Bull Run Mountains Conservancy - Haymarket, Virginia


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Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping
6.2 mls N/A
Hiking Time:
Elev. Gain:
Links:
Notes:


Resources:
3.5 hours plus a half hour for lunch
850 ft
Bull Run Mountains Conservancy
All trail color references are per the post markers. The tree trail
     blazes are to be ignored in regard to these directions
Pets are NOT allowed on the hiking trails
Printable Topo Hike Map
Haymarket Weather Forecast
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From:

e.g. 12000 Government Center Parkway 22035 or Fairfax VA
Park at the main BRMC Welcome Center

The Bull Run Mountains Conservancy (BRMC) is owned by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), an agency of the Commonwealth. VOF leases 800 acres to the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy, Inc. (BRMC), for the purpose of environmental and historical education, research, natural resource management, and public access. This hiking area has many interconnecting trails leading to old mills, homesteads, and family grave sites. Please review the usage guidelines before visiting the preserve.

As one of the closest hikes to the Washington Metro area, this is one of our favorites, especially when the days are shorter in the winter months. The conservancy is also maintained by public support, so if you find the trails as rewarding as we have, please consider supporting the conservancy by becoming a member.

Start by passing through a pedestrian gate at the end of the parking area and immediately crossing the railroad tracks. Turn left and follow the black marked Fern Hollow Trail for a short distance before coming to the first trail junction marked with a white disk.

Stay left crossing a small wooden footpath before coming to your next trail that enters from the right. This green marked side trail leads to the Chapman Graveyard (sign description) in 100ft. Continuing straight on the trail you will immediately pass the ruins of the Chapman House and Ice Storage Pit. Continue straight for another hundred yards and arrive at Beverley Mill (sign description). Note: The mill is not part of the BRMC area.

Continue straight, past the brown marked Quarry Trail, and descend to the ruins of the second mill in another 400ft. At this point turn right uphill continuing on the black marked Fern Hollow Trail as it ascends for 0.6 miles where it ends at the junction of the blue Ridge Trail.

Turn left as the blue trail ascends, then heads right, following Bull Run Ridge. In 1.0 miles arrive at the intersection of the red Ridge Loop Trail, that descends to the right.

Turn right downhill for 0.8 miles on the red marked Ridge Loop Trail, as it descends to the valley floor and intersection of the blue marked Old Quarry Trail and small creek.

Turn left on the brown blazed trail crossing the creek and in 0.1 miles there is a small trash dump on your right side. Continue straight following the orange trail and creek for another 0.1 miles at which point several blow downs cross the trail and it then appears to disappear. Cross the creek and the trail will now follow the creek on the left hand side for another 0.1 miles before arriving at the old quarry. Cross the creek again and enjoy the great stone benches. To continue retrace you steps back down the creek past the trash dump, to the last intersection.

Now continue straight on the brown marked trail for 0.1 miles where the trail branches, veer left and in a short distance the trail branches again with the purple marked Catlett Trail turning left and the yellow Dawson's Trail continuing straight. Stay straight on the Dawson's Trail and in 0.1 miles arrive at the junction of the white marked Mountain Road Trail.

Turn left on the white trail crossing the creek in 100 yards and ascend a long straight section before passing a side trail that leads to an old homestead on your left. Continue straight and in 100 ft arrive at the intersection of the green marked East End Trail.

Turn right downhill following the green marked trail for 0.6 miles where you will cross the railroad tracks. In another 0.3 miles, and just past a small stand of pine trees emerge on Beverly Mill Road. Turn right following the road for 0.4 miles back to the Mountain House and parking area.

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Hiker Reviews For The Bull Run Conservancy Hike (5 Most Recent)
Review the Bull Run Conservancy hike here!   Average Review Rating:

By: Rating: Date of Hike: Saturday, November 28, 2009
This was the 1st time in over 20 years that I hiked a trail and was an excellent one for starters.  The trails at times were a little questionable, as they weren't always clear, but as long as you follow the map it's okay.  The climb isn't difficult at all, I barely broke a sweat.  The Quarry trail after a period of time was unclear and therfore I turned around because I was afraid of being lost.  Very beautiful scenery, privacy in the morning, and the trails at times follow along a pretty stream.  Has Civil War history as well if you're into that.  Overall a nice day, even with some muddy trails along the way.  Just make sure to wear waterproof footwear and have a daypack and you'll have a nice time.

By: Brian Rating: Date of Hike: Sunday, November 08, 2009

Couldn't have asked for better weather.  BRMC is one of my favorite local hikes.  The trails were crowded, but that was expected on such a gorgeous November afternoon.  I was disappointed by the new signs on the Ridge Trail that warn of trespassing as you continue up to Elvis Rock.  No one (including myself) heeded the signs, however, and there was quite a few people taking in the remains of the autumn colors from the ridgeline.  I hope the signs and what looks like some clearing of trees isn't a glimpse of future development etc.   

Overall, a great hike though.


By: Rating: Date of Hike: Sunday, November 08, 2009
I loved the fact that it took only 45 minutes to get here from Alexandria.  There were lots of cars in the parking area, but saw just a few people on the short loop we did with two three-year-olds.  A nice easy loop for kids is the Quarry Trail to Catlett's Trail and back on Mountain Road.  There is one stream crossing, but isn't too difficult even with the kids. There is a nice spot for picnicking near trail post #8 at the junction of the Quarry Trail and Ridge Trail.

The only downside is the noise from I-66 at the beginning of the hike. However, once you get into the woods a little farther, you don't hear it at all. Overall, a great half-day getaway from the city.


By: Chris Rating: Date of Hike: Saturday, July 04, 2009
Had a great hike with Sierra Club group. Perfect weather. Lots of flora and fauna, including a butterfly that liked boots and walking stick handles. The upper reach of Ridge Trail is now closed off so that the spectacular vista is off limits. Wonderful changes of topography and scenery. The unmarked graves of Civil War soldiers is a remarkable spot on Cattlet's Trail. Serene. Close in to DC and not crowded at all.

By: Nebraska Dan Rating: Date of Hike: Sunday, April 05, 2009
I took my folks on this hike in hopes of showing them the expansive views from Elvis Rock. I've hiked this trail multiple times last fall, but found an unwelcome development since my last trek. About a half-mile from Elvis Rock, a large wooden barricade has been installed across the trail, warning all that they are trespassing if they continue on the trail to the wonderful overlook. At the sight of such dire warnings, my folks (being good Midwesterners) did not want to intrude, so we turned around and enjoyed the trails along the streams. However, I noticed a distinct lack of people on this trail, despite the gorgeous weather today. I can't help but think that the unfriendly signs posted have had a noticeable impact upon the number of visitors at the Conservancy.

    View all 30 reviews for the Bull Run Conservancy hike
Mid September
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Early December
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