Rutherford Park - Fairfax, VA
Rutherford Park – Dog-Friendly Park in Fairfax, Virginia
Rutherford Park is a beloved community spot in Fairfax, Virginia, perfect for families, fitness enthusiasts, and pet owners alike. Featuring scenic pet-friendly trails and a peaceful lake ideal for dog-friendly hiking, the park offers a solid mix of open and shaded areas, picnic tables, and a recently-upgraded playground. While there is not a dedicated fenced dog park, leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park and along its 1.8-mile loop trail, providing a great place to walk or jog with your furry companion while enjoying local wildlife and beautiful surroundings.
The park also boasts basketball and tennis courts, soccer and football fields, and limited but convenient parking areas. Owners will find benches near activity zones and plenty of green space to relax with their pets. With a tranquil setting often described as a hidden gem in Fairfax, Rutherford Park is a wonderful option for those seeking dog-friendly outdoor recreation close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must be leashed while in the park; there is no designated off-leash dog area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, Rutherford Park does not currently have a fenced dog park or designated enclosure for dogs.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches and picnic tables throughout the park, particularly near the sports courts and playground.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The park offers a mix of shaded and open areas along the trails and near the picnic spots, but shade may be limited in some fields.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there is a trail loop around the lake, popular for walking and jogging with dogs.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, Rutherford Park features a playground and multiple sports courts, making it great for families with children.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available near the playground and at two parking lots providing access from different sides of the lake. Spaces may be limited during busy times.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and a grill station, allowing for family picnics in the park.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trail sections can become wet and slippery following rain, so proper footwear is recommended.
Reviews
Great walking trails. Not too busy. Playground of needed by parents.
Great walking trails. Not too busy. Playground of needed by parents.
It’s OK. Compared to other parks in the area, it would be the red-headed stepchild. The playground is a bit anemic, although it does have a couple of unusual features. There was a weird chick standing on the equipment, reciting something just under her breath. My kid was creeped out. There’s very little if any cell service. There are tennis courts that seemed OK. And the same for the basketball courts.
It’s OK. Compared to other parks in the area, it would be the red-headed stepchild. The playground is a bit anemic, although it does have a couple of unusual features. There was a weird chick standing on the equipment, reciting something just under her breath. My kid was creeped out. There’s very little if any cell service. There are tennis courts that seemed OK. And the same for the basketball courts.
We walk/bike here frequently.
The swing sets broke last year after a tree fell on them during a storm, but they were repaired pretty quickly.
The playground has two twisty slides as well as a smaller one for toddlers.
Plenty of safe space for my son to bike around and a nice little trail along a babbling brook. Only one grill station, and one full basketball court, but the park was not meant for crowds.
I don’t play much tennis, but I know tennis courts are generally hard to find, so I appreciate having the access.
We walk/bike here frequently.
The swing sets broke last year after a tree fell on them during a storm, but they were repaired pretty quickly.
The playground has two twisty slides as well as a smaller one for toddlers.
Plenty of safe space for my son to bike around and a nice little trail along a babbling brook. Only one grill station, and one full basketball court, but the park was not meant for crowds.
I don’t play much tennis, but I know tennis courts are generally hard to find, so I appreciate having the access.
We had an evening picnic with family and friends. The location was ideal, in truth we did not explore the park beyond the picnic tables. Handicap accessible Porta potty in the parking lot.
We had an evening picnic with family and friends. The location was ideal, in truth we did not explore the park beyond the picnic tables. Handicap accessible Porta potty in the parking lot.
This park is great. Needs more shade during softball. Pretty park.
This park is great. Needs more shade during softball. Pretty park.