Hike the Trails at Bull Run Conservancy in Broad Run, Virginia

Bull Run Mountain Conservancy – 17406 Beverly Mill Drive, Broad Run, Virginia 20137, Telephone 703-753-2631, BRMC Website

Fall is here and now’s the time to enjoy hiking the trails of places you’ve neglected to visit during the hot summer months. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think there’s anything more enjoyable than hiking trails in the fall. I especially love to hear the leaves crunching beneath my feet and smell the different fragrances of the leaves and bushes that have dropped their leaves.

Bull Run Mountain Conservancy, located at 17406 Beverly Mill Drive, Broad Run, Virginia 20137, Telephone 703-753-2631, BRMC website, is a great place to walk the trails and enjoy a colorful fall day. There are “no” restrooms and “no” pets are allowed. Guidelines and trail maps are available at the BRMC website. Admission is free, though hikers must submit a signed waiver of liability in order to hike the trails. The Chapman’s Beverly Mill is open to the public on the weekends. Varying admissions are charged for special events.

The Conservancy provides stewardship for 800 acres of the Bull Run Mountains State Natural Area Preserve, which is owned by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation.

This organization offers field trips and public programs on environmental, historical and cultural topics, including youth summer camps, scout programs, day hikes and a Halloween Safari. The Conservancy has lots of beauty, landmarks and historic sites, and wouldn’t you know, the “Elvis” Rock Overlook and Chapman’s Mill (Beverly Mill).

The Elvis Rock – got its name “Elvis Rock” after hiker’s vandalized one of the boulders at White Rocks Overlook by paint spraying the word “Elvis.” The outcropping of white quartzite lies with the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy (BRMC), a preserve owned by a state agency. Arriving at the “rock” you’ll see an actual white stone ridge that offers a quiet, beautiful view.

According to BRMC Executive Director Michael Kieffer, you’ll see “no” development or strip mining, this is a rarity, considering its location is only about 40 minutes from Washington, D.C.

Chapman’s Beverly Mill – Hikers will also get to catch a glimpse of this iconic 18th century grain mill, which was gutted by a fire in 1998. It stands five stories tall, and the mill is believed to be the nation’s tallest stacked stone building without reinforcement. The non-profit Turn the Mill Around Campaign raises funds to preserve the mill and provides interpretation, including adult only and family events that feature re-enactors, candlelight tours and wine.

Reference:

Roam Close to Home, a supplement of the News & Messenger Serving Prince
William, Manassas & Manassas Park and INSIDENOVA.COM, article writer unknown


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