The Ox Road Sidepath is a paved trail that runs parallel to Ox Road/State Route 123 in Fairfax County. The trail runs from George Mason University's main Fairfax campus to just south of the former Lorton Reformatory. The sprawling prison grounds are in the process of being redeveloped into a mixed-use community called Laurel Hill, which will eventually contain housing, schools, a golf course and hundreds of acres of parkland.
At the trail's southern end, Occoquan Regional Park offers sports fields, picnic gazebos, a marina on the Occoquan River and a trailhead for the 40-mile Cross County Trail. Burke Lake Park—near the trail's midpoint—is a popular spot for kids, as it contains a miniature train and carousel. Visitors of all ages will appreciate the 218-acre lake that provides endless opportunities for fishing and boating, as well as the campgrounds and hiking trails.
In Fairfax Station, pick up the connecting Fairfax County Parkway Trail from the Ox Road Sidepath for a longer trek. South of Fairfax, the Braddock Road Sidepath provides access to Centreville and Burke's northern reaches.
Parking for the Ox Road Sidepath is available in Occoquan Regional Park (9751 Ox Road, Lorton) and Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station).
There are spots where pavement uneven, beware.
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