Bell’s Bird Sanctuary, Old Town Fairfax, and Daniel’s Run
Details
Who knew there was a bird sanctuary in Old Town Fairfax? Let's check it out, see a few sites in historic Old Town Fairfax, and hike through the woods along nearby Daniel's Run!
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The route: From the parking lot of the community center, we’ll walk north through Van Dyck Park to Accotink Creek, turn left, and follow the path upstream along the creek across University Drive and through Bell’s Bird Sanctuary. At Chain Bridge Road we’ll turn left and follow it uphill along the sidewalk to Main Street in Old Town Fairfax, crossing to the west side of the street at North Street along the way. At Main Street, we’ll cross over to the Old Fairfax Court House lawn, looking west for a glimpse of Truro Church steeple before continuing south in front of the court house. Directly in front of the Old Court House we’ll recross to the east side of Chain Bridge Road and walk north back to Main Street, where we’ll turn right, walk two blocks through Old Town to Old Lee Highway, turn left, and walk down the hill. At the intersection of Old Lee Highway and Farrcroft Drive we’ll enter the footpath to Daniel’s Run Park and follow it all the way through the park to Willcoxson Drive and return. Arriving back at the intersection of Old Lee Highway and Farrcroft Drive, we’ll turn right and walk one block north and return to our start point in the parking lot of Sherwood Community Center.
This is a modified circuit (loop) hike of 5.25 miles of smiles, and should take around 2 hours at a moderate pace. The path is a mix of paved paths, sidewalks and fine gravel. There’s a walk uphill into Old Town Fairfax and back down, and some gradual elevation changes along the trail, too. (Minor details may change after the prehike this coming week.)
Google map: http://tinyurl.com/nd79rde (There’s some notes about the historic buildings in Old Town Fairfax on the Google map, and I’ll point them out as we hike.)
Print map (pdf): http://tinyurl.com/msq7zdo
How to get there: From the I-495 Beltway (either direction), take exit 50A for US 50 W/Arlington Blvd towards Fairfax. After driving about 3 miles, take a slight right to enter the traffic circle and go almost all the way around the circle, following signs for Old Lee Highway. (DO NOT turn immediately right onto US-29 N/Lee Highway!) After exiting the traffic circle onto Old Lee Highway, follow Old Lee Highway southwest about 1.5 miles. The entrance to Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center will be on your right.
What to bring: Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen is recommended, and maybe insect repellent too. 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 Sherwood Community Center. We’ll also pass a Starbucks during the hike at 10344 Main Street.
After the hike: For those wanting a bite after the hike, Sisters Thai restaurant opens at noon on Saturdays in Old Town Fairfax. I’ve eaten there before and it is cozy but excellent. (Yelp 4.5 stars.) It is within a few blocks’ walking distance of the community center, so after finishing Daniel’s Run, those going to lunch can walk directly there (we'll call ahead), while those heading elsewhere can walk the last block to the parking lot.
Notes:
• Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA, (703) 385-1695, http://tinyurl.com/pokvlru
• Starbucks, 10344 Main Street, Fairfax, VA, (703) 383-5870
• Sisters Thai, 4004 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, (703) 267-9619, http://www.sistersthai.com/