Bull Run Mountain

Let's go for a Sunday morning hike on Bull Run Mountain!

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The route: From the trailhead kiosk, we will cross the old Manassas Gap Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) and walk west towards Thoroughfare Gap before turning north and uphill along Quarry Trail, passing Chapman Cemetery (2) and Quarry Trench (5). At the top of Quarry Trail (8) we will turn west, passing the top of Fern Hollow Trail (9) on our way up Crescent Ridge Trail, which turns north along the spine of Bull Run Mountains to the overlook north of marker (14); about where the “no horse riding” symbol is on the map. From there we’ll retrace our steps back to the trailhead, except we will descend along Fern Hollow Trail rather than Quarry Trail in order to pass Beverly Mill, Mansion, and Icehouse (4) along our way. (NB: Numbers refer to trail signposts; see link to the BRMC Trail Map below.)

It is about 2.5 miles from the trailhead to the overlook and the same distance back, for a total of about 5 miles. The trail a dirt, rocky in many places and steep, but generally clear of brush and well marked. Given breaks and the 800+ foot elevation gain, the hike should take at least 2 hours.

Immediately after the hike, Beverly Mill Historic Site is perhaps a half mile west of the trailhead along Beverly Mill Drive and is worth the extra half an hour to an hour to explore.

Where to meet: We will meet at the trailhead kiosk (where the trail crosses the railroad tracks), GPS = 38.824798,-77.706334.

How to get there: From the Capitol Beltway, I-495, take I-66 W towards Manassas/Front Royal and drive west about 24 miles. Take exit 40 for US-15 toward Haymarket and turn left to follow US-15 S/James Madison Highway for about a half mile. Turn right onto VA-55 W/John Marshall Highway and drive west for just over 2.5 miles. Turn right on Turner Road and take the first left onto Beverly Mill Drive. Follow Beverly Mill Drive almost to its end; on your left and right will be the Bull Run Conservancy buildings and the trailhead, respectively.

What to bring: Water and comfy shoes. Sorry, the new park use guidelines bans pets. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Bring your camera -- there's a fantastic view from the overlook! As a reminder, this is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.

Cost: None.

Administrative stuff:

There are no drinking fountains or restrooms at the trailhead! Fortunately there is a Sheetz in Haymarket at the corner of US-15 and VA-55, 15315 Washington Street, Haymarket, VA; and a McDonalds next door to the south. Cupcake Heaven is a little further south at 5125 Washington St Suite 100, Haymarket, VA 20169. Recommend you stop at one of these along the way to pick up a beverage and/or snack and drop off any donations (ahem).

You are asked to fill out a waiver form and drop it off at the trailhead. There may be no blank copies at the trailhead, so you may wish to print and fill one out before departing; see the link below.

Notes:

Bull Run Mountain Conservancy: http://www.brmconservancy.org/

BRMC Trail Map: http://tinyurl.com/9sztprd

Waiver Form: http://tinyurl.com/9xz8ncf

Beverly Mill Historic Site: http://www.chapmansmill.org/