Cross County Trail: Colvin Run Mill to Potomac River! A Moderate 9 Mile Hike!
- November 17, 2012 · 9:00 AM
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An Easy Side of Moderate 8.7 Miles On The Cross County Trail in Fairfax County, Virginia
Colvin Run Mill to Potomac River!
The northernmost section of the Cross County Trail (CCT) in Fairfax County follows a lovely and leafy stream valley through upscale suburbia from a historic mill to the Potomac River.
Much of Fairfax County's Cross County Trail lies within green, shaded stream valleys. Off limits to developers, the county's stream valleys support biodiversity and wildlife. It offers a rough Appalachian Trail-like experience. Some of it is stone dust. In some places there is a lot of mud. "People call and complain that there's snow on the trail. Well, we don't plow the trail. Get your cross-country skis or snow-shoes out. It's a natural, outdoor environment. It's maintained, but it's not groomed. That's the beauty of it. That's why it's great!
So, Come out and hike along a scenic stream to Great Falls, VA and see for yourself this wonderful tucked away gem that is most convenient! This hike meanders along a little used portion of the Cross-County Connector Trail in Fairfax County along Difficult Run Stream - starting at a historic working water-powered mill at Colvin Run Mill, which is owned and operated by the park service.
We'll see special sites along the way such as the operational mill and miller buildings, an old style general store, mill race, a trestle for the old train tracks, and beautiful trails along the streams leading up to the Potomac River. We'll continue along Difficult Run to where it empties into the Potomac River, then head back.
Click here for more information on the Mill!
Pace Options
Pace Option 1 : A "walk in the woods" or "social" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and will be about 2.0mph and great for people who take tons of pics or just looking for a peacefull walk in the woods but this is not a stroll.Kellie leads this pace.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph-3.0mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. (most common pace).
Pace Option 3: A VERY vigorous paced group of at least 3 mph (often referd to as "The Justin Pace") so no complaints about this pace being too fast because you know what you are getting into. The hike leader must be able to keep up a good pace becuas she has to get to the airport after the hike so pretty please only go on this pace if you are a brisk or faster hikers.
PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly. Keep in my your capabilites and not just your preferences...
Trail Information
Nearby City: Great Falls, VA
Length: 8.7 Miles
Scenery: River views, stream valley, woodlands
Skill Level: Easy Side of Moderate
Trail Surface: Dirt or dirt and gravel, with some muddy stretches after recent rain; short stretch of pavement near the mill; gravelly old road north of pike
Time to Hike: Estimate is between 3.5-4.5 hours but depends on group pace.
Trail Type: Out and Back
Season: Year-round
Facilities: Toilets, water, phone at mill; toilet at Georgetown Pike parking lot.
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead
Carpool Information
Click here for carpool locations that are frequently used by members, complete with detailed directions for several carpool locations scattered all around so thee should be something convenient for everyone.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet.
Hike Meetup Time is 9:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Fido is welcome on this hike!
Let's have good times and see you on the trail! PLEASE take a leaders phone number with you in case you have any difficulty locating our group!
Robert: [masked]
Justin: [masked]
Kellie: [masked]
Don't forget to come visit us on Facebook
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Ross Garner
Are there any carpools nearby? I could make it to the Vienna Metro Station and wouldn't mind chipping in for gas.
November 15
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Ross Garner
I can make it there! I appreciate the ride and will see you there tomorrow morning.
November 16
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Ross Garner
Actually some spots opened up, and I was able to invite a few friends that will pick me up in the morning. I'll see you guys there tomorrow morning!
November 16
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list and would like to go on the hike, you will get an e-mail as slots are available. It is a “first come first serve” for available slots. Open slots are open to everyone whether on the wait list or not, but the wait list will insure you are notified of open slots as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the hike can handle it. Click here for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Hope this helps and enjoy the hike. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.November 15
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Shannon Gough
Any DC carpools that could fit two people?? Happy to pay for gas and leave from any spot. Email [masked]. Thank you!!
November 11
37 attended
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Justin Carlisle
Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder, Co-Organizer
Event Host
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Danielle +1
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Ross Garner +3
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Diego
Checked-in -
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Mike H.
Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder, Co-Organizer
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Your organizer's refund policy for Cross County Trail: Colvin Run Mill to Potomac River! A Moderate 9 Mile Hike!
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: Refund if you change your RSVP to a "NO" PRIOR to 48 hours of hike time with no questions asked.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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