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Let's go for a hike at Conway Robinson State Forest and Brawner Farm! It's the 164th Anniversary of the Battle of Second Manassas, and there will be a historic weapons demonstration at Brawner Farm.

❶ What we'll do: This is a two-part event; a 3.1-mile loop at Conway Robinson State Forest, followed by a 1.3-mile loop at Brawner Farm.

  • Conway Robinson State Forest. We'll start at 9:10 am from the parking lot and hike clockwise along the Blue Trail. It's 3.1 miles through a mixture of pine and old growth hardwood forest. The surface is dirt, relatively flat, and the hike should take about an hour.
  • After completing the Conway Forest hike, hikers will reembark and drive to the Brawner Farm parking area. To get there, exit the parking lot and turn left on US-29 N/Lee Hwy. At the next traffic light, turn left on Pageland Lane. Drive north on Pageland Lane and take the first right turn to enter Brawner Farm parking area. See https://goo.gl/maps/ehz3pAGSTnn
  • Brawner Farm. At Brawner Farm, we'll depart from the parking lot and hike to the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center to watch a 30-minute historic weapons demonstration starting at 11:00 am. Before or after the demonstration, as time allows, we will hike the Brawner Loop Trail; about 1.3 miles. Afterwards we will return to the parking lot. The surface is paved from the parking area to the Brawner Farmhouse; the rest is mown grass.
  • Google map: https://tinyurl.com/nhz4xypz

❷ How to get there:

  • From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take Exit 49A to I-66 W, following signs for Front Royal. Drive 21.5 miles along I-66 W and take Exit 43B for US-29 N/Lee Hwy. Turn right onto US-29 N/Lee Hwy. At the first traffic light (University Blvd), turn left to enter the Conway Robinson State Forest parking lot and park. See https://goo.gl/maps/5rrJqArtGvt
  • Sorry, this is not a Metro-accessible hike.

❸ What to bring: Water and comfy shoes. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Leashed dogs are permitted, but because of the weapons demonstration, your furry friend should probably stay home.

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 85F, with 4-5 mph NNE winds and a very slight chance of showers. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/y4hqy4kx

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: Restrooms are located at Brawner Farm parking area and at Stuart's Hill and Henry Hill Visitor Centers (the last two open at 10:00 am and 8:30 am, respectively). Because Conway Forest has no facilities, you may want to make a civilized pit stop en route to the hike (there is a Sheetz across the street).

❼ Notes:

Related topics

Events in Gainesville, VA

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