Neabsco Creek Boardwalk and Rippon Lodge

Let's go for a walk on the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk! Afterwards, we'll visit Rippon Lodge, one of the oldest known homes in Prince William County.

❶ What we'll do:

• From the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk parking area we'll hike south to the boardwalk entrance and follow the boardwalk to the south end overlook, with a diversion along the way to visit the overlook adjacent to Blackburn Road. From the south end overlook we'll continue south to make a loop on the Julie Metz Wetlands Trail, returning to the south end overlook, where we'll retrace our steps along the boardwalk to the parking area.
• The Neabsco Boardwalk hike is a modified loop of about 3 miles and should take a little over an hour at a moderate pace, with maybe some extra time for photography. The hike route is fairly level throughout and mostly paved or boardwalk; the Julie Metz Wetlands Trail is boardwalk and dirt paths.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/yyn48psn
• After the Neabsco Boardwalk hike, those wishing to visit Rippon Lodge can return to their cars, exit the parking lot, and drive across Blackburn Road along Admiral Black Drive to Rippon Lodge. (Or you can walk up to the lodge and back; an extra half mile.) We'll spend at most an hour touring the grounds. (There is also a house tour available that is not included.)
• Rippon Lodge was built ca. 1747 by Richard Blackburn, an immigrant from Ripon, England. His son, Lt. Col. Thomas Blackburn, enlarged the house in 1800. Judge Wade Ellis expanded Rippon Lodge to its current size during the early 1920s.
• The tour of the grounds is about a mile of garden and forest paths, with seven historical markers. Touring the grounds is free; house tours are on the hour starting at 11:00 am and cost $5 for adults and $3 for active military. See the Rippon Lodge website linked below for details.

❷ How to get there: From Interstate 95, take Exit 156 (78 E/Dale Boulevard) toward Rippon Landing. Follow Rippon Boulevard across Richmond Hwy/Route 1. Turn right onto Blackburn Road. Travel 1/4 mile and turn left at Admiral Black Drive to enter the parking area. See https://goo.gl/maps/sABrB7eKicxuGn1t8

❸ What to bring: Plenty of water and comfy shoes. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray are recommended.

❹ Weather: The forecast is mostly sunny and a high of 97F; 81-88F during our visit. Winds SW at 4-5 mph and a very slight chance of showers. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/y4b6humb

❺ 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 allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Administrative stuff: There is a portable restroom at the Neabsco Creek parking area and restrooms at Rippon Lodge. There is no running water at Neabsco Creek.

❼ Notes:

• Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191. https://tinyurl.com/2nkymaj6
• Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge VA 22191, 703-499-9812 or 703-792-4754. https://tinyurl.com/yc4c8r2n