You’ll never be at a loss for things to do in Loudoun. Recreation and leisure-time activities are plentiful. Whether you are looking for hiking, biking, canoeing or kayaking; tennis, golf, swimming or boating; hunting, fishing or horseback riding, Loudoun has something for everyone!

Few areas enjoy being in the center of so many leisure-time possibilities–and so close to additional choices. For those who seek invigorating yet serene water sports and activities, the Potomac River answers the call. Making its way from West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay through Loudoun, the Potomac beckons water enthusiasts to take advantage of boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, while others can enjoy leisurely strolls or picnics along its banks. On land, the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia, makes its way through Loudoun and beckons hikers and nature lovers. The scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains lie just to the west. On the peaks and in the valleys of this grand old mountain chain, visitors will find the best in terms of hiking, camping, and fishing.

For those looking for more "cosmopolitan recreation," Washington, D.C. and its metropolitan area offer seemingly countless museums, parks, activities, and programs, leaving residents and visitors a lifetime of recreation options. Best of all, most of these attractions are free for the taking. And within a short drive, Loudouners can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing at any one of a number of well-appointed resorts and facilities or can bask in the sun and frolic in the Atlantic Ocean.

Our historic towns and villages serve as the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls through quaint 18th century streets, shopping for rare antiques and other unique finds, touring antebellum mansions and plantation homes dating to the 1700s, or sampling some of Virginia’s finest wines.

Loudoun residents and visitors might also choose to pass the day away at one of the six Northern Virginia regional parks found here or at one of our 20 county parks. These parks offer a unique variety of facilities and activities that leave no one at a loss for things to do. Take yourself back to the Civil War at Ball’s Bluff Regional Park and National Cemetery. Get a round of golf in before sundown at Brambleton Regional Park or Algonquian Regional Park. Stroll the nature trails at Red Rock Wilderness Overlook or take a 45-mile bike ride on the famed Washington and Old Dominion trail, which runs from Arlington to Purcellville.

The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services operates 19 local parks, in addition to 10 community centers, which offer recreational programs, classes and activities for all ages. County residents can also enjoy Ida Lee Park and Recreation Center, operated by the Town of Leesburg. Finally, the YMCA of Loudoun County provides fitness classes, youth art classes, youth programs, and enrichment programs and activities for all ages.

Horse lovers will find Loudoun County to be an equestrian’s paradise. Commonly known as Virginia’s Hunt Country, Loudoun is home to some of the finest equestrian facilities and programs in the world. Riders at all levels can find what they need at one of our many riding centers or on our scenic riding trails. While our county’s equestrian offerings include our famous and popular steeplechase and fox hunting events, the options don’t stop there. From trail rides and chuck wagon dinners offered at the Marriott Ranch in Hume, to learning the basics of polo at the Willow Run Polo School, to the Virginia Regional Therapeutic Riding Center at MadCap Farm, everyone can enjoy the pleasures to be had by riding upon the back of a horse.

If golf is your game, tee up on one of our 12 courses. From popular public courses to exquisite private clubs, all will give you a challenge in beautiful country surroundings. Many of Loudoun’s courses have been designed by world renowned architects; you can step up to the challenge on Tom Fazio’s Lowes Island course, Gary Player’s Raspberry Falls course (named one of the top 10 courses in the nation), or Robert Trent Jones’ Lansdowne resort course.

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