Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Department Resources

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First Hike Fairfax 2026

first hike fairfax

Stay Tuned for More Information About How to Join the 2026 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest


Thank you to all who participated with the Park Authority for First Hike 2025! Thousands of residents took to our more than 420 parks and over 330 miles of trails throughout the county to enjoy the start of a new year with friends, family and community. We had more than 400 entries in the annual photo contest. We recognize the artistry and creativity of all those who participated and express our gratitude for sharing a moment of your day and your unique perspectives of our parks with us.

We are very pleased to congratulate the following winners of the 2025 contest:

Director's Choice Award

First Hike director's choice award
Karen Downs, Frying Pan Farm Park

Judges' Choice Award

Judges' Choice Award
Erica Wyman, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

People’s Choice

people's choice award
Rena Schild, Huntley Meadows Park

Best in Show (Nature and Landscapes)

First Hike best in show nature and landscapes
Alison Wright, Lake Accotink Park

Best in Show (People)

best in show people
Brittany Cohen-Brown, Burke Lake Park

Best in Show (Wildlife)

best in show wildlife
Thomas Kinder, Lake Accotink Park

Best in Show (Pets)

best in show pets
Chris Hiltbrand, Lake Fairfax Park

Please enjoy the complete photo album compiled from the 2025 contest entries below or by viewing it on Flickr. Congratulations to you all and we look forward to seeing you in the parks throughout the year!

See all submissions in the First Hike Fairfax 2025 Photo Album

First Hike Fairfax 2025

This annual photo contest is presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Fairfax County Park Foundation

Fairfax Virtual Assistant