Bluebells on the Rappahannock

Let's go for a hike along the along the Rappahannock River and enjoy the Virginia Bluebells!

❶ What we'll do:

• From the Fall Hill/Normandy Ave parking lot, we'll hike northwest and upstream past the Virginia Outdoor Center along the Embrey Dam Trail, Quarry Road, and the Beach Trail bench to the second footbridge past the Mile 14 marker. From there we will turn around and retrace our steps to the Fall Hill Ave Parking Lot.
• The total hike is about 4 miles and should take no more than 2 hours. The surface is gravel road and dirt trails, a little rocky and uneven in places but relatively flat. This is an easy hike.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/mrx4sd2e

❷ How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway, follow I-95 S for 36.5 miles and take Exit 133A right to US-17 BUS S/Warrenton Rd. Follow US-17 BUS S/Warrenton Rd for 4.2 miles and turn right onto US-1 S/US-17 BUS S/Cambridge St. Follow US-1 S/US-17 BUS S/Cambridge St for 0.7 miles and turn right onto Fall Hill Ave. Follow Fall Hill Ave for almost 0.6 miles. The parking lot will be on your left, just past Normandy Ave and before the canal bridge. There are only 9 spaces in the parking lot, so if it is full, you can parallel park along Normandy or Linden Avenues. See https://maps.app.goo.gl/nnNpnc8Ge2TvfSVa8

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. (Leashes, please.) Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended, and maybe a light snack. It's early yet, but consider bug spray.

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 87F (73-79F during our hike). Winds SSW at 7-9 mph. A very slight chance of showers at start, falling off. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/fc3mjxew

❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Administrative stuff: There is a restroom (porta-john) at the parking lot and a few across the street near the Virginia Outdoor Center. For a more civilized pit stop near the trailhead, see notes below.

❼ Notes:

• FredTrails Fredericksburg Quarry trail map: https://fredtrails.org/trails/fredericksburg-quarry/
• The Story of the Rappahannock Canal: https://tinyurl.com/39z8x5uj
• Fas Mart, 501 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• McDonald's, 1212 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401