The Big Rock

The Big Rock is located on Pohick Creek, accessible along the Fairfax Cross County Trail. It's pretty much known only to locals, from childhood memories. Let's beat the heat with an early, easy hike along Pohick Creek!

❶ What we'll do:

• From the entrance to the Cross County Trail (CCT) along the roadside of Lake Pleasant Drive, we'll walk along the CCT to Pohick Creek and follow it north, crossing over it at several points on stepping stones. At a T-junction in the trail just short of Hooes Road we'll turn back and retrace our steps to our starting point.
• The walk is out and back, 2.3 miles each way, for a total of 4.6 miles, and should take about 2 hours.
• The surface is a mix of gravel, dirt and paved paths. It's mostly flat but there's an incline here and there, yielding a total elevation gain of 230 feet. There are three low water crossings with stepping stones.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/3vyh5me2

❷ How to get there:

• From Fairfax County Parkway (VA-286/VA-7100), take the Rolling Road exit south to VA-286/638. Follow signs for Barta Road/VA-638 and continue south along Rolling Road (VA-638) to Edinburgh Drive and turn right (west). Take the very next right onto Lake Pleasant Drive and follow it around; it's a big counter-clockwise circle. See https://goo.gl/maps/pPRjQfTqKMW7CuJk9
• The entrance to the CCT is on the west side of the street along Lake Pleasant Drive, in between West Point Drive and King’s Point Court, immediately before the street address for the listing (8100 Lake Pleasant Drive), which is a private address. There is no parking lot, so parallel park anywhere along Lake Pleasant Drive.

>>> DO NOT PARK OR GATHER AT THE PRIVATE ADDRESS!! <<<

❸ What to bring: Plenty of water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 95F (83-87F during our visit). Light N winds and a 3-5% chance of showers. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/4vj29t2w

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: Sorry, there are no restrooms or water fountains at the trailhead. However, there are a couple of nearby spots to make a pit stop on your way to the hike:

• McDonald’s, 7909 Rolling Rd, Springfield, VA 22153 (at Fullerton and Rolling Roads)
• Starbucks, 8098 Rolling Rd, Springfield, VA 22153 (in Saratoga Shopping Center)