Occoquan River Trailhead To Open
The Prince William County Park Authority in Manassas, Va., with the assistance of the Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition ( www.pwtsc.org ), has developed a new trailhead to the Occoquan River below the Lake Jackson Dam.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for 10 a.m. Oct. 29.
The nearest take-out point for canoeists/kayakers will be the Bull Run Marina, about 8.5 miles downstream--about a 4.5-hour paddle. Paddlers should plan on dropping off their equipment at the Occoquan River Trailhead area, then take their vehicles to the Bull Run Marina parking lot.
The new trail will provide easier access to the river for canoeists, kayakers and fishermen.
A one-time shuttle service to move paddlers from the Bull Run Marina parking lot back to the Occoquan River Trailhead is being planned for opening day (Oct. 29) to ease traffic congestion. Canoeists and kayakers are asked to register for this opening event by calling Ed Dandar, PWTSC project officer, at 703-791-6158 or by emailing blueways@pwtsc.org. Carpooling is encouraged.
Directions to Occoquan River Trailhead Site
From I-95 go north on Rte. 234 and cross the Occoquan Creek Bridge. Make a left turn at 1st red light on to Coles Drive and an immediate left on to Mercury Drive. Make a left turn on Hinson Mill Lane and Trailhead entrance. Paddlers drop-off equipment and proceed to Bull Run Marina. Other visitors will be helped to find parking in the general area.
From Rte. 28 go south on Rte. 234 passing the Brentsville Road Exit and Traffic Light and turning right at the next Traffic Light on to Coles Drive and then left on to Mercury Drive. If you miss the Coles Drive turn, make next right turn before the Bridge on to Hinson Mill Lane where someone will help you find parking in the general area. Car-pooling is encouraged because parking is limited on Mercury Drive and between the Outdoor Furniture and Backyard Shed & Deck. Parking is available off of Coles Rd on the shoulder of Collinreid Ct.
Directions from Occoquan River Trailhead to Bull Run Marina Parking Lot
Start out going from Trailhead Entrance on Hinson Mill Lane northwest on Mercury Dr. toward Coles Dr. Turn right onto Coles Dr. Turn left at light onto VA-234 N/Dumfries Rd. Turn slight right at next light onto VA-3000 E/Prince William Parkway. Stay straight to go onto Liberia Ave. Turn right at light onto Prince William Parkway/VA-3000 E. At second light, turn left onto Yates Ford Rd. Go straight thru next light. Yates Ford Rd becomes VA-612/Old Yates Ford Rd. Crossover the Bull Run Bridge. Bull Run Marina Parking Lot is on right side about 100 yds.
Prince William County Park Authority
Prince William County Park Authority, founded in 1977 by the Board of County Supervisors, provides the residents and visitors with first quality recreation programs, parks and facilities. The Park Authority is an autonomous organization governed by an eight-member board appointed by the Board of County Supervisors and funded by a tax transfer and revenue producing facilities.