Burke Lake Trail – Burke Lake loop from Burke Lake

Running trails & routes

United States

Virginia

Fairfax County

Burke Lake Trail – Burke Lake loop from Burke Lake

Hard

4.8

(7678)

7,963

runners

Burke Lake Trail – Burke Lake loop from Burke Lake

02:00

18.0km

80m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

869 m

Burke Lake

Highlight • Lake

This spot near the main boat launch offers a great view of Burke Lake, Burke Lake Park, and the Vesper Island State Waterfowl Refuge. There's also lots of parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and water fountains here.

Tip by

2.34 km

Burke Lake Dam Spillway

Lake

5.46 km

Wagon Trail Lane

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Wagon Trail Lane is a paved path in a tunnel of trees, and a popular paved path to visit at Lake Mercer Park.

Tip by

7.16 km

Lake Mercer

Highlight • Lake

A truly lovely place where people can spend time with friends or their family.

Tip by

7.21 km

Viewing area for Lake Mercer

Highlight • Viewpoint

Lake Mercer is a picturesque lake surrounded by woods and 5.6 miles of paved trails. A great view of the lake is from this dammed area. It's a great spot for a bike ride with kids as well.

Tip by

8.71 km

Lake Mercer Park

Nature Reserve

12.9 km

Burke Lake Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Burke Lake Trail wraps around Burke Lake and is recognized as one of the top 10 fitness trails in the nation by the American Hiking Society. This 4.7-mile loop trail …

Tip by

13.6 km

Vesper Island State Waterfowl Refuge

Highlight • Lake

Vesper Island State Waterfowl Refuge is only accessible by boat, as it is an island within Burke Lake. However, it is visible from Burke Lake Trail and there is ample opportunities to spot the birds around the island from afar.

Tip by

15.9 km

Burke Lake

Highlight • Lake

Lake Burke is the perfect place to take a walk and enjoy some tranquility from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tip by

17.2 km

Burke Lake Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Burke Lake Trail is a loop trail that circumnavigates Burke Lake. It's a relatively flat gravel ride that is well maintained. This trail is doable on most bikes and …

Tip by

18.0 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.48 km

7.24 km

1.10 km

231 m

Surfaces

7.74 km