Get spacey at Cub Run

Say, our map of past hikes is astonishingly devoid of pins out near Chantilly, so let's get out there and go hiking along Cub Run! Afterwards, since we're in the area, those interested can check out the nearby Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum!

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/a/3/2/600_387931282.jpeg

The route: From the meeting point in the Cub Run RECenter parking lot, we’ll take the path leading west to a T junction in the trail. From there we’ll hike two legs, one to the north and one to the south:

• For the north leg, we’ll head north from the T-junction along Cub Run Trail, take the right path at a fork and walk to a footbridge. Then we'll walk back to the fork and follow the left path across a footbridge and stepping stones to a neighborhood cul-de-sac. Then we'll walk back to the T-junction.

• For the south leg, we’ll head south from the T-junction along the paved path, carefully crossing Old Lee Road, and continuing to the bridge at Flatlick Branch, where we’ll turn around and retrace our steps to the T-junction. At the T-junction, we'll retrace our steps to the RECenter.

This hike has two out-and-back legs for a total of about 5.2 miles of smiles. Plan for about 2 hours, with time for a breaks. Most of the surface is paved asphalt, with a few stretches of gravel, and no significant elevation changes.

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/mootl7b

How to get there: From the I-495 Beltway (either direction), take exit 49 for I-66 W towards Manassas/Front Royal and drive about 11.5 miles. Take exit 53B for VA-28 N/Sully Road and drive north about 2.5 miles. Take the Willard Road exit, turn left on Willard Road and drive about a mile, then turn left again onto Stonecroft Blvd. Cub Run RECenter is on the right.

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. The forecast is cloudy and a high of 82 degrees. As a reminder, this is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.

Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and drinking fountains at Cub Run RECenter. If you’d like to grab a coffee or make a pit stop before the hike, there’s also a Burger King and a McDonald’s in the shopping center northeast of Sully and Willard roads.

After the hike:

• If you would like a bite after the hike, Willard’s BBQ has 3.5 stars on Yelp and is on Willard Road, 1.5 miles east of the rec center along Willard Road.

• In addition/alternatively (since we're in the neighborhood anyway), the Smithsonian Air and Space Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center is 3.5 miles/6 minutes’ drive north of Cub Run RECenter along VA-28/Sully Road. Parking is $15 per car; otherwise, the museum is free. If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth spending an extra hour or so to visit. There is a McDonald's food court at the museum.

Notes:

• Cub Run RECenter, 4630 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA 20151, 703-817-9407, http://tinyurl.com/osyf5av

• Burger King, 4406 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151, 703-378-1653

• McDonald's, 4424 Brookfield Tower Drive, Chantilly, VA 22021, 703-378-9204

• Willard’s BBQ, 4300 Chantilly Shopping Center #1a, Chantilly, VA 20151, 703-488-9970, http://www.dcbbq.com/

• Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151, 202-633-1000, http://tinyurl.com/o763sqa