Workhouse to Occoquan and Bunnyman Brewing (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf ](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

DISTANCE: ~ 7 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: ~ 600 feet
PACE: ~ 2.5-3 mph
TRAILS: Dirt and paved, uneven surfaces with roots
MEET: Picnic tables across from the big green barn as you come in the entrance closest to Workhouse Rd. Arrive by 8:45am to check in.
RESTROOMS: None at hike start, restrooms at snack break
PARK FEE: None
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
POST-HIKE: Bunnyman Brewing in the Workhouse Campus
LEADER: Kris N. (618) 623-2484

We will be hiking on a mix of dirt trails and paved blacktop walking paths from the Workhouse into Occoquan Regional Park, with an additional mile on the Slaughterhouse Loop Trail behind the Workhouse. There are a couple hills in Occoquan Regional Park where you may want your poles, plus the Slaughterhouse Loop hill at the end. We'll have a short snack and restroom break at Occoquan Regional Park. Please arrive by 8:45am so that we can get everyone checked in and start on time.

History: The Occoquan Workhouse (later known as Lorton Prison) opened in 1910 as a self-sustaining, open prison with a working farm and railroad. This eventually grew into the 3,000 acre Lorton Prison complex, which expanded to include women's and youth facilities and a Nike missile site. The suffragists who fought for women's voting rights were imprisoned here and force-fed, which was considered the turning point in passing the 19th amendment. While the prison opened as a model facility during the Progressive Era, it closed in 2001 with a history of overcrowding, riots, gangs and drugs. We'll pass the Turning Point Suffrage Memorial, located within Occoquan Regional Park.

Post-hike rehydration for those interested at the Bunnyman Brewing Cafe, located within the Workhouse Arts Center campus. They offer a full lunch menu as well as beer, usually wine and cider, and other non-alcoholic beverages including coffee.

How to get there: From I-95 South, exit 163. At the end of the exit ramp take a right onto Lorton Rd. Follow Lorton Rd for 2.1 miles then turn left on to Workhouse Road. In 0.5 miles turn left at the sign for the Workhouse. Then take the first right and park (one of the North Parking lots). I'll be at the picnic tables across from the big green barn. Please arrive by 8:45 am so we can get everyone checked in and start on time.