Training Hike #8 - Bull Run-Occoquan Trail

So apparently my plea for nice weather was heard! Saturday's weather was the best we've had so far - the morning started out in the low 80s and the humidity was fairly low (compared to the last several weekends). Our group did an out-and-back hike (approximately 10 miles), starting at the north end of the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail near Centreville, VA. The entire trail runs for 18 miles, and ends in Fountainhead Park south of Lorton. The section we hiked parallels Bull Run (a free-flowing tributary stream of the Potomac River) and is quite shady and thankfully, not very hilly. The purpose of this hike was to up the amount of time on our feet (~ 5 hours) so that we can better gauge hydration and hunger needs for a longer hike.

The woods surrounding the trail were very lush and green. For the most part, we felt like we were far out in the country, until we crossed under a couple of overpasses for busy roads. At one point, we saw two white-tailed deer cross the run and bound into the woods.

I want to thank my friend Lilly - she was in town this weekend, so she joined us for the hike. What a good sport! Here's a picture of us on the trail:


Click here to see more pics from the hike.