Published date: May 22, 2026
If you’ve ever tried going for a walk in the middle of a Virginia summer, you know the story.
The weather is hot and humid at noon, so people adjust their walking schedules to avoid the heat. In climates like Reston, people tend to walk during the cooler parts of the day, namely mid-morning and early evening, when the outdoors is more bearable.
Getting Outdoors
Gabriel Homes proudly boasts that its six homes are near walkable, paved trails. The paths are part of Reston’s broader network of trails that connect neighborhoods and encourage everyday exercise. Residents know the trails’ routes by heart, and many take regular walks from their home to another.
Walking Nearly Every Day in Reston
Lucy is famous among the residents for the miles she can walk without tiring. She easily reaches 10,000 steps each day through her work cleaning at the United States Geological Survey. At home after her shifts, she and David, another resident, walk around their neighborhood using the sidewalks. The two usually walk about two miles per outing.
“Going on walks with friends is important because you can count on each other to go outside. We can exercise our hearts and legs and get some nice, clean air. Seeing birds, bugs, and flowers teaches you about your environment, and you see what’s new around you.”
Getting Outdoors
On days off work, Dave, another resident, heads to David’s home and back home twice a day using the paths and sidewalks. The route is about two miles total, so Dave walks in the morning and later afternoon to avoid the burn from the worst of the summer heat. Since he spends much of the workday outside pushing shopping carts indoors, Dave looks forward to breathing in fresh air on his days off.
Walking Nearly Every Day in Reston
When the sun is too brutal for walking outside, some residents step indoors at Dulles Town Center. Mall walking has become a popular way for some to meet with friends and exercise indoors. Residents like to look into the shops from the main path, while others walk with goals in mind. Some trips may add a stop or two at a favorite shop.
“I like to stop at Bath and Body Works and smell the candles. If I have money on me, sometimes I buy some ice cream in the mall. My favorite shop there sells purple yam-flavored ice cream. It sounds funny, but you have to try it!”