Water and Trail Access to Beaverdam Reservoir — Attraction in Brambleton

🌊 Review of Water and Trail Access to Beaverdam Reservoir

🏞 Introduction

Beaverdam Reservoir (often called “The Rez”) is a fast-growing outdoor destination in Loudoun County. With the addition of Reservoir Park under NOVA Parks management, visitors now find a balance of water recreation, hiking, and family amenities. Reviews point out the improvements in facilities, while still noting the natural challenges—mud, ticks, and parking pressure.

🚣 Water Access & Activities

Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Rentals available seasonally (March–November). Calm waters make it ideal for beginners and families.

Fishing: Temporarily restricted during park construction; check current status.

Docks & Launch Points: New boat ramps and docks; a small fee for rentals or launching personal craft.

🥾 Trail System

Length & Layout: Main loop ~7.5–8 miles, mostly dirt, flat with light elevation.

Trail Conditions: Muddy after rain; overgrowth in summer. Long pants highly recommended.

Suggested Direction: Go counterclockwise from the church to the dam for better footing.

Wildlife & Hazards: Expect ticks, snakes, and poison ivy; but also birdwatching, turtles, and deer sightings.

🛶 Facilities

Restrooms: Modern restrooms are now in place (a huge upgrade).

Picnic Areas: Tables and shaded lawns make it family-friendly.

Visitor Center: Includes water conservation exhibits and educational features.

🚗 Parking & Access Points

Main Lot (Reservoir Park): Fills quickly on weekends; early arrival is best.

Alternate Parking: Smaller access points at Mt. Hope Rd, Reservoir Rd, and NRPA building.

Overflow Options: Tillett Field has been used when sections were under construction.

🌅 Scenery & Experience

Combination of wooded trails, shoreline views, and rocky outcrops.

Peak moments: fall foliage reflecting in the reservoir; calm sunrise paddles.

Atmosphere: “peaceful and family-friendly,” but can get crowded during weekends.

📅 Best Times to Visit

Morning: Cooler, less crowded, and fewer bugs. Spring & Fall: Moderate weather and ideal trail conditions. Weekdays: Quieter and better for paddling.

✅ Key Pros

Modern facilities (restrooms, docks, visitor center). Scenic and moderately challenging loop trail. Great paddling and water access. Family-friendly and educational.

⚠️ Key Cons

Trails muddy after rainfall. Ticks and poison ivy in warmer months. Parking congestion on weekends. Occasional construction closures.

🌟 Final Take

Beaverdam Reservoir has evolved into one of Northern Virginia’s most versatile outdoor spaces. Hikers get a full loop with water views, paddlers enjoy easy access, and families benefit from shaded picnic grounds and restrooms.

Bottom line: Arrive early, dress prepared, and check access updates. If you do, you’ll enjoy a spot that combines nature, recreation, and community space—right in...

Beaverdam Reservoir is a 600-acre lake located in the northern region of Virginia, near the town of Ashburn. The lake was created in the 1960s as a reservoir to provide drinking water for Loudoun County and neighboring jurisdictions. Today, it serves as a popular recreational destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide range of activities and natural beauty.

The reservoir is surrounded by forests and parklands, which provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, which offer hikers the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trails are well-marked and maintained, making them accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, as well as observe the local wildlife, including birds, deer, and squirrels.

Fishing is another popular activity at Beaverdam Reservoir, thanks to its variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The reservoir is regularly stocked with fish, making it a great spot for both novice and experienced anglers. Fishing is permitted from both the shore and from boats, and visitors can rent boats from the park office or bring their own.

Overall, Beaverdam Reservoir is a hidden gem in northern Virginia, offering visitors a peaceful and natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, boat, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic, there's something for everyone at this beautiful...

Beautiful well marked trail(we did the blue one and we saw an orange that we are yet to explore) that hugged the lake (man-made water reservoir supplying Loudoun county with water) at every curve providing scintillating views of the evening sun descending upon the Ashburn summer. The winding paths provide plenty of variety for the hiker in the form of small rocky outcroppings, twisted roots (that are the brunt of erosion) keeping you ever alert from possible tripping (my five year old fell prey!),uprooted trees, lots of drift wood and lastly,sadly a lot of human generated environmentally unfriendly debris(T-shirts, soda cans, cups, beer bottles,broken glass etc.). We will be back again and hopefully clean up some of the litter to make the place a better one for tommorow. The good news for everyone is there is a trash can midway(you can do your part by trashing one piece of junk you encounter) and washrooms at the end....