Long Branch Nature Center & Park — Attraction in Bailey's Crossroads

4.5 star Beautiful! Refreshing! True Nature!

Beautiful Nature Oasis in a City of Traffic. It feels like the country or a deep forest camp. Perfect for a real nature walk, but also connects to local commuting trails.

Long Branch Nature Center has lots of programs for families including bonfires throughout the summer, educational nature classes, and summer camp for kids. The fees for reservations are paid on the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Website.

The interior has some animal habitats for viewing (snakes), a children's playroom with many toys, a turtle pond, a large room for classes and restrooms.

The only setback is getting there. It's slightly confusing to enter, but just follow the sign and drive around 1200 ft until you see the parking area/building. There are only a few slots open the public near the main building, however there is a large public parking lot behind the Medical Center on road that turns into the Long Branch Nature center from S. Carlin Springs Rd.

The Employees are very helpful on the phone and friendly in person as well. Education about Nature and Virginia's natural Habitats are the main goals of the Long Branch Nature Center. I can easily confirm the love Arlington Parks and Recreation Employees have for preservation of Virginia's natural habitats when I come here...

I’m a full-time nanny and being outside with the kids I take care of is so important for both of us. Over the last 2 years I’ve had lots of time to explore Fairfax County and Arlington County parks and Long Branch Creek Nature Center is a hidden gem I discovered about a month ago and have been recommending as one of my favorites in the area since! Lots of openings along the creek for young children to safely wade in and throw rocks and sticks and boulders to sit on to be close enough to play with them and supervise. The nature center has an awesome free-play area with little house, toys, musical instruments, and blocks. It also has a live rattle snake and several other types of snakes, frogs, and turtles living in terrariums. During our last visit we saw a Hummingbird at one of the feeders outside. The center offers classes for preschoolers to adults and night hikes too! This is what makes living in...

All of Arlington's parks are great. Arlington works hard so every citizen has a place to walk to. Long Branch has something for everyone, parking for people trying to get on the trail, dog park, pond, informational signs, programs, kids area, animals, trails, picnic pavilion, playground around the corner, tall trees, shade, stream, rocks etc. Long Branch connects to a larger greenway that winds through Arlington, situated near Columbia Pike it connects to Carlin Springs and North Arlington. It offers a fast moving bike access and has hilly turning foot paths as well. Safety should always be on one's mind, but it is a well traveled section...