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Bull Run-Occoquan Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (25)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Northern Virginia
  4. …Manassas
  5. Bull Run Regional Park
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“A nicely maintained long distance trail between Bull Run Regional Park and Fountainhead Regional Park. ”

Jeffrey Edmonds
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Map Key

17.9

Miles

28.8

KM

Point to Point

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.

Description

Whether training for a long-distance thru-hike 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, hikers 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 hiked 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

Land Manager: Northern Virginia Regional Parks

Shared By:

Jeffrey Edmonds
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 25 votes

#1

in Bull Run Regional Park

#789

Overall
  4.1 from 25 votes
5 Star
32%
4 Star
52%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bull Run Regional Park

#29

in Virginia

#789

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

View during winter.
Jan 23, 2016 near Buckhall, VA
Next to Bull Run on the Bull Run Occoquon Trail
Aug 19, 2017 near Buckhall, VA
Bull Run.
Jan 23, 2016 near Buckhall, VA
Early morning fog.
Jan 23, 2016 near Buckhall, VA
Early morning entrance from Fountain Head. Plenty of parking.
Jan 23, 2016 near Lake Ridge, VA
Enjoy great views of the reservoir along the Bull Run Occoquan Trail.
Nov 4, 2019 near Buckhall, VA

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May 25, 2024
Pete DeLuca
Oct 2, 2021
Damien D
Apr 18, 2021
Evan Uebel
1.5mi
Feb 13, 2021
Sunny Lee
Jan 30, 2021
Flat Foot Hiker
Jan 16, 2021
David Pantzer
Jan 3, 2021
Scott F
Aug 15, 2020
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