Bull Run Mountains Conservancy Map
We have been planning on going hiking for a while now, but things never seemed to line up as we wanted. This morning however, things started to light up and at approximately 9:15 AM we departed for our first hiking adventure.
Me, when we departed.
After we got there, grabbed our things, and began our trek into the wilderness we had to decided on what trail we were going to ascend to the peak. We decided to take Dawson's Trail (1 mile long) from the entrance, and about three quarters of a mile in we decided to take the Chestnut Ridge Loop (1 mile long) for exploring purposes and fun.
As soon as we complete the loop we hop back on Dawson's Trail, and at the next trail intersection we take the Mountain Trail Road (1.2 miles long).
We stay on this trail all the way to the end and we end up at this abandoned shack.
At this point Tyler decides that he wants to explore the interior of this abandoned shack.
Tyler also takes the time to document the conditions inside the building and he gets to meet it's current residents.
If you could not see who or what are the new denizens of the buildings because of the poor quality of the pictures, then the answer is wasps. You can thank Tyler for his poor use of the camera. After Tyler gets his fill for exploring the old building we head back on Mountain Road Trail (1 mile long) then Catlett's Branch Trail (.25 miles long) till it meets Ridge Loop Trail Trail.
When we get to the trail intersection of Catlett's Trail and Ridge Loop Trail we notice that an old fallen tree that over time has found a way to stay alive, but it contorted and now it has a very unique figure. Many people have found its uniqueness apealing and have placed their mark upon it, and Tyler left his own mark also.
We finally take Ridge Loop Trail (.75 miles long), and it is by far the hardest part of the hike.
It took us long grueling hour to hike our way to the peak, but we did it.
Once at the peak we awarded ourselves with a great view.
At this point we just ate lunch and rested for about half and hour.
And we also met two new friends named Shawn and Melody, and they we enjoyed their company for the rest of the hike.
After we rested we explored the are at the peak a little more, and found a nice couple having a very posh and romantic lunch on the cliff side with fine china and wine!
Tyler then decided to climb to the very top of the peak.
When we decided to descend the mountain we did it by the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail (1 mile long), and along the way we found a mushroom that has some similarities to those found in the beloved Mario games.
At the first intersection we took the Fern Hollow Trail (1.12 miles long), and along the way we found some hikers examining a spring.
And farther down the path we found the ruins of an abandoned house, and of course Tyler had to go explore it.
After the house the trail started to run parallel with some train tracks.
A little farther ahead we found a closed down mill, and to me it almost looked like a castle from far away.
We continue down the path and we see this old ice well next to an abandoned building.
Almost at the end of the trail Tyler spots a hollowed out tree trunk, and of course he has to go explore it. He says that there was a big black willow inside or he would get better pictures.
And then we left the trails behind, crossed over the train tracks, and arrived back to the parking area. This was an amazing hiking trip, and I can not wait till we do another one. But before we go, here are to more goofy pictures of Tyler and I telling the trains that they will not pass.
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