Suggestions for lakes/ponds!? (Arlington, Reston: HOA, lawyers, safe area)

[Curlygirly]

Anyone know of any lakes or ponds that don't have a lot of people around? I have 2 black labs that I take swimming - they are both professionally trained and don't bother anyone when off-leash but I prefer to take them places that they won't bother people that are trying to fish. I don't mind driving a bit out of the area, I am just not that familiar with Loudoun County or other outlying areas. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

[JfromReston]

Have you tried the boat ramp on Lake Audubon in Reston? It is on Twin Branches Road between South Lakes Drive and Lawyers Road.

[normie]

Originally Posted by Curlygirly

Anyone know of any lakes or ponds that don't have a lot of people around? I have 2 black labs that I take swimming - they are both professionally trained and don't bother anyone when off-leash but I prefer to take them places that they won't bother people that are trying to fish. I don't mind driving a bit out of the area, I am just not that familiar with Loudoun County or other outlying areas. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

You want the doggie splash. I believe the park is called Seneca Park. It's the big park you'll find at the end of Seneca Road (right along the border of Loudoun and Fairfax Counties). Take the dirt trail down to the river. The doggie splash is about 3/4 mile down the path. It's a section of the river that is protected by islands and beaver dams. You'll usually see at least 3-4 dogs there. Dogs just love it! Sometimes people swim there, although it's really too shallow for that.

Also, many HOA pools open for a special "dog swim" on the Saturday after the pools officially close (usually Labor Day).

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by JfromReston

Have you tried the boat ramp on Lake Audubon in Reston? It is on Twin Branches Road between South Lakes Drive and Lawyers Road.

That's where we took our labs to swim, for many years, until I got a ticket for having a dog off leash. I am happy to hear that it is being allowed again. As long as the Restonites don't complain, it should be ok.

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by Denton56

That's where we took our labs to swim, for many years, until I got a ticket for having a dog off leash. I am happy to hear that it is being allowed again. As long as the Restonites don't complain, it should be ok.

I don't know that it is "allowed" but I do see people taking their dogs for a swim at the boat ramp. I also see LOTS of dogs off leash on the trails of Reston.

[OrangeFish]

There's a dog park with a stream to play in over by Shirlington:

ArlingtonDogs - Local Dog Parks

Shirlington Park - Arlington, VA

[normie]

Went to the Doggie Splash today, took a few photos to give you an idea of what to expect. Please note, your dog will get muddy!

[pcity]

This is very much out of the way, but Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, MD has a beach reserved for dogs.

[Curlygirly]

Thanks so much to all of you for the great suggestions! We tried out the boat ramp at Lake Audubon last week and they had a blast! We will be trying the doggie splash next. Thanks for the pics Normie, looks like your pups look are having a great time.

[Caladium]

Interesting note about the dog splash. In a recent storm a tree fell over and that created a little set of falls. We were just up there, and the falls are digging themselves deeper and deeper. There's still a large, safe area for dogs to play. But the whole area has a new look.