LOCATION: Clifton, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 4.4 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: wolf run shoals road
TRAIL TYPE: Loop
TRAIL GRADE:  moderate (2)
TRAIL PARKING: 5 spots or more
KEY WORDS:  Big forest, water features, family friendly , pet friendly

More Northern Virginia Hikes

TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail: Big forest feel, water feature, family friendly
Why go for a hike on this trail:   A great short day hike within a dense and towering forest lining the bull run reservoir
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  All seasons(avoid rainy)​

Summary
Your adventure begins at the end of the very small parking lot where the trailhead and a Northern Virginia parks sign extends the welcome.  Immediately begin with a small descent along a very manageable and well maintained blue blazed trail, within 0.1 miles arrive at an intersection, stay to your left and remain on the blue blazed trail. The blue blazed trail is the Bull Run Occoquan trail, it is an 18 mile trail that extends from Bull Run Regional park to the Occoquan reservoir. Our trail today will use a stretch of this trail, do know that at points the trail will tease you with a through the trees view of the reservoir however fear not we have more on that later. Continue to meander along the trail until crossing a small bridge and creek to then traverse a small ascent for 0.2 miles until a four way intersection. At the intersection, hang a hard right and remain on the blue blazed trail for 0.4 miles until a hard left takes you down a steady descent towards another creek crossing. The trails here at Wolf Shoals are fairly easy, they are compacted dirt, roots and leaf material. Continue on the trail for 0.8 miles until an intersection with the yellow blazed trail on your right. Its here, you swing a right and experience an old forest road and an overgrown one too. The trail will take you alongside private property and aimlessly roam for 0.5 miles until the return meet up with the blue blazed trail. Here take a left and begin the trek back to your car by retracing your steps. This trail delivers to you large trees, quiet and serene nature, water features and a comfortable experience for you and your family. Oh about the reservoir view, let us not forget! On your return trip , cross the second creek and venture up in the direction of your car, look to your right for an offshoot foot trail (the reservoir in the distance is the give away). This foot trail goes 0.2 miles to the shoreline. Its a big beautiful view of the reservoir and the forest shorelines and a great place to sit for a bit and enjoy a snack. Once ready, retrace your steps back to the main trail, turn right and continue 0.1 to your car.

HIKE ON!

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

• 1 water bottle or camelback
  
• Running shoes or sneakers
  
• Snacks 
  
• ​bug spray (warmer months)

LOCAL

• HIKES
• THINGS TO KNOW

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• no mountain bikes allowed
• trail can be quite muddy!
• no entrance fee or use fee.