Tales from the Trail: Occoquan Greenway “First Day” Hike

A message from Supervisor Boddye:

Even a foot of snow couldn’t stop the rescheduled “First Day” Hike on the Occoquan Greenway this past Saturday, Jan. 8! Dedicated volunteers cleared the way ahead of time, with members of the Lake Ridge Parks & Recreation Association (LRPRA) Trails Oversight Committee, Prince William Trails & Streams Coalition, and Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts removing branches and other storm debris from the route in the days leading up to the hike (read more about this volunteer effort).

Hosted by the Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition, the guided hike crossed through the section of forest dedicated for the future Oakwood Drive Park and hiked east toward the LRPRA Boat Ramp, Recreation Area And Tot Lot. From there we walked near the banks of Hooes Run and discussed a couple of the potential Greenway crossings for this waterway, and then hiked along until the trail nears Colby Drive and Spinnaker Court.

A big shoutout to the community members who have been spent years advocating for this project, in addition to the days spent in the woods clearing trails, marking potential lines for the Greenway, and maintaining the existing sections. The Occoquan Greenway is truly a labor of love, and it was rewarding to walk these trails with the people who have brought it to this point. I look forward to continuing to work with Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism to build on the foundation that these trail enthusiasts have laid, and seeing this community vision become a reality.