Hiking Southeast Along Bull Run

Monday, May 10, 2021 

Hi Blog!

We've done several hikes along Bull Run from our campground to Highway 28. Today, we decided to drive to the trailhead on Highway 28 and continue to follow Bull Run as it makes its way to the Occoquan River. 

Here we are at the stairs leading down to the trail. Last year, when we camped in this area, the trail crew had just started to work on these stairs

As we started our hike, it was evident that spring has sprung. Honeysuckle and primrose line the trail.

We were expecting our hike today along Bull Run to be similar to what we had done in the past. However, we were surprised with how often the trail left Bull Run and climbed to the height of land looking down on Bull Run. We crossed a number of drainages and had lots of climbs and downhills. Some drainage crossings had bridges and others did not.

We noticed a side trail leading to an overlook. We came upon a huge lean-to, complete with a bench seat. Kathy wasted no time taking advantage of the rest area.

The morning started cloudy, cool and breezy. By the time we started our hike, the sun was just peeking out. The dappled sunlight and dancing leaves followed us down the trail.

Sometimes, when you walk in the woods, you just have to sit down and take it all in.  These stumps looked like they were designed for this!

A short side trail took us right down to the banks of Bull Run.

We took a little time to watch the small fish swim by. The stream bed rocks in the shallow stretches were covered with fresh water mussels.

This has to be one of the most unique stream crossings we have encountered. Little Rocky Run starts up in Fairfax and meanders its way down to Bull Run. Here, concrete pillars were placed in the stream bank, allowing hikers to leap their way across the run.

While we didn't find many fun guys on this hike, we did find this really cool tree.

We noticed red horseshoe blazes on a number of trees. We later learned there is a red trail loop hike which starts at the Hemlock Overlook Regional Park. Most of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail is open to horseback riding. However, we saw no evidence that horseback riders actually use the trail.

After three miles, we found a nice secluded area to have our picnic lunch.

The brisk wind brought down some tulip poplar flowers.

Much of the time we are hiking, we are enjoying the sights and sounds around us. When something catches our eye, we stop and investigate. This tree stump is just such a subject that called out to be photographed.  The cut face of the stump was nearly white!

There were a number of Civil War battles fought along Bull Run. Two major battles were fought in Manassas along Bull Run. However, further downstream there were also a number of skirmishes. The trail passed next to an earthen fort used by Union Troops to protect a ford across Bull Run.

As the day warmed, the tree frogs became more active. This little guy just barely avoided becoming one with the trail.

We didn't notice this little guy on our way out. The Inuksuk is a popular trail marker in Canada, Greenland and Alaska.

We will be traveling back to Pennsylvania this week. However, we will return to Bull Run next month and hope to explore more of the Occoquan Trail. Stay tuned!