For the Great Falls area of Virginia, Dranesville Tavern Park is a hidden gem — one of the few remaining natural areas amid a sea of development. It’s an excellent place for residents to explore and enjoy the outdoors and for visitors to enjoy nature without having to venture far from populated areas. More can be found here.
Dranesville Tavern Park (DTP) is a 26-acre green space between Checkered House Road and the Great Falls Connector in Great Falls, Virginia. It’s one of the only publicly-accessible recreation areas in the area and serves to protect the fragile ecology of the local park. The park contains a variety of habitats, including wetlands, streams, and an old-growth forest. It’s home to various bird species and other native wildlife and is a great place to observe the abundance of life there. In addition, the site is perfect as a gateway to nearby Patowmack Canal Park and other nearby parks and trails. Click here to read about Shaker Woods Park in Great Falls, VA.
The park is named after a famous local tavern that stood on the site in the early 19th century and served as a stagecoach stop, post office, and the home of a small rural village. While nothing remains of the original structure, the park still commemorates its importance to local history.