Difficult Run/Colvin Run Mill/Cross County Trail
Time: 3 hours
Length: Out and Back
Gear: Lots of water, leash and daypack
Difficulty: 1 paw
Scenery: 3 paws
Pack: You and your dog
Katina and I typically take turns choosing trails for our next adventures. But make no mistake, I always defer to her trail-reading and guide expertise as I am a pure novice! So when she picked Difficult Run as our next hike and said it is close to my home, I was excited to learn a new trail minutes away.
In doing her research, Katina shared that it was “difficult” (pardon the easy pun) to find information about the trail along the Difficult Run stream. But directions in hand we piled the dogs in one vehicle and headed to our morning hike.
We arrived at our parking lot just off Georgetown Pike (Route 193) just after nine and the lot was already filling up. We headed south on the well-marked path and soon crossed under an underpass and then across a stone crossing. And suddenly I knew where we were! (Yes, I’m a little slow.) We were doing the Cross County Trail, just starting at a point further north than I had hike previously with Karma.
Finally I felt like I was the guide – ha! Karma knew all the places to cool off and we enjoyed the almost 3 hours on the trail. We hiked almost to the Colvin Run Mill parking area. There were more people on the trail than other times but the warmer weather and later time in the day contributed to the ever so slight “traffic.”
So lesson learned … If you are looking for “Difficult Run” you might also want to try the following keywords: Difficult Run Stream Valley Trail; Colvin Run Mill; Cross County Trail or visit Fairfax County’s park site.
Time: 60-90 minutes
Length: 4.7 miles
Gear: Water & Leash
Difficulty Level: 1 Paw
Scenery: 2 Paws
Pack: You and Your Dog
I’d like to think the Rolling Stones were referring to my hike this past weekend when they sang “you can’t always get what you want… but if you try sometimes you get what you need.” What do I want? Warm weather, green grass, and the rustle of leaves! What do I need? Some time out of the house, out on a trail somewhere with Cannon.
On Saturday I found myself really burned out on my usual walk around the neighborhood with Cannon and just couldn’t fane excitement to roam the Manassas Battlefield, which is a summer staple of mine. It was time to try something new, so I took my husband’s advice and headed to Burke Lake Park with Cannon – a hike they’d done together in the fall. Since it was my first time I decided to fire up the laptop to read some park facts, look at the trail map and get directions. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Park was named one of the 10 best fitness trails in the nation by the American Hiking Society. It also features a unique list of features.
- Campgrounds
- Ice Cream Parlor
- Marina
- Mini-Golf
- 18 hole, par 3 Golf Course
- Rides (carousel and train)
The park wasn’t very tricky to find. It’s located off of 123 (Ox Road) in Fairfax Station, Virginia. During the off-season months you can drive in past the park office without stopping. The fee for non-Fairfax residents during Spring through Fall is $8. You will find there are a few parking lots around the park that will give you access to the trail that loops the lake (4.7mile loop). We pulled in near the amphitheater and with the ground still snow covered followed the footprints down to what I hoped was that trail.
I didn’t know what to expect since the snow in my yard had mostly melted. I was in for was a mix of snow, ice, standing water, dirt and pavement. It would have been a great day to throw on some snowshoes and explore the off trail, untouched snow. Not having this equipment I simply stuck to the trail that was packed for me. It was a great 90 minute trip around the lake. The ice and snow made for some slippery hiking. This didn’t seem to bother the dozens of other people I encountered on the trail, including mountain bikers. I met a local, named Lenn, who took the tour with me and told me all about best features of the park.
- Launching canoes & kayaks from the marina
- Watching the Great Blue Herons fly above the lake and nest in an island.
- Hiking the trail
- Seeing the kids line up for the train during Halloween
He pointed out nature trails that branch off from the main loop and a great spot on the shore where you can sit on a bench and watch the scenery.
All in all it was a great hike. Cannon enjoyed being able to splash through the puddles and even ran into the lake to retrieve a stick (a great feat for him I assure you). I enjoyed getting to talk to some new people (this is a heavily traveled trail) and getting some fresh air. I’ll make sure to make it back in the spring or summer to give some more detail on the quality of the trail once I can see it out from under all that snow and ice.
Great Falls Park
Time: Totally up to you
Length: Variable
Gear: daypack – water – leash – map (optional)
Difficulty Level: 1 paws
Scenery: 4 paws
Pack: You and your dog
My friend, Judy K and her herd, reminded me of what a nice, reliable, beautiful hike Great Falls is. The park is well visited and can be busy, especially on a summer afternoon, but this time of year or in the mornings it is peaceful and scenic.
If you have never been, you are missing some amazing views of the Potomac River. The Falls live up to their reputation but be careful with your pooch near the edges! No kidding, people die every year there thinking they can tame the rapids and falls. Not!
Great Falls connects to Riverbend which I have talked about previously. Riverbend is fantastic in it’s own way and is much less busy. Just bring a map because you will have many less-traveled options for your hike.
Cross Country Trail: Colvin Run Mill to Potomac River
Time: 1.5+ hours (or more depending on your route)
Length: Out and back – up to you
Gear: water – leash – map
Difficulty Level: 1 paw
Scenery: 3 paws
Pack: You and your dog
Recently Karma and I revisited one of my go-to trails near my home – CCT. It was before all the snow fell but after some drenching rain, so the right shoes were still a must for this trail. Remember, you will walk through some water.
This time we walked a bit further as the summer heat was long gone and Karma was enjoying the cold temperatures. The inset photo shows where we turned back, just before the trail crosses the stream. It’s a great crossing, but I started to over-analyze – what if Karma slipped and fell in? What if I did? That water is darn cold! – so I decided that in the warmer months we would cross.
I will let you in on a secret. Karma was mostly off leash! I cannot endorse such a thing, of course, as it is always safer to have your dog in full control in case of a deer, other wildlife, passers-by and other dogs. That is my official statement. But unofficially, we started early and basically had the trail to ourselves until we were almost back to the car when we did pass a jogger and two separate people with unfriendly dogs. Karma is definitely growing up as his recalls were great and he was a perfect gentleman around these distractions.
It’s interesting, you MUST have solid recalls but often it’s hard to practice them – especially with distractions – unless you can be off leash in those areas. Hmmm. But a reliable recall can save your dog’s life so find environments where you can practice and always have rewards on hand! I have said this before (and Karma and I continue to work this) you must be THE best thing in your dog’s life! The source of all fun and rewards and of course, great hikes!
Cross Country Trail: Colvin Run Mill to Potomac River
Time: 1.5 hours (or more depending on your route)
Length: Out and back – up to you
Gear: daypack – lunch/snack – water – leash – map
Difficulty Level: 1 paw
Scenery: 3 paws
Pack: You and your dog
Comments: Only saw one pair of joggers the entire time – we had the trail to ourselves!
I owed Karma some quality time after being away for 12 days. Karma managed to make himself sick while I was gone and the vet chalked it up to stress – my poor mama’s boy!
I consulted my Virginia books and chose the Cross Country Trail (CCT) beginning at Colvin Run Mill Park. The trail to the Potomac River is 8.7 miles along Difficult Run that is a beautiful stream which is actually pretty big. The trail is in the woods, is easy and mostly flat. It poured buckets just a few days ago and the ground was soft with areas of standing water and mud. So much for Karma’s freshly groomed coat!
We parked in the lot for Colvin Run Mill just off Route 7/Leesburg Pike. To access the trail cut through the general store to the mill and then head toward the intersection. Just before Route 7 there is a paved road across Colvin Run road and you follow that straight onto the trail. Just before the trailhead is a small area for parking – next time I will park there.
The CCT is incredibly well marked and considering my previous trail following attempts, I am grateful. The trail starts out wide and gravel-covered and eventually narrows to a dirt trail that wanders through the woods.
About 0.6 miles in the trail crosses a stream with cylindrical concrete “stepping-stones.” The water is pretty fast here and I can imagine in the winter it could be quite icy. On the way in I walked through the ankle-deep water but on the return trip I opted for the concrete to keep my feet dry. As always, Karma enjoyed playing in the water.
We got to this point in 15 minutes give or take, so I’m guessing that we ended up doing about three-plus miles total.
The trail opens up and crosses a small road in a neighborhood. It then continues to the left and it was a little hard to find the opening but it was well marked once I found it.
There were several opportunities for water play but since it was in the 60s, Karma was comfortable so I just tried to keep him out of the mud as much as possible – ha!
At Ramey’s Meadow Park the trail crosses another small road. Straight ahead is one trail opening and that’s what we took on the way out. It is marked by the familiar horseshoes on the posts but none of the CCT markers. This trail stays close to the stream and cuts through it at one point for which Karma was grateful as it gave him a great opportunity to wade in the cold stream.
This part of the trail rejoins the CCT trail and the markers are again visible. We turned around before the next fair-weather crossing. The guidebook describes this crossing of Difficult Run to contain boulders in the stream for stepping-stones.
On the way back I stayed on CCT to Ramey’s Meadow Park and learn that I should have looked right when I crossed the road the first time. We took a break at the park sign and Karma happily flopped in the grass.
I really enjoyed this trail and look forward to exploring more of it in the future. There is another parking lot at Georgetown Pike and near the Potomac River the trail goes into Great Falls Park. The only thing to be aware of is that weather will greatly affect the trail. So if your best pal is fresh from the groomer you may want to wait for a drier day.
Riverbend Park
Time: 1.5 hours (depending on your route)
Length: ~3 miles – I think?
Gear: daypack – water – leash – map
Difficulty Level: 2 paws
Scenery: 4 paws
Pack: You and your dog
Comments: Only saw one bike and that was on the paved path; dog owners were some of the most responsible I have come across. The handful of dogs were well behaved and completely in control – bliss!
Before the thought of winter even enters our consciousness, I decided I wanted to get to know some nearby parks that might be great options when the mercury dips into Karma’s favorite season. So we chose Riverbend Park in Fairfax County which is adjacent to the more famous Great Falls Park.
The park covers 409 acres of wooded uplands, hiking trails, flood plains and shoreline along the Potomac River on the Virginia side. In the summer, the hike was mostly shade, but in the winter I expect a much different, sunnier, story. The paths are in great shape and well traveled with a mix of mostly dirt, some pavement, gravel and a few rocky places. There is a visitor center complete with toilets, phones, water, picnic areas and, during the week, information desk.
Pretty much everywhere we stopped to enjoy the river, we were getting an eyeful of beautiful scenery. A great place for photographers and wanna-be photogs alike!
The park opens at 7a in the summer and closes around dark/8:30p. Karma and I started at 8a knowing the August day would heat up and Karma would melt! On this hike I decided to try out his RuffWear Swamp Cooler. It looks like a small lifejacket. Basically it works by using water to absorb the heat and keep the dog cooler. Without being able to get a verbal report from Karma, the vest seemed to help as he actually didn’t take any rests (or flop-downs) and didn’t overheat. Reviews on the product remind users to keep the vest “activated” which really means keeping it wet. Not a problem!
We started out at the visitors center and headed out on the loop going counter-clockwise or left if you’re standing at the visitors center looking at the river. My intention was to follow the 4.8 mile loop starting with the shortest length along the Potomac, turning upland, then finishing along the long part of the river hike.
I should have gone right.
The trail was great, but even with the map, I stayed too long on the river trail when I should have headed upland. Don’t get me wrong, the trail is fantastic and Karma loved the many opportunities to go for a dip! But there was an opportunity to turn left/inland/upland along a fire road and we should have taken it. So after realizing that’s what I should have done, we doubled back and picked up the fire road and headed through the woods.
So basically I took what should have been the short end of the loop and made it long. Nice. But contrary to what the books say, I really didn’t think it’s that well marked – obviously. Oh well.
We headed thorough the woods enjoying the scenery – I am always surprised at how many awesome trails are in this area, just minutes from malls and the hells of traffic tie-up. Virginia is awesome.
On our way back around, we walked by the nature center and then cut across the loop essentially to return to the visitors center instead of continuing towards Great Falls and Clay Pond which marks the point where the two loops meet. Since I had already hiked more than I meant to, I didn’t feel comfortable doing the rest of the loop now that it was getting hotter and Karma can only take so much heat. So we made it back to out starting point 1.5 hours after beginning.
Back at the visitors center, Karma got to swim and hang out in the water much to his delight. By the time we left, traffic was increasing and fishermen were scattered along the river, but it was not crowded like the neighboring Great Falls Park – I assume because it’s not a tourist area.
I LOVED this hike and vow to return and get it right so that I can really learn it. I think this is a great suburban option and will be a winter hike because only in a few places could rocks become slippery in wetter weather. Plus with all the water opportunities for Karma, I feel like I can keep him from getting too hot, even in the summer.
W&OD Trail – Vienna, Virginia
Time: 2 hours (or whatever you like)
Gear: water – leash
Difficulty Level: 1 paw
Scenery: 1 paw
Pack: You and your dog
Comments: Lots of people traffic & bicycles
Lucky me, I live within a few miles of the W&OD Trail which is a beautifully maintained, paved, 45-mile trail from DC to Reston, VA.
We parked on the streets of the Town of Vienna where signs indicated there are no parking restrictions on Saturday. There is also a great farmers’ market on Church Street from 8-12 on Saturdays but the big “NO DOGS” sign kept us focused as we headed west on the trail.
At 8a on a cloudy day the trail wasn’t too busy and I only saw one other dog. There are some serious runners and bikers using the path so I kept Karma on a relatively short leash and responsibly heeded all the polite “on your left” call-outs from cyclists. You cannot let your dog wander all over the place when on the main path and you want to have confident control.
What’s cool about this and many sections of the W&OD Trail is there is often a parallel path that is mowed but not paved so Karma and I switched to that path the first chance we got (it sort of stops and starts). There I was able to let him have the full length of the Flexi Lead and wander and sniff to his heart’s delight. We actually came across several water areas where he could drink, stand and play (Karma doesn’t swim per se but that’s another story). I always look for water opportunities to help keep him cool not to mention he loves water so it ups the fun factor.
We walked about an hour and a half at a pretty good pace since I was wearing my heart monitor and wanted to count it as my workout too – ha!
One thing to remember on walks like this is “what walks out, must walk back.” It sounds obvious, but all too often people don’t turn around to come back until their dog starts to look tired and then it can be too late. Wear a watch and learn the limits of your dog even as you work to improve your dog’s fitness level.
When Karma was younger I took him on the same trail, starting out in the morning on a weekend day in September. I had grand visions of walking out/west at least an hour then coming back. Ha! The morning heated up faster than I expected and at the 20 minute mark Karma pulled over and flopped down in the grass panting. Of course I was dressed like Marathon Marge and all these hard-core fitness folks were laughing at the dog in the shade as they ran/rode by. It was funny but I was worried about Karma. It took us forever to get back as Karma kept pulling over and flopping in the shade. Obviously I ran out of water too. Times like this have made me hyper-aware of what it’s like to have this breed of dog in any heat whatsoever! So please, know your dog! And if you have multiple dogs – even if they are the same breed – treat them as individuals.
