Banshee Reeks Nature Reserve

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.

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 :/

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.

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.

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.