- This event has passed.
New Occoquan River Trailhead Opens 29 October 2011
October 29, 2011 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Update 10/28/11: The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held rain or shine so the Public put-in point can be officially opened. The paddling portion on the River has been cancelled due to approaching bad weather.
The Prince William County Park Authority with the assistance of the Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition (www.pwtsc.org ) has developed a new Trailhead to the Occoquan River below the Lake Jackson Dam. This new trail will provide easier access to the River for canoeists, kayakers, and fishermen.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for 29 October at 10 AM. The Trailhead opening was sped up by services and materials donated by Dominion Power, Branscome Paving and Olde Towne Landscaping.
The nearest take-out point for canoeists/kayakers will be the Bull Run Marina which is about 9.5 miles downstream or about a 5.5 hour paddle. Paddlers should plan on dropping off their equipment at the Occoquan River Trailhead area and take their vehicles to the Bull Run Marina Parking Lot. Directions to the Bull Run Marina from the Occoquan River Trailhead can be found below.
A second take-out point for only 29 October will be the Riverview Estates HOA take-out site which is about 5.5 miles downstream and will be available by special permission of the HOA. Directions to that site are also below.
A one-time shuttle service to move paddlers from the Bull Run Marina Parking Lot and the Riverview Estates HOA site back to the Occoquan River Trailhead is being planned for that day to ease traffic congestion.
Canoeists and Kayakers are requested to register for this opening event by calling Ed Dandar, PWTSC project officer at 703-791-6158 or [email protected]. Ed needs to know who is coming and what take-out site they will be using so he can coordinate shuttle transportation. Carpooling is encouraged.
Directions to Occoquan River Trailhead Site
From I-95 go north on Rte. 234 and cross the Occoquan Creek Bridge. Make a left turn at 1st red light on to Coles Drive and an immediate left on to Mercury Drive. Make a left turn on Hinson Mill Lane and Trailhead entrance. Paddlers drop-off equipment and proceed to Bull Run Marina. Other visitors will be helped to find parking in the general area.
From Rte. 28 go south on Rte. 234 passing the Brentsville Road Exit and Traffic Light and turning right at the next Traffic Light on to Coles Drive and then left on to Mercury Drive. If you miss the Coles Drive turn, make next right turn before the Bridge on to Hinson Mill Lane where someone will help you find parking in the general area. Car-pooling is encouraged because parking is limited on Mercury Drive and between the Outdoor Furniture and Backyard Shed & Deck. Parking is available off of Coles Rd on the shoulder of Collinreid Ct.
Directions from Occoquan River Trailhead to Bull Run Marina Parking Lot
Start from the Trailhead Entrance on Hinson Mill Lane and proceed northwest on Mercury Dr. toward Coles Dr. Turn right onto Coles Dr. Turn left at traffic light onto VA-234 N/Dumfries Rd. Turn slight right at next light onto VA-3000 E/Prince William Parkway. Stay straight and turn right at 3d light onto Prince William Parkway/VA-3000 E. At second light, turn left onto Yates Ford Rd. Go straight thru next light. Yates Ford Rd becomes VA-612/Old Yates Ford Rd. Crossover the Bull Run Bridge and the Bull Run Marina Parking Lot is on the right side about 200 yds.
Directions from Occoquan River Trailhead to Riverview Estates HOA Site
Start from Trailhead Entrance on Hinson Mill Lane and proceed northwest on Mercury Dr. toward Coles Dr. Turn right onto Coles Dr. Turn left at traffic light onto VA-234 N/Dumfries Rd. Turn slight right at next light onto VA-3000 E/Prince William Parkway. Stay straight and turn right at 3d light onto Prince William Parkway/VA-3000 E. At second light, turn left onto Yates Ford Rd. Turn right at next light on to Davis Ford Road. Go over bridge and turn right onto River Forest Drive (into Riverview Estates), then turn right onto Greenway Court. At the end of the cul-de-sac the gate will be open so you can go down to the river and park in designated area.