Bull Run Occoquan Trail
A scenic, hilly forest trail along the river, featuring historical Civil War earth forts and diverse flora.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors, cooler temps
Bull Run Occoquan Trail
Best Time
Peak fall colors, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic, hilly forest trail along the river, featuring historical Civil War earth forts and diverse flora.
"Nice hiking trail with lots of hills and above-ground tree roots, so tread carefully!"
👟 Wear Good Grip Shoes
Lots of hills & tree roots; good grip is essential to avoid slips.
🗺️ Download Offline Map
Network can be spotty, so an offline map is a smart move.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Forest Scenery
Immerse yourself in a lush, green forest with the gentle sound of the river. Perfect for a peaceful escape.
Civil War Earth Forts
Discover remnants of history along the trail, offering a glimpse into the past.
Vibrant Fall Colors
Experience breathtaking autumn foliage painting the landscape in stunning hues.
Abundant Flora and Fauna
Spot unique plants like striped wintergreen and Mayapples, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tread Carefully: Trail Conditions
Timing is Key for Parking & Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Good Grip Shoes
Lots of hills & tree roots; good grip is essential to avoid slips.
🗺️ Download Offline Map
Network can be spotty, so an offline map is a smart move.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Riverbank is great for breaks.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Keep dogs on a leash to respect other hikers and wildlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Good Grip Shoes
Lots of hills & tree roots; good grip is essential to avoid slips.
🗺️ Download Offline Map
Network can be spotty, so an offline map is a smart move.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Riverbank is great for breaks.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Keep dogs on a leash to respect other hikers and wildlife.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Bull Run Occoquan Trail for its beautiful natural scenery, diverse plant life, and historical remnants. It's a popular spot for dog walking and family outings, offering a good workout with its hills and roots. Some find the restrooms inconveniently locked and note the trail can be slippery, recommending good footwear.
"Free entry. Plenty of parking. The views of the water are lovely. Little challenge. Ideal for dog walking or chilling with the family in nature. You can also fish down by the river. Some parts of the trail are bumpy in pavement but never require any real effort to overcome. The bathrooms are locked up during the weekends. Fall is a fantastic time to come. It's somewhat popular so expect some folks on the way. There are some parts of the trail that don't allow biking and honestly, although horse riding is allowed, I do not recommend biking or equestrian activities here. Really great for walking and fishing and soaking up nature."
Trey Tomas
"We choose a pretty short loop today, but there are plenty variations available. Moderate for a 4 yr old, it has been raining, so be fell a couple times in slippery spots. Overall really fun."
Tere Padilla
"Good trail of 5.3+ miles with an elevation gain of around 630 ft. Good-grip shoes are recommended, along with hiking poles, since the path zigzags all the way through. The out-and-back trail has some scenic spots along the way. No restrooms are available, as we experienced today. A large free parking lot is available. The trail is well-marked, but downloading an offline map is a good idea due to network instability."
Jaheed Abdullah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is accessible from multiple trailheads, including Bull Run Regional Park and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park. It's about a 20-minute drive from the Fairfax/Vienna Metro by car on I-66.
Yes, there are large, free parking lots available at various trailheads. However, they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Some parts of the trail do not allow biking. While horse riding is permitted, biking and equestrian activities are generally not recommended due to the trail's terrain.
Yes, the trail is ideal for dog walking. However, it's important to keep your dog on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.
Popular trailheads include Yates Ford Road, Bull Run Regional Park, and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park. Each offers different access points and lengths of trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Bull Run Occoquan Trail is free. There are no admission fees required to access the hiking paths.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, public restrooms at some trailheads may be locked during weekends.
No advance booking or tickets are required as the trail is free to access. Simply show up and start your hike.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for group sizes, but it's always considerate to be mindful of other visitors on the trail.
Yes, winter hiking is possible, and the trail offers a unique experience with snow. Ensure you are prepared for cold weather conditions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is known for its hills and above-ground tree roots, making it a moderately challenging hike. Good-grip shoes and hiking poles are recommended.
The trail is approximately 19.7 miles long, offering various loop options and out-and-back sections for different hiking durations.
Public restrooms are available at some trailheads, but they may be locked during weekends. It's advisable to check availability or plan accordingly.
The trail is generally well-marked, but due to potential network instability, downloading an offline map is a good idea for navigation.
You can expect to see diverse plant life, including flowering striped wintergreen and Mayapples, as well as lovely water views of the Occoquan Reservoir.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly on the trail, the nearby town of Clifton offers several dining options.
Yes, the riverbank provides a great spot for a picnic or a coffee break. There are no designated picnic tables, but the natural setting is ideal.
There are no water fountains mentioned on the trail. It's essential to bring your own water supply for the duration of your hike.
Yes, fishing is permitted down by the river, and there is a fishing pier available.
Hikers often bring energy-boosting snacks like gummies and gels, along with endurance fuel drinks to sustain them on longer treks.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail offers scenic views of the river, lush forests, and vibrant fall colors, making it ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Drone usage is possible, offering unique overhead perspectives of the trail and surrounding nature. Always check local regulations before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
The remnants of Civil War earth forts and the scenic river views are popular subjects for photographers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive forest and river views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and ensure easier parking. 🐶 Dog Owners
The trail's natural features, like streams and varied ground cover, offer a stimulating environment for dogs to explore. 🏃♀️ Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
The trail's natural obstacles, including roots and hills, make it an excellent place for trail running training, helping to build strength and agility. While some sections are not ideal for biking, the trail is perfect for those looking to push their limits with a demanding run. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Bull Run Occoquan Trail
Several access points exist, including Bull Run Regional Park and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, each offering different starting points and trail lengths.
+1 The trail is popular for dog walking, but remember to keep your canine companions on a leash. Beyond the physical challenge, the trail offers rich natural beauty. You'll encounter diverse plant life, including unique species like striped wintergreen and Mayapples, and enjoy scenic views of the Occoquan Reservoir.
Best Times to Experience the Trail
For those seeking a more tranquil experience, weekday mornings are your best bet. This is when you'll find fewer people, making parking easier and the trails more serene.
Even winter hiking is possible, offering a unique, quiet perspective of the trail, though visitors should be prepared for colder conditions.
Regardless of the season, arriving early is a recurring tip to maximize your enjoyment and secure a parking spot, as the trail can become quite popular. Family Adventures on the Trail
Parents often find the trail engaging for kids due to the natural elements, like spotting different plants and enjoying the riverside scenery.
While the trail is dog-friendly, keeping pets on a leash is important for the safety of both children and other hikers. Planning your visit for less crowded times, like weekday mornings, can make the experience more enjoyable for families with younger children. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit