LGBT Community Building Hike #3: Bull Run Mtns! (Moderate 5.5 miles, 700' Gain)

Hiya!

We are building community and we are building our knowledge of parks other than Shenandoah!

This hike is a moderate 5.5-mile traipse with about 700’ of elevation gain in the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. The hike will begin at the parking lot on Beverly Mill Road (Found here: 38°49'30.5"N 77°42'14.9"W, or search "Bull Run Mountains Conservancy" in Google Maps, or use the address 17502 Beverley Mill Drive, Broad Run, VA 20137 to get there. Parking lot is ~700’ from the trailhead on the left side of the road) and will essentially cover three trail loops in the park: the Fern Hollow Loop, Dawson’s Trail, and Beech Ridge Loops. This is a relatively small park with short trails, but it is the only place you can publicly access the Bull Run Mountains. We plan to move at a pace between 1.5 and 2 mph and we’ll break for lunch around 2.5 miles into the hike. We’ll also take breaks for rest and water along the way. Lastly, when the hike is done, we hope you join us for a beer at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run (https://www.thefarmbreweryatbroadrun.com/).

We hope to see you on the trail!

HIKE INFO:

This park is the only publicly accessible area of the Bull Run Mountains, which are those little hillocks you first see while driving west on I-66. More information about the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve and the folks who maintain it can be found here: https://www.vof.org/protect/reserves/bull-run-mountains/

FAQ:

1. Is this hike only open to LGBT people?

No way! This hike is open to anyone and everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. LMH hikes are open to everyone and will always be open to everyone.

2. What is the purpose of this event?

This event is intended to build community among LGBT people in general and make sure queer hikers know they are welcome in LMH. This will build community in LMH at large.

3. Can I join this event if I do not identify as LGBT?
Yes! Of course! We would love for you to come out and enjoy the woods with us, regardless of how you identify.

4. Will there be beer?

There WILL be beer!

5. Are we only going to talk about queer topics on the hike?

Nope! We might talk more about queer topics, but we’ll probably cover all our old standbys just the same: all the ways to roll an ankle, what we brought for lunch today, and wildly misidentifying bird calls/animal tracks/wildflowers/tree species/cloud formations.

6. I’m not out yet and I’m concerned about leaving a digital trail for people acting in bad faith. Can I still join this event?

Yes, absolutely. Please contact Evan via Meetup messages and we can discuss how to get you on the hike in a way that preserves our membership policies and your privacy.

7. LMH? More like LGBTQMH, am I right?

You know it! It’s just like we say to homophobes; every time you complain about a letter, we add three more!

CARPOOLING:

We encourage those with cars to carpool others to the trailhead - you're the ones who make LMH great!

If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:

(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time (recommended departure time from DC is 9:00 AM) (Isn’t that nice? A truly late morning hike!)

As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.

BACKGROUNG INFO ABOUT LMH:

Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers. We expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.

We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be careful to choose hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Always act safely and responsibly.

LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link: (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0)