclines

3. Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail

Location: Around Fairfax County

Trail characteristics: 40 miles of trail connecting entire Fairfax County, variety of hill, stream, meadow and urbanized landscapes

4. Bull Run Occoquan Trail

Location: 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station, VA

Trail characteristics: Long trail between Bull Run Regional Park and Fountainhead Regional Park, portion open to mountain biking

5. Pohick Bay Regional Park

Location: 6501 Pohick Bay Dr, Lorton, VA

Trail characteristics: Eight and a half mile hiking trail network, views of bay and bluebird boxes

6. Burke Lake Park

Location: 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA

Trail characteristics: 4.7 mile trail around lake, mostly gravel surfaced, biking allowed

7. Great Falls Park

Location: 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA

Trail characteristics: 15 miles of hiking trails, some of which can also accommodate biking and horseback riding, River Trail runs along Potomac River

8. Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail

Location: Herndon, VA

Trail characteristics: Three miles of main trail and three miles of side trails, bridges and fairweather crossings over streams, access points from different neighborhoods, some access trails are steep

9. Seneca Regional Park

Location: 101 Seneca Rd, Great Falls, VA

Trail characteristics: Winding trails in the woods and to the Potomac River

10. Huntley Meadows Park

Location: 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA

Trail characteristics: Flat trails in forest and boardwalk over wetlands, certain portions of trails for bikes and pets

For more trails and maps in Fairfax County, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails.