Bull Run-Occoquan Trail

Bull Run-Occoquan Trail
Length	17 mi (27 km)
Location	Fairfax County, Virginia, United States
Designation	National Recreation Trail in 2006[1]
Use	Hiking, Horseback Riding

The Bull Run-Occoquan Trail (BROT) is a hiking trail in the U.S. state of Virginia. Designated in 2006 as a National Recreation Trail,^[1] the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail invites hikers and horseback riders to discover more than 4,000 acres of scenic woodlands.

The 17-mile trail rises over steep wooded hillsides, winds through deep ravines and crosses numerous streams and flood plains. Hiking may be considered moderately strenuous, and trail users are encouraged to carry ample water and wear appropriate foot and ankle support. Many parks along the trail are open seasonally and should not be regarded as reliable sources of food, water or emergency care.^[2]

This location is one of many trails maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.^[3]

Bluebell Trail

The middle of April is when the bluebell flowers are in bloom, along with over 25 varieties of wildflowers found on this part of the trail. The 1.5-mile loop has the highest concentration of Bluebells; however, the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail has these and other flowers throughout.^[2]

Bull Run Run

The first Bull Run Run was held by the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club in April 1993. It is a 50-mile footrace following the course of the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail in an out-and-back format.^[4]

From the year 2006 through 2011, there were 310 to 340 runners annually who started the race and 80% to 95% of them finished before the 13-hour cutoff. The overall course record is 6 hours, 8 minutes and 14 seconds, set by Matt Woods (31) in 2011.^[5]

References