Difficult Run
Details
Actually, this isn't difficult, and we aren't going to run, either. Let's meet at historic Colvin Mill and take a hike along one of the Potomac River's tributaries!
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/9/b/e/600_121694782.jpeg
The route: From the parking lot at Colvin Mill, we’ll walk down the path past the mill and follow Colvin Mill Road southeast almost to the intersection with VA-7/Leesburg Pike. Instead of crossing the road we’ll continue east onto the Difficult Run Trail and follow it downstream, crossing VA-683/Leigh Mill Road and the stream on stepping stones in a couple places. At the VA-738/Old Dominion Drive Bridge we’ll turn around and retrace our steps to Colvin Run Mill.
This is an out-and-back hike of 5.6 miles of smiles. The trail consists of mostly dirt, a little pavement, some rocky sections, and a few water/fair-weather crossings. Aside from a few good hills, the trail is mostly level.
Google map: http://tinyurl.com/q3jr7f9
How to get there: From the I-495 Beltway take the 47A-B/VA-7/Leesburg Pike/Falls Church exit and follow signs for 47A/VA-7 W/Leesburg Pike towards Tysons Corner. Continue west along VA-7 W/Leesburg Pike for 5.7 miles and turn right onto Colvin Run Road. The entrance to the parking lot will be on the left after the turn.
What to bring: Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. 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 Colvin Mill. Although the parking lot is open, the Colvin Mill facilities do not open until 11:00 am, so make a pit stop at a fast food place along the way if need be.
Notes:
• Colvin Run Mill (703-759-2771): http://tinyurl.com/n5k8jdx
• Historical Marker (GPS: 38.97015 -77.293867): http://tinyurl.com/ktxhnjc
• McDonald’s, 8512 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703- 893-9802
• McDonald’s, 11265 Roger Bacon Drive,Reston, VA 20190(703) 437-1826