Early Fall on the Rappahannock

Let's go for a hike along the along the Rappahannock River! September 18th is National Pawpaw Day, so perhaps we'll see a few during our hike!

❶ What we'll do:

• From the Fall Hill/Normandy Ave parking lot, we'll hike northwest and upstream past the Virginia Outdoor Center along the Embrey Dam Trail, Quarry Road, and the Beach Trail to the USGS Water Gauge and return.
• The total hike is 4.2 miles, with 125 feet of elevation gain, and should take no more than 2 hours. The surface is gravel road and dirt trails, a little rocky and uneven in places but relatively flat. This is an easy hike.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/3et6e5sp

❷ How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway, follow I-95 S for 36.5 miles and take Exit 133A right to US-17 BUS S/Warrenton Rd. Follow US-17 BUS S/Warrenton Rd for 4.2 miles and turn right onto US-1 S/US-17 BUS S/Cambridge St. Follow US-1 S/US-17 BUS S/Cambridge St for 0.7 miles and turn right onto Fall Hill Ave. Follow Fall Hill Ave for almost 0.6 miles. The parking lot will be on your left, just past Normandy Ave and before the canal bridge. There are only 9 spaces in the parking lot, so if it is full, you can parallel park along Normandy or Linden Avenues. See https://maps.app.goo.gl/nnNpnc8Ge2TvfSVa8

❸ What to bring: 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 81F; 73-77F during our hike. Light E winds and a 7-12% chance of showers. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/fc3mjxew

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 restroom (porta-john) at the parking lot and a few across the street near the Virginia Outdoor Center. For a more civilized pit stop near the trailhead, see notes below.

❼ Notes:

• FredTrails Fredericksburg Quarry trail map: https://fredtrails.org/trails/fredericksburg-quarry/
• The Story of the Rappahannock Canal: https://tinyurl.com/39z8x5uj
• National Pawpaw Day: https://tinyurl.com/bdwrty6v
• McDonald's, 1212 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Giant Food, 1245 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Fas Mart, 501 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401