County Park Huntley Meadows

Rate this place

Parks

Virginia

Nearby: Muddy Hole Farm Park Mcnaughton Fields

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

County Park Huntley Meadows is a beautiful natural park located in Alexandria, Virginia, known for its wetlands, diverse wildlife, and scenic views.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers.

The park features a 1.5-mile boardwalk that takes visitors through the wetlands, giving them a chance to observe the diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can see over 200 species of birds, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and ospreys. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, such as beavers, muskrats, and foxes.

One of the main attractions of the park is the Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, which houses interactive exhibits, educational displays, and a gift shop. The center has knowledgeable staff who provide guided tours and programs.

The best time to visit the park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the wildlife is more active. However, the park is open year-round, and each season has its own charm.

Some interesting facts about the park include its history as a hunting ground for Native Americans and its role as a haven for escaped slaves in the 1800s. Today, the park is a designated National Natural Landmark, recognized for its unique wetland ecosystem.

Overall, County Park Huntley Meadows is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature and learn about the history of the area.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References