Name: Day Hike - Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve (9.5 Miles) + Pancho Villa
Start: 2025-11-23T08:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-23T16:00:00-05:00
Location: 4808 Franconia-Springfield Pkwy

Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve is part of a network of protected areas in Virginia that safeguard ecologically-significant sites. This 3,344-acre property features over 9 miles of trails, varied habitat types and wildlife, and waterfront views.

We will meet at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 8:00 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. **Carpooling is highly recommended as this is a popular area and there are only 18 parking spots at the trailhead.**

## **Trail Facts**

* **Difficulty Level:** Moderate
* **Length:** 9.5 Miles
* **Duration:** 3-4 hrs
* **Elevation Gain:** 676 Feet
* **Permits:** None.
* **Parking:** Franconia-Springfield Metro Station
* **Dogs:** Must be leashed and under control at all times.
* **Trailhead Coordinates:** 38.36203259419795, -77.34262028384255
* **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/nova-trailblazers-crow-s-nest-natural-area-preserve-70b8fe0?u=i&sh=kucj8c

**Trail Details:**

Our route through Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve will feature beautiful forest and wetland habitats and overlooks of Accokeek and Potomac Creeks. The park is home to bald eagles and other types of wildlife that we may see during our journey. If you have binoculars you may want to bring them so you can better take in the waterfront views. :)

On the way back, I plan to stop at Pancho Villa in Stafford, VA. The address is 155 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford, VA 22554.

**LIABILITY NOTICE:**
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​

If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost).​

See you on the trail!

**[Featured Image Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crow%27s_Nest_Natural_Area_Preserve#/media/File:Crowsnestaerial.JPG)**

Juanatán Molinero Káiser

NOVA Trailblazers - 20s - 40s Backpacking and Hiking

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Day Hike - Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve (9.5 Miles) + Pancho Villa

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