A Great Place
Banshee Reeks, located in Leesburg, Virginia, was established as a nature preserve in 1999. The preserve is 695 acres with a variety of nature trails that are great for birding or just observing nature. Pets must be leashed at all times.
It has a great diversity of habitats ranging from wetlands and ponds to mixed hardwood forests of oak and hickory to wonderful meadows laden with milkweed, goldenrod and thistle. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and its members played an important role in establishing Banshee as a passive preserve, home to wildlife and refuge for all.
The Friends of Banshee Reeks, started by our own Joe Coleman, supports the preserve through volunteers who take on projects to improve facilities and maintain the trails.
Over 15 miles of interconnected natural surface trails are accessible for hiking only. No horses, bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy holds nature walks and programs at Banshee Reeks throughout the year. We also maintain a bluebird nestbox trail that serves as home for bluebirds, tree swallows and bats.
You can read about our past walks at Banshee here.
Banshee Reeks is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.
When to Visit
Hours: Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve is now open seven days a week. Seasonal hours of operation:
April through September: 8:00 am -8:00 pm
October through March: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Facilities:
The staffed Visitor Center has trail maps, resources, and a variety of rotating exhibits on local flora and fauna, history, and archaeology. The indoor Discovery Zone and outdoor Exploration Zone provide hands-on learning and play for children.
There is a restroom and water refill station inside the Visitor Center and a port-o-jon outside.
Public programs are offered regularly including both free and fee-based activities for all ages. Registration for upcoming programs and volunteer workdays is available through the PRCS website.
Driving directions: Banshee Reeks is located at 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg.
Visit our map of other Great Places in Loudoun!