Day Hike - Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve (7.5 Miles) + Quattro Goombas

Banshee Reeks, designated as a Virginia State Treasure in 2016, is a 695-acre nature preserve located near Leesburg, VA. Protected under a permanent conservation easement, the property's 20 miles of hiking trails allow visitors to observe the diversity of flora and fauna that call the preserve home.

We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 45 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Length: 7.5 Miles
• Duration: 3-4 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 466 Feet
• Permits: None
• Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
• Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
• Trailhead Coordinates: 39.028277603032315, -77.5997077224149
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-february-16-2025-f4f691a?u=i&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

Our route through Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will showcase varied habitat types, including meadows, forests, and wetlands. We will pass by Goose Creek, a State Scenic River, two small ponds, and a few of the structures that were used when this property was a farm. Depending on time and interest, we can stop by the Visitor Center before or after the hike to chat with the friendly staff and check out the exhibits. If you'd like to learn more about Banshee Reeks and its history, please visit: https://bansheereeksnp.org/

If you end up driving, the trailhead coordinates will take you to the main parking lot, which is about 5 minutes into the preserve after you pass through the entrance gate. If for some reason that lot is full then you can park in the overflow lot, which you will pass on your drive in. There is a restroom available inside the Visitor Center for you to use both before and after the hike.

On the way back, I plan to stop at Quattro Goombas Winery and Craft Brewery in Aldie, VA. The address is 22860 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105.

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm) We do 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're also not experts or 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 events. Be sure to choose to attend 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. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost

Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity.

FEATURED IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.angelinamlopez.com/blog/2014/11/4/banshee-reeks-nature-preserve