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Bull Run-Occoquan Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 123 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairfax Station, Virginia · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 17 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Bull Run-Occoquan Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Long natural-surface trail for hiking and horseback riding through 5,000 acres of varied landscapes.
What runners say about Bull Run-Occoquan Trail
“This is my go-to for my long trail runs; great out and back trail, well maintained, easy to follow and decent challenge with elevation change.”
“The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is a gorgeous 17-mile multi-use trail that is well-maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.”
“This is my go-to for my long trail runs; great out and back trail, well maintained, easy to follow and decent challenge with elevation change.”
“Overall it was nice wooded scenery and not crowded at all on a rainy Saturday.”
“Very calm and serene hike that can be done by all levels of hikers and a great place for mountain biking.”
The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is a gorgeous 17-mile multi-use trail that is well-maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Parts of the trail are available for horseback riding and mountain biking, and all parts are open dawn to dusk for hiking.
My 8 month old son and I didn't get far because he decided to do a full on exerorcism out of the baby carrier the entire time but next time I'll try the jogging stroller. Overall it was nice wooded scenery and not crowded at all on a rainy Saturday.
This is a pretty well maintained trail. The hike from the trail head to the Bull Run Trail head is about 3 miles (6 miles there and back). You can ride the trail on a Mountain Bike but I would only recommend for skilled riders with full suspension bikes.
This is my go-to for my long trail runs; great out and back trail, well maintained, easy to follow and decent challenge with elevation change. Great views and relatively low traffic.
Trail conditions & character
“The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is a gorgeous 17-mile multi-use trail that is well-maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.”
“Started this trail by the Fountainhead Regional Park entrance, which was perfect with all its parking, restrooms, and maps.”
“Overall it was nice wooded scenery and not crowded at all on a rainy Saturday.”
“Perfect for a long stroll, dog walk, or even mountain bike ride.”
“The trail was hilly and rocky, but had a creek running through and near to the lake nearby that you can access and see fish swimming about.”
“The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is a gorgeous 17-mile multi-use trail that is well-maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.”
Plan your run at Bull Run-Occoquan Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance17 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenovaparks.com
- Phone(703) 250-9124
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Fairfax Station
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fountainhead Regional Park
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Burke Lake Park
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County recreational park featuring a fishing lake, picnic areas, a miniature train & playgrounds.
Bull Run Occoquan Trail
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Lengthy, riverside forest trail for hiking & horse riding, with remains of Civil War earth forts.
Bull Run-Occoquan Trail Yates Ford Road Trailhead
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Hiking area offering kid-friendly trails, as well as a gun range and a winery.
Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
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Park with hiking & equestrian trails, plus an outdoor education & adventure center.
Pohick Stream Valley-Burke VRE Trail
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Level, paved path, also great for biking, along a stream and a railroad, with several stepped creek crossings.