Fair Ridge Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Fair Ridge Park is located in Fairfax County, Virginia, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.
One of the main attractions of Fair Ridge Park is its natural beauty. The park has over 100 acres of wooded and open areas, with several streams and ponds throughout. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing, as well as picnicking and birdwatching. The park also has several playgrounds and athletic fields, making it a great place for families to spend a day outdoors.
Another point of interest in the park is its historical significance. The land was once the site of a Civil War battle, and there are several markers and monuments throughout the park that commemorate this history. Additionally, the park is home to the historic Ash Grove House, which was built in the 18th century and is now used as a community center.
Interesting facts about the park include that it was originally owned by the Fairfax family, one of the most prominent families in colonial Virginia. The land was later used as a dairy farm before it was turned into a park. The park was also used as a filming location for the movie "Minority Report".
The best time of year to visit Fair Ridge Park depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and fall are popular times for hiking and enjoying the park's natural beauty, while summer is a great time for swimming and other water activities. Winter is a quieter time in the park, but visitors can still enjoy winter hiking and birdwatching.
Overall, Fair Ridge Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Virginia. With its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich history, it has something to offer for visitors of all ages and interests.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Fairfax
|
||
Bull Run Regional Park
|
||
Burke Lake Park
|
||
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
|
||
Marsden Tract Campground
|
Ox Hill Battlefield Park
Fair Woods Park
West Ox Road Park
Dixie Hill Park
Wayland Street Park