Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve

Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve is a protected forest spanning about 226 acres in Fairfax County. The land is dominated by oak and hickory trees growing on distinctive diabase soil with dense clay composition.

The land came under protection through a partnership between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. This collaborative effort ensured the forest would be preserved for future use.

The forest serves as an educational resource for researchers and scientists studying the northern hardpan basic oak-hickory forest ecosystem in the Virginia Piedmont region.

Access requires advance arrangements with the Fairfax County Park Authority, as the preserve has no public facilities or amenities on site. Planning ahead with the managing authority is essential before visiting.

The trees grow about 20 feet shorter than typical regional specimens because of the unusual diabase soil with its dense clay content. This distinctive growth pattern makes the forest ecosystem scientifically notable.

GPS coordinates: 38.85930,-77.49730

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26