Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park in Leesburg offers access to the Potomac Heritage Trail one way and riverside trails in the other.

Accessible by a relaxing stroll across a few beautiful holes of The Golf Club at Landsdowne, Elizabeth Mills has large grassy areas for a game of catch or a lovely picnic (there are picnic tables available). There is also a hike along the river where you will find several different rocky outcrops to stop for a snack and view the wildlife. We saw a lot of minnows, a couple of small fish, and some really interesting birds while wandering the park, including a huge hawk that flew right overhead - bring binoculars for best viewing. We suggest wearing rain boots or bringing water shoes if your little ones will want to examine the small pools of water up close after scrambling the rocks where they jut out into the river.

It is a small part of The Potomac Heritage Trail, and you can go either right or turn left instead to follow one of two dual trails. There is one that is more well-maintained, and flat, while the other is more of a hike, with parts that are angled, over large fallen branches or small trees and quite narrow with overgrowth, but you can enjoy a river view and river access all along the way. You will see more wildlife on this trail, but also be more likely to bring home a tick and some mosquito bites (bring your bug spray during the late spring and summer for sure. There are various trails that can bring you back along the way if you decide to access the upper trail after choosing to embark on the more narrow one.

You must drive through a neighborhood to access the park, but once you arrive it really feels like you are entrenched in nature, even at the points when you can spot a golf cart through the woods. It was really quiet, even on a Saturday afternoon, with ample parking (that is actually limited so potentially a benefit that keeps the numbers down).