Ellanor C. Lawrence Park and the Walney Vistor Center

Description

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is a nature destination with creeks and ponds, forests and meadows, and an interpretive center. This site is a “must visit” for anyone traversing the Bull Run Loop. Entering the park, you are greeted by a small pond framed by a hiking trail, fishing deck, and boardwalks. Walney Pond, about once acre in extent, is bordered by a marshy margin that attracts an impressive variety of butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. During late spring and early summer the forests are filled with birdsongs. Listen for an assortment of woodland species including scarlet tanager and several species of warblers. There are approximately four miles of trails at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park located in upland and bottomland forest and along the meadows. The trails generally skirt Walney Creek and Big Rocky Run, and are accessible from Walney Visitor Center, Middlegate/Cabell’s Mill complex, and Walney Pond. The Walney Visitor Center is a public park facility that offers educational exhibits, programs, and information. Situated in a converted 1780 farmhouse, the center contains an information desk, restrooms, sales area, live animal exhibits, historic exhibits, children’s touch table area, greenhouse, and classroom.

Directions

Physical Address: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA 20151

From Nearest Major Road:

From Sully Road (Route 28) north turn right on Walney Road (Route 657). The park Visitor Center is about 1 mile ahead on the left. From the north take Westfields Boulevard/Route 662 to Walney Road/Route 657 south 1.5 miles.