Lake Mercer Dam — Attraction in Burke

This is a very nice lake to bike, walk and run round. I don't know how long it is I'd say maybe three miles all the way around. It is very hilly so if you are on a bike you can go very fast! (please watch for others because you go so fast with no breaks you might die) since it is a dam there is an overflow thingy of the side of the lake. There are two super steep hills that go back to back IF YOU LIVE NEAR THIS LAKE AND YOU ARE NO BETA YOU MUST SLED DOWN THOSE HILLS. WAIT don't stop reading this yet I know you are really hyped right now but DO NOT SLED ON THE DAM YOU WILL DIE!!!!!! walk across the dam and there is an empty field if you came there when it is snowing you will see people walking to or from the hills/field. have fun...

A great (big) gem hidden in our Fairfax neighborhoods. The trail around the lake is well paved and easily accessible for strollers, bikers, wheels chairs, etc. (just share the path).

The whole loop is just over four miles.

There are many entrances, Unfortunately many are reserved exclusively for the wealthy through local HOAs.

There are many places to fish (permit required) for usual NOVA species - especially bass, crappie and bluegill.

At most times you'll have a good chance of spotting deer, raptors (especially owls), or at...

Found out about this location by accident, on Google. Easy to locate, fortunately, all ten parking spaces were vacant. My hike around the lake was very scenic and quiet, passed 3 walkers, 1 jogger, and at the end mom with three youths about to bike the trail. Very clean, even though, I saw no trash receptacles. The only bench, I observed, appeared to be fairly new, a memorial. I liked the paved trail, saw ducks birds flying over or on the lake, very peaceful...