Bull Run Regional Park to Hemlock Overlook Regional Park and back
Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Start will be at the Atlantis Water Park Parking area near the entry road (38°48'08.6"N 77°28'35.6"W)
Distance: Approximately 16 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: Approximately 900 feet
Route:
- Start on the Bluebell Trail towards Bull Run/Bull Run Occoquan Trail (BROT)
- Turn left at the intersection with the (BROT). There is a sign marking this location.
- Continue on BROT until crossing a bridge over Cub Run.
- After crossing the bridge we will do a small bushwhack on the left to cross a second branch of Cub Run at a location where it is possible to cross without wading.**
- After crossing this second branch of Cub Run, continue south on BROT
- Stay on BROT until reaching wooden canoe racks. This will be past the main access trail from the parking lot at Hemlock Overlook.
- At the canoe racks turn left uphill on the red blazed trail to the yellow blazed trail
- Turn right (uphill) and continue to the parking lot at Hemlock Overlook
- Turn left and go past a traffic gate on a short road into Hemlock Overlook Park and continue to a trail on the right. Stay straight on this trail.
- Stay straight and past a grassy area onto a wooded trail and downhill back to BROT
- Turn right (north) on BROT and trace steps back to the start. This turn is at Popeshead Creek.
Notes:
- **It is at least 50% likely you will get your feet wet crossing Cub Run going and coming back. Plan accordingly.
- We should be hiking near the peak of bluebell season. Bloodroot, trout lilies, and toothwort are also in bloom along this route. It should be very pretty.
- There is no carpool for this hike.
- There should not be an entry fee to the park for weekday access.