Summary: Sandwiched between Fox Mill Road and West Ox Road and bordered by Folkstone Drive to the north, this fun little loop of singletrack in Oak Hill, VA (Herndon) is hardly known. This is not an overly challenging trail, but it does have a few technical spots. In a few cases the trail comes right to the edge of a six-foot drop-off into the stream. Also, there are a few marshy places with thin wooden bridges that make for an interesting challenge.
There are no trail maps, however, there are a few marked trails. Maintained by the Fairfax County Park Authority, there are at least three trails marked by Yellow, Orange, and Blue circles posted at trail heads and forks. As best I can tell the yellow trail is the main loop (have yet to fully explore the orange trail), with the blue trails leading from the entry point to the yellow loop.
The trail is overgrown from lack of use with only a tire's width of track in many places. Nonetheless, the park is very dense and green and the trail follows the stream much of the time making it very serene.
This is a great trail to ride after work and spend 45 minutes to an hour before settling in for the evening.
Location/Connecting Trails: The park is located in Oak Hill, VA (Herndon) between West Ox Road, Fox Mill Road, and Folkstone Drive. The trails continue into Fox Mill District Park across Fox Mill Road where there are several more miles of trails.
Trail Heads: From West Ox Road travel east on Folkstone Drive. In about two tenths of a mile you will see a guard rail in front of the woods on the right hand side. Just at the end of the guard rail is the beginning of a trail. There is no sign for the park; just a small post with a FCPA sticker and a blue dot. From the Fox Mill Road side; go south on Fox Mill Road and turn right onto Westwood Hills Drive. On the right, there will be a small field with a sign that says Folkstone Park - Little Difficult Run Stream Valley Park. In the back left of this field the trail begins.
Trail Maps and Resources: There are no trail maps available on the Web. You can view a topographical map of the park at TopoZone. AlternativeRunning.com has described the trails for its members.
Post Ride Eat's/Watering Hole's: After exploring this park and Fox Mill District Park bike north on Fox Mill Road to Lawyers Road. Make a left on Lawyers and cross West Ox/Lawyers Road to the Fox Mill shopping center in Reston. Here you will find two great casual places.
Five Guys has the best burgers and fries in the metro-area (and they let you know it). The menu is simple Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Fries - nothing else.
If you want a cold one with your meal, head to Glory Days. The bar is always active and there are plenty of TVs to catch the latest sports.
