Fall Colors at Silver Lake Regional Park

Let's enjoy the colorful Fall leaves at Silver Lake Regional Park!

❶ What we'll do:

• From the parking lot in front of the Activity Center we'll go for an initial snoop/photo op of the lake while we're all fresh, and to allow time for any stragglers to arrive. Then we will hike west along Silver Lake Road, make a counterclockwise loop around the lake and quarry on the south side of the park, and return to our start point. After a pit stop, if needed, we'll go for a clockwise loop around the north side of the park and return to our starting point to complete the hike.
• The total distance is around 3.5 to 4 miles and should take no more than 2 hours. The surface is gravel/dirt paths, with maybe a couple of muddy spots, with gentle hills. This is a fairly easy hike.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/4uzbmxbz

❷ How to get there:

• The street address is 15800 Silver Lake Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169.
• From the Capital Beltway, take I-66 W for 23 miles to US-15 S in Haymarket. Take exit 40 from I-66 W. Follow VA-55 W, Antioch Rd, and Silver Lake Rd for another 3.6 miles to the park's parking lot. For more detailed directions, see https://maps.app.goo.gl/pnKAwN1ryymrUPbb6

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. (Leashes, please.) Sunscreen and the layered look are recommended.

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 60F, with a very slight chance of showers and light NNE winds. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/3ay2z45p

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 are restrooms at the parking lot and at the picnic area on the south side of the lake. All are portajohns; there are permanent restrooms at the parking lot but the may be locked for the season. There are a couple of likely commercial spots in Haymarket for a more civilized pit stop on your way to the hike. See addresses below.

❼ Notes:

• Silver Lake Regional Park, 15800 Silver Lake Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169, (703) 792-8320, https://www.pwcva.gov/department/silver-lake-regional-park
• Sheetz, 15315 Washington St, Haymarket, VA 20169
• McDonald's, 6740 Lea Berry Way, Haymarket, VA 20168
• Starbucks, 6422 Trading Sq, Haymarket, VA 20169
• El Vaquero West, 14910 Washington St, Haymarket, VA 20169