Walney Farm and Big Rocky Run

Let’s go for a hike through historic Walney Farm and along Big Rocky Run!

From 1742 until it became county parkland in 1971, Walney was farmed by only three families: Brown/Lewis, Machen and Lawrence. Today, exhibits and programs tell the story of those families, the American Indians that were here before them, and the natural history of the park.

The route: The hike is divided into two segments, both starting from the parking lot on the west side of Walney Rd/SR-657, just south of Cabell's Mill.

For the first segment, we’ll head west into E.C. Lawrence Park to hike four linked loops; Creek/Ridge, Historic/Walney Grounds, North/Walney, and Wild Turkey trails, arriving back at our meetup point after hiking about 2.86 miles. This segment is mostly dirt paths through gently rolling, forested hills, with a few footbridges and steps. Along our way we’ll slow down a bit to tour the grounds of historic Walney Farm, including the stone farmhouse, icehouse, smokehouse, dairy, and other outbuildings.

For the second segment, we’ll hike east along Big Rocky Run Trail to Granite Rock Dr and return, about 2.14 miles. This segment is paved, cleared paths throughout, fairly level, and a nice trail to step it out a bit.

The total hike is 5 miles of smiles, pretty easy going, and should take around 2.5 hours, since we will slow down a little while exploring Walney Farm.

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/o3l987m

How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take I-66 W and drive 12 miles. Take exit 53B onto VA-28 N/Sully Rd, drive north about 0.3 miles, and turn right onto Walney Rd/VA-657 at the sign that reads “Walney Visitor Center.” About 0.2 miles along you will see parking lots on both sides of the road. Park in the left parking lot if you can, since that is our meetup point. Otherwise, park in the big parking lot on the right; the Cabell’s Mill buildings are at the far (north) side of that parking lot.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/6/4/8/600_439114376.jpeg

** NB: Walney Rd is closed for construction between Westfields Blvd and Mariah Ct, north of our meetup point. You can still access our meetup point as described above from VA-28 N/Sully Rd, or from Poplar Tree Rd or Cabell's Mill Dr. **

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

Weather: The forecast is cloudy and a high of 77 degrees, with a 58% chance of rain, decreasing in the afternoon. Expected rainfall accumulation is 0.15 inch. Updates here: http://tinyurl.com/bo3gw

Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is permitted in this group.

Administrative stuff: There is a portable restrooms at the trailhead and indoor restrooms at Walney Visitor Center, 0.5 miles north of the trailhead. There are also commercial facilities at nearby Fair Lakes Shopping Center, northwest of the I-66/VA-286 interchange (exit 55). There are several restaurants there for lunch after the hike, if desired.

Notes:

• Cabell’s Mill, 5235 Walney Rd, Centreville, VA 20151. (Buildings are not open to the public.)

• Walney Visitor Center, E.C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151, 703-631-0013. The visitor center is open 9 am - 3 pm on July 4 (normally 12 - 5 pm on weekends), and the grounds are open dawn until dusk. http://tinyurl.com/pfqr8pw

• E.C. Lawrence park history: http://tinyurl.com/o38fcww

• E.C. Lawrence park trailmap (pdf): http://tinyurl.com/p7sluvg

• Fairfax News article about Walney Rd closure: http://tinyurl.com/pamtcdf

• Fairfax County Parks Authority, "Park Access Not Impacted By Road Closure," http://tinyurl.com/ofel5wf