Description
The 888-acre Burke Lake Park is dominated by Lake Burke. Vesper Island, located within the lake, is maintained by the state as a refuge. For wildlife watchers, there is a 4.5 mile trail that circles the lake where a variety of waterfowl may be observed during the winter. Bald eagles can be seen around the lake and there is also a bluebird trail.
Note: To access the lake, a Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Burke Lake Park (as reported to eBird)
- Canada Goose
- Tundra Swan
- Northern Shoveler
- Mallard
- Ring-necked Duck
- Hooded Merganser
- American Coot
- Ring-billed Gull
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Double-crested Cormorant
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Bike Trails
- Camping
- Fee
- Food
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Canoe/Kayak Rentals
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039
From Previous Site on the Bull Run Loop of VBWT:
From Hemlock Overlook, travel east on Rt. 615/Yates Ford Road for 1.8 miles to Rt. 645/Clifton Road; turn right (south) on Clifton Road and drive for 3.8 miles to SR 123/Ox Road. Proceed South on SR 123 for 0.5 miles to the entrance to Burke Lake on the left.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.