Bull Run Regional Park
Bull Run Occoquan Trail Head at Bull Run
Located adjacent to Atlantis Waterpark, this trailhead marks the beginning - or the end, depending on your perspective - of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail. NOVA Park’s longest natural surface trail at 19.7 miles, the BROT, also known as the blue trail, connects Bull Run, Hemlock Overlook, Bull Run Marina and Fountainhead Regional Parks.
Explore Bull Run
Perfect for hikers or those on horseback, this incredible path takes visitors through more than 5,000 acres of scenic woodlands. Along this track one will also find one of the region’s richest untapped historic resources. The entrance at Bull Run is particularly notable, as it features over a mile of boardwalk path, which keeps users out of the mud and standing water that can form during the winter and spring. After hiking along a stream, the BROT eventually intersects the park's popular Blue Bell Trail, before making a hard left and heading towards Route 28. This particular crossing is very close to the Civil War action at Blackburn's Ford. The trail keeps users along the water during this stage, and eventually crossing over a wooden platform bridge.
Visitors to this segment of the trail can also see various types of plants and local wildlife, including Great Blue Heron, which frequently hunts along the Occoquan in this area.
Hikers should be advised to prepare accordingly with proper footwear and gear. Always bring plenty of water and light snacks.
