Dog Walks in Reston and Herndon: Wooded Trails, Little Ponds and the W&OD

Reston is my home base, and Reston and Herndon are such lovely places to walk a dog. Both are full of paved paths winding between neighborhoods, through the woods and past little ponds. Here's where my pups and I like to go.

The trails between neighborhoods

These were Lucy's absolute favorite. All over Herndon and Reston, little trails connect one development to the next, and they duck in and out of patches of forest. To a dog, they're pure adventure. Squirrels dart across the path, there's the odd log to climb over, and there are streams to explore.

Lucy had strong opinions about those streams. Some days she'd hop right in. Other days she'd walk the long way around to avoid them entirely. You never knew which Lucy you'd get, and that was half the fun.

The little ponds

I don't do the big lake loops very often. I'm more likely to be found walking past one of the small neighborhood ponds. They're quieter, with less going on, which makes them a nice, relaxed walk for most dogs.

Ponds do mean birds, though. Some dogs just love to chase and bark at birds, any birds. You can see it coming: their ears change, they pause, and then they're off. If your dog is one of them, a short leash and a little warning go a long way.

The W&OD Trail

This long paved trail runs right through Reston and Herndon. It's great for a longer walk. It's popular with cyclists, so I keep the leash short and stay to the right.

A couple more spots worth knowing

Walker Nature Center in Reston has shady wooded trails that are a lifesaver in summer. Check the posted rules before you head in. And for pups who love to zoom, there's a fenced dog park at Baron Cameron Park. It's best for social dogs with their vaccines up to date and a good recall.

A few friendly reminders

• Fairfax County asks that dogs stay leashed off your own property, outside of designated off-leash areas.
• Pick up after your pup. There are waste stations on lots of paths, but I always bring my own bags.
• Ticks love the woods and tall grass from spring through fall, so give your dog a once-over after trail walks.
• On hot days, go early and stick to the shade. My summer heat tips have more.

These are the paths I walk every week, and I never get tired of them. If your days are too packed for a proper walk, I'd love to take your pup out exploring. Here's more about dog walking in Reston and Herndon.

Walks for Lucy offers dog walking, drop-in visits and overnight dog sitting in Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax, Chantilly, Centreville and McLean, with overnight pet sitting in Leesburg. See the full service area.

General pet care information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet's health, call your vet.