All Things Occoquan

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Hi Blog! 

Now that the Arlington Scrantons are Vilnius Scrantons, we find ourselves alone in Virginia for the first time in two years. After yesterday's paddle, we decided to visit an old friend - The Bull Run Occoquan Trail. During our numerous stays in Bull Run Regional Park, we have hiked various section of the trail. Today, we planned to hike a new section -- about four miles out and back from the Bull Run Marina.  

We didn't know anything about this section of the trail. We were surprised to learn it passes right next to an enslaved burial ground.

The Woodyard family, which owned the farmland in this area during the 1800's, had a record of two slaves at the time of the Civil War. There is no way to determine who is buried here, but researchers are certain based on the circular nature of the ground and the head and foot stones that this was a graveyard for slaves.

After paying our respects, we continued down the trail until we reached the banks of Bull Run. After all the rain this year, the stream is full and chocolate brown.

There is nothing flat about the Bull Run Occoquan Trail. While it does follow Bull Run, it meanders up and down various drainages. Our next view of Bull Run included cattails and a turtle.

A heron found a snag in the middle of the creek to perch and wait for lunch to pass by.

We crossed a number of creeks winding their way down to Bull Run. The heavy rains have cleared a wide path.

The stream valley was originally inhabited by the Indians of Taux or Doag group of the Powhatan Confederacy, who rapidly succumbed to the advance of European settlement. Their word “Occoquan” means “at the end of the water.” Early English colonists gave Bull Run its name, applying the name “rundle” or “run” to streams not affected by tide and thereby running in one direction. 

The 17-mile trail rises over steep wooded hillsides, winds through deep ravines and crosses numerous streams and flood plains. Below, Kathy poses on the opposite side of one of those numerous streams.

On our last view of Bull Run, we spied a boat dock across the creek. 

It was a hot and humid hike. We built up a powerful thirst. After returning to the trailhead, we drove over to the historic town of Occoquan. Our first stop was the Cock and Bowl Belgian Bistro. We sat in their lovely, shaded beer garden and enjoyed our Belgian Triples. Kathy feasted on Alpine style mussels, while Dave enjoyed a delicious veggie sandwich on sourdough bread.

After lunch, we strolled down to the banks of the Occoquan River. As we watched a paddler float under the Occoquan Footbridge, we noticed a waterfall on the far side of the bridge.

Who can resist a waterfall? Not Dave. He was the first one to reach the top of the falls. The water comes right out of the side of the hill.

Click the link:

From our position at the top of the falls, they were very impressive -- and noisy, as this video shows! 

From the footbridge, we could see upstream toward the first of three dams on the Occoquan. The town of Occoquan sits at the base of the falls. The falls mark the "Fall Line," which is the dividing line between the coastal plain and the foothills of the mountains.

By 1765, American colonists had established an industrial settlement at Occoquan, with grist mills and tobacco warehouses. The Merchant's Mill was the first automated grist mill in the nation. Today, it is a restored artists' community, with shops, outdoor dining, ghost walks, a town boat dock and more. A number of structures in town, including many in the downtown commercial area, are part of the Occoquan Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Looking down on the old mill is the Rockledge Mansion. Rockledge actually predates the town of Occoquan, as it was built in 1758 for John Ballendine, who established the first mill here. Ballendine was friends with George Mason and George Washington. While the mansion is impressive, we preferred the cottage in front.

There are a number of cute shops in the historic buildings along Mill Street. After some Christmas shopping, it was time to head back to camp. 

Mischief managed!