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A nicely maintained long distance trail between Bull Run Regional Park and Fountainhead Regional Park.


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Map Key

17.9

Miles

28.8

KM

96%

Runnable

294' 90 m

High

125' 38 m

Low

1,531' 467 m

Up

1,467' 447 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The gates at both entrances are supposed to open at first light.

Overview

This is an undulating trail along the Bull Run River with a few road crossings. The southern portion of the trail is a bit hillier than the beginning. The trail is usually well-marked with blue marks on the trees.

Runner Notes

A few roots and rocks occasionally.

Description

Whether training for a long-distance thru-run or looking for an all-day point-to-point adventure, the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail is your best option in the greater DC area. As shown, runners should plan on getting a ride back to the starting point or setting up a shuttle.

Expect a good amount of ups and downs with a total of over 1,500' of elevation gain through the entire trail. It can be rund in either direction, with the higher sections to the south and lower sections in the north and middle. Passing through a couple parks, there are a few access points but not too many which adds to the remote feeling of this stretch of trail.

Given the proximity to Bull Run and its joining creeks, sections of the trail can be pretty muddy especially if it has rained recently. There are also sections of rocky tread that require careful footing, especially for folks moving quickly along the trail.

Flora & Fauna

Waterfowl along the river.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jeffrey Edmonds

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 26 votes

#705

Overall
  4.2 from 26 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#25

in Virginia

#705

Overall
39 Views Last Month
8,341 Since Jan 23, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Sat here watching the birds and squirrels for almost 30 minutes.
Nov 1, 2024 near Buckhall, VA
Next to Bull Run on the Bull Run Occoquon Trail
Aug 19, 2017 near Buckhall, VA
View during winter.
Jan 23, 2016 near Buckhall, VA
A good place to eat lunch!
Nov 1, 2024 near Yorkshire, VA
From the trail looking towards the route 28 overpass.
Nov 1, 2024 near Yorkshire, VA
Bull Run.
Jan 23, 2016 near Buckhall, VA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 23 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 26, 2019
Bradley Hawley
Out and back 9mi — 1h 40m
Aug 11, 2019
Brea Silberbauer
2.1mi
Jun 30, 2019
Mark N
Oct 7, 2018
David Eastman
Straight from Dulles to the Trails. Lovely and muddy and slick. Finished with a swim in creek near the Bull Run Park Trailhead 7mi
Jul 14, 2018
Andrea Lowe
13.2mi
Jun 28, 2018
Chris Kroehler
10mi — 1h 46m
May 5, 2018
Dave H
Good morning trail run, be sure to get here and park before the winery opens outside Hemlock Park 8mi
Nov 15, 2017
Emily Eiland
Autumn leaves covering roots, rocks and holes. Recent rain had left slippery areas. Overall a challenging run. 12mi
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