Lake Accotink Park's 493 acres includes a 55-acre lake, wetlands and streams offering unique views of waterfowl and marsh life. Facilities and activities vary with the season and include canoe, rowboat and pedal boat rentals, fishing, tour-boat rides, boat launch, bait and tackle sales, 9-green double holed miniature golf course, antique carousel, snack bar, pavilion shelters (reservations encouraged), picnic areas with grills, restrooms, playground, 4-mile hiking/biking trail and 2 open play fields. Small sailboats permitted; swimming, windsurfing and gas powered boat motors are prohibited. Virginia State Fishing License required for fishing. Picnic areas, playground, pavilions, trails and two play fields are open year-round. Boat rentals, carousel, tour-boat, miniature golf and snack bar are open 11 am 8 pm on weekends starting May 1; open 7 days a week from June 19 through Labor Day (September 6); open weekends only from Labor Day to Columbus Day (October 11). Park Office/Visitors Center open weekdays, 9 am 6 pm; weekends by appointment.

The carousel in operation at Lake Accotink Park was made between 1937 and 1945 by the Allan-Herschell Company. Originally it held three rows of ten horses each. The half carved-wood, half cast- aluminum horses were made earlier, between 1926 and 1931 and some have been replaced with other elements.

CREDITS: Government Fairfax County, Virginia