Wow, I am glad I didn't look at the reviews before going. I'm really surprised it gets such a low rating but from reading what people have to say..it looks like it is because of the ticks. I went in January so I didn't run into that problem. It is grassy, meadowlike trails, so I can see where in the warm months there could be ticks. So many trails to get lost on and enjoy the natural beauty. I read there are 20 miles of trails and that in the spring the fields are filled with wildflowers. The trails are fairly easy hiking. Mostly flat with some small inclines from time to time but like I said, mostly meadow hiking. The only thing I wish was different was clearer signage around the trailheads. It took me awhile to figure out where certain trails began and where to access them. Once you're on them they are clearly marked. I've lived here all my life and this is certainly a hidden gem. read more

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I came here before reading the reviews and I'm glad I did. The outdoors is great but yes, you do need to be prepared when you're out in the nature. It's not your backyard. Lots of creatures live outdoors. LoL. Be prepared. You should apply sunscreen and then apply your bug spray. Wear socks that you can roll up if the grass gets high or roll down as needed. I have 50 hair ties in my bookbag. It gets hot, hair goes up. Don't hate it here because nature got the best of you. Try again in the fall. That's my plan anyway. The bugs were hungry today for sure. I spayed the first 10 min here and then I had to spray again an hour later! They bite thru your clothes so spray your clothing as well. I have never had issues w/ticks. Luckily they don't like me. IDK why but I spray my shoes too just in case. The trails are very well maintained. Mostly they are in the sun but there's a fair share if shady trails also. I did have some issues on the white oak trail. I had to stop and look for it at one point. It just faded out. Also on the White Oak trail I caught all the spider webs w/my body so thank me later! I felt like a cocoon coming off that trail. Yeck. I see they are growing trees and also put in some goats to keep the vegetation back. It's quite invasive for sure. So, yes I think fall would be nice. No bugs, less invasive plants and no leaves on the trees means I can see the view of Bull Run Mtn that much better. I enjoyed exploring this place. I'm pretty sure I'll be back. read more

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Banshee Reeks is a hidden gem in Loudoun County. I had no idea there was such a remote place to hike so many trails within 15 minutes of home. We saw absolutely no one, except a half dozen deer, on a 3 hour hike through woods and grassland. It's a nice place to escape from the rat race, get some fresh air and a bit of exercise. They have a ton of trails but their trail map leaves a bit to be desired, so be prepared. I'm no idiot when it comes to reading a map but because there were features that didn't actually appear on the map, it wasn't that much of a stretch to get disoriented. So here's the thing about Banshee Reeks... I said just yesterday I'm never going back there again. The five ticks we found were one thing, but the 100+ chigger bites I've been slathering with hydrocortisone cream for the past couples days is another. I know it's my fault because I wore shorts and didn't use any bug repellent, but dammit that doesn't make them itch any less and I want to blame someone/thing other than me. So yeah, three stars. It's a really nice place, but you can't just pop in during your yuppie lunch break and have a walk around. You really need to go prepared, which isn't necessary a bad thing, but contrary to what most everyone who lives in the area is capable of. read more

Very nice place for a quick low intensity hike. Mostly flat ground. Agree with other reviewers that ticks and other bugs are in high number there so bring repellant and dress acordingly. read more

Unfortunately we didnt not get to experience much of this place because it is a tick breedng ground. Within the first minute I had two ticks on me and thats with a lot of repellant on. Not worth the risk of Lymes. The trails are all grass which is horrible because you cannot avoid the ticks. Such a disappointment :/ read more

This place is totally gorgeous...such a treasure and a nice getaway from the concrete and suburbs. HOWEVER....the reviews are right. After 10 minutes, my shoes were completely covered with ticks. We had to leave because we couldn't keep them off, and when I took my shoes and socks off, they were everywhere, even after massive insect repellent and thick socks. I know it isn't the fault of anyone, but I just don't think it's a safe choice for summertime. I can't wait to go back in the fall and winter to see the change without being worried about getting sick. read more

After driving past all the disgusting housing developments and eyesore McMansions in Leesburg, we finally got to this little oasis of Nature. It was March 20th, so I guess the bugs had not come out yet. However--and maybe it was just this particular day--there was almost nonstop jet aircraft noise from Dulles that was really annoying. I wouldn't have expected that much noise since the park is over 9 miles from the airport. Very disappointing! read more

Wow, wow, absurd number of ticks. I went hiking today with my daughter and was warned about the ticks by a nice older lady who was the only person there when we arrived. I drenched my daughter and I in Off super strong Deep Woods repellent and I also covered us both completely in this other repellent exclusively designed for only ticks which has worked well in the past. I have hiked very very often the last ten years from Great Falls, Riverbend, Algonkian, Gunpowder trail and have never gotten a tick. In this part of the country with Northern Virginia being the limes disease capital of the world ticks are no laughing matter. The ticks didn't give a dam about the spray. About a 1/2 mile into the walk 2 had already popped up on my sock. I noticed 3 on my daughters jeans about a quarter way in. Then two more climbing up my sock and leg. I was constantly noticing ticks climbing up my daughters jeans and on my legs. When we finally got out I noticed a few more in her hair she found ticks under her shirt. when I took off my shoe's at home I found ticks. Most were large but some were very small. I would estimate that my daughter had around 15 ticks and I had 13 ticks. Maybe this was an unusual day or time but we will not be going back. On the positive side the reserve is very pretty and very well taken care of. It looks like the paths have been mowed and the trails are very well marked. If I was a company that wanted to test tick repellent: Banshee Reeks is your nirvana...I'll buy your product if you get no ticks! read more

A great oasis hidden in Loudoun County, an area with space public land. Manager was a great guy and very helpful.

Banshee Reeks (have to love that name) is a jewel of nature smack dab in the middle of rapidly-developing Loudon County. If you are looking for an beautiful walk in the woods in the area, this is the place. It's generally open to the public only on weekends and closes at four PM, though weekday visits and (somewhat) extended hours can be pre-arranged with the Reserve management. The Reserve has parking, miles of marked trails, picnic tables, porta-potties, and a wealth of information at the visitor center in an ante-bellum farmhouse right by the parking lot. Get a map before you go. Some of the trail markers are ambiguous, so pay attention, especially if you have to be back by a certain time. Getting There: It's not easy to find, reached by a gravel road off Evergreen Mills Road (Coming from Arlington, we took exit 3 Shreve Mill Road on the Dulles Greenway). Walking Conditions: I hiked twice with a friend in mid-September along Raspberry, Lookout Rock, Carter-Luck, Beaver Pond, Spring Pond,Goose Creek and Cathedral Trails. All were well-groomed and well-marked -- a tribute to the efficiency and care of the two paid employees and teams of volunteers that keep the place up. . We saw very little poison ivy and no ticks, though we were careful to dress for the possibility and I made sure my clothes went into a hot washer when I got home. What to See: This probably depends on the season. We went there cold, but we were lucky to get advice on what to see from members of the Virginia Master Naturalists, whose meeting was ending just as we arrived. Don't miss the mountain views across autumn fields from the top of the Raspberry Trail, Goose Creek from Lookout Rock and a magnificent jaunt up the well-named Cathedral Trail. The Tree Trail around serene Springhouse Pond is easy to reach and offersseveral places to contemplate the changing light over the serene pond and surrounding meadows and woods. read more

It's beautiful and the trails are well kept but holy crap the ticks are INSANE!!!!! We walked raspberry trail and by the time we were 3/4 of the way through our dog and my husband's legs were covered. We couldn't get out of there fast enough! We are driving out now and I have yet to do a thorough check of all three of us but STAY AWAY IF YOU DONT WANT TO GET ATTACKED BY TICKS!!!!!! read more

This park is hidden and lovely, but I will never be back!!! It is infested with ticks! After only about a 15min walk/hike with the family and our two dogs, we happened to look down and notice our legs covered in ticks! We were horrified and ran back as quickly as possible to our car. We picked ticks off of us for about 20 minutes but continued finding them in every nook and cranny. Even a week later some were showing up in our car. I have been to tons of parks in the VA/MD area and have never encountered something like this. I highly suggest you wear pants tucked into your boots, tons of deet, and check yourself constantly if you really want to go here. I would love to have explored the park, but sadly will never be back. read more