If you haven't been then add it to your list. The trail is 16 miles and follows the old Dahlgren Branch Rail Line.
Looking for beauty and wildlife? The trail is located on 240 acres of preserved sancuary and has been designated a National Recreation Trail and part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
The Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail work hard to protect and preserve this trail for all to enjoy. You can learn more about their mission and about the trail at https://www.dahlgrentrail.org/
Whether you are looking for a great place to run, day hike, bike, or simply take the kids out for stroll the Dahlgren Trail is the perfect spot.
We don’t play favorites when it comes to trails but we make an exception in this case as we absolutely LOVE this trail and so do all our local customers.
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Address:
Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
PO Box 53
Dahlgren, VA 22448
It’s the perfect spot for a local adventure the whole family can enjoy!
Motts Run Reservoir is an 860-acre natural area with approximately 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. There are trails for all skill levels.
There is plenty of parking available in the bottom lot throughout the week and facilities if you need them near the nature center. When the gate is closed, you can park in the upper lot but be mindful because there are limited parking spots.
If you have little hikers, mountain bikers or first-time fishers, this is the great place to go where they can explore, get dirty and enjoy every minute of being outdoors. Our little ones certainly do!
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Click Here to view a list of suggested items for day hiking trips or click on the PRINT button to download a printer friendly version. This list includes many more items than you’ll likely need for your short treks in or near developed areas, though you can adapt it to your needs for these trips.
Address:
Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area
6600 River Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
It follows along the beautiful Rappahannock River and has many spots ot stop to enjoy the river. If you’ve ever driven South on I-95 and seen the large FredNats billboard on the side of the rock face – then you’ve seen the Quarry Trail. You can hike to the top of that hill and see the billboard face-to-face!
The Quarry Trail System is a go-to for locals and should be on your list if you are looking for great trails to hike or bike. The Fredericksburg Trail Alliance has worked hard to provide well maintained and visible trail markings.
Parking is limited and sometimes you have to get creative! You can use the small lot on the corner of Normandy Ave and Fall Hill Ave (directly across the street from Friends of the Rappahannock) or you can park along Fall Hill Ave or Riverside Dr and walk to the trailhead. There are no facilities on or near the trail so make sure you practice good leave no trace principles.
Whether you live in Fredericksburg or you are just visiting and looking for a great trail system the Quarry is the place to be.
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Address:
Quarry Trail System
Heritage Trail
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Crow’s Nest is located on 895 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands. It has a fantastic ADA-compliant kayak launch making it easy to get in and out of your kayak no matter the water levels.
There is plenty of parking; however, make sure to bring a kayak cart or be ready to carry your kayak a short distance to the launch.
If you have ever stopped in the shop asking for a list of places to paddle, Crow’s Nest is usually at the top of the list. We love the sites and sounds of Crow’s nest. It is a habitat for all types of wildlife, including:
Nesting bald eagles
Federally listed short-nose sturgeon
Twenty-two plant species that are significant for the Coastal Plain of Virginia
Spawning, nursery and/or feeding habitat for 49 species of interjurisdictional fish and seven species of mussels and commercially valuable shellfish;
It is a true get-away-from-it-all kind of place that is a must for all paddlers!
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Address:
Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve
81 Raven Road
Stafford, VA 22554
There are great facilities and an ADA-compliant kayak launch. The great news is there are no gas-powered engines allowed. The only “engine” you may hear are the gentle hums of your paddling partner who has fallen asleep in his kayak next to you.
Be prepared to relax, enjoy some great sightseeing or fishing if that is your flavor.
If you decide to fish then make sure to grab your fishing license before you go.
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Click Here to view a list of suggested items for paddling trips or click on the PRINT button to download a printer friendly version. This list includes many more items than you’ll likely need for your short treks in or near developed areas, though you can adapt it to your needs for these trips.
Address:
Lake Mooney
495 Greenbank Road
Stafford, VA 22406
There is a parking lot that can get busy and one port-a-john for everyone to share (yuck)! We highly recommend only using the facilities in the case of emergency!
The great thing about City Docks is you have two choices, and both are great options for beginner paddlers. You can choose to paddle upstream (1.8 miles) and enjoy some historic sites along the way as you paddle from City Docks to Old Mill Park. On your return trip downstream, you can sit back, throw your shades on, and enjoy an easy paddle back to City Docks.
Your second option is to head downstream (3.8 miles) and enjoy a leisurely paddle from City Docks to the Little Falls boat ramp. Team up with a fellow paddler and leave one vehicle down at Little Falls; otherwise, it will be a long walk home. Don’t be surprised if you see April out with a group of paddlers on this section of river.
Be sure to swing by say hello before you hit the river or call us if you have any questions about the river conditions.
WARNING: There are several things you should consider before entering the river. The Rappahannock River can rise rapidly based on weather and changing tides. Always make sure that you know the conditions and consider your experience level. You can call River Rock Outfitter at 540-372-8708 for the latest condition report. No matter the conditions, ALWAYS wear your life jacket.
You are in advanced mode.
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Get Google API KeyWhat we bring:
Click Here to view a list of suggested items for paddling trips or click on the PRINT button to download a printer friendly version. This list includes many more items than you’ll likely need for your short treks in or near developed areas, though you can adapt it to your needs for these trips.
Address:
City Dock
207 Sophia Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401