Fun Fact
All of the lakes in Reston were man made! These lakes were a part of the original 1964 plan and were constructed for the purposes of stormwater management; this is why swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes. However, if you need to take a dip, Reston has over 14 outdoor pools for all of your cannonballing, swan diving, or doggie-paddling needs.
The Lakes
Lake Thoreau: One of the appealing parts of this lake is the scenic portion of lakefront that stretches along South Lakes Drive. This area is peppered with benches and picnic tables for picnics, or just watching the lake. This is also a popular spot for fishing and bird watching. Lastly, as with all the lakes here, it’s a great place to watch the sunset.
Lake Audubon: This lake has a boat ramp for launching your vessels, a paved trail that winds its way around a good portion of the lake, and public parking from the boat ramp area.
Lake Anne: Arguably the most popular of the 4 lakes, lake Anne is typically more crowded and offers the most options of the 4. Throughout the summer you can rent paddleboats and kayaks from the dock, and there are several restaurants that offer outdoor seating with gorgeous lake views.
Lake Newport: This the smallest of the 4 lakes. There is a small trail here that wounds its way partially around the lake. There is also a playground and baseball field near a parking area here.