Meadowood Recreation Management Area (Rating: D)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, 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: about 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Hike pace: about 2.0 - 2.5 mph
Restrooms: Port-a-potty in parking lot
Entrance fee: None
No dogs, please.

Let's wrap up 2025 with a morning hike through a lesser known but beautiful part of Fairfax County! We'll hike on the north section of Meadowood (the hiking and mountain biking section), through beech-oak woods in Mason Neck on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management under the Department of the Interior. We'll start at the Mason Neck Gateway parking lot (also known as the Mountain Bike Parking lot) on Gunston Road. We will hike the South Branch Loop Trail. I'm a wildlife biologist, so I may stop to point out wildlife, trees, and other natural things. The terrain is hilly. Light hiking footwear is sufficient. The trail may be muddy in sections. Bring water and a snack. We'll have a short snack break halfway through the hike. Please arrive around 8:50 to check in with the leader. Trail map: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-02/Meadowoood%20SRMA%20Trail%20Map.pdf