Summary: Fox Mill District Park has a network of trails that has something for everyone. With several technical ascents/descents and a few switchbacks even the heartiest of mountain bikers will find some challenges at this small park. Despite the small footprint of this park, by the time you have traversed all of the loops and connecting trails you will have ridden approximately four miles. The park is located in Reston, VA between Fox Mill Road and Lawyers Road.
Maintained by the Reston Association, this small park connects with Folkstone Park to the southwest and The Glade to the northeast.
If you are driving to this trail the best place to park is next to the soccer fields at Crossfield Elementary School off of Fox Mill Road. There is a trailhead in the back left-hand corner of the field. There are several options depending on your ride objectives. If you are planning to simply ride through the park instead of connecting with either of the other trails mentioned previously you can head in any direction. It can be quite confusing, however, as there are many connecting trails so you will want to bring a map of the park or GPS if you have one.
If you head south from the soccer fields there will be a gradual climb and then a short descent to a fairly large bridge that crosses Little Difficult Run. This is a very nice little spot as the stream is fairly wide here and there are several boulder formations. It marks the center of the park and you will often find families here with children throwing rocks and wading in the stream. If you are heading to Folkstone Park to ride that trail you should cross the bridge and head right. There is a network of trails in thes southernmost portion of the park which includes one very steep hill and several equestrian obstacles, which experienced mountain bikers may enjoy.
The majority of the park, however, is on the north side of the bridge so turn left when you reach the bridge for the majority of the action. There is a steep hill leading straight out from the bridge area which is very rocky. It will probably require walking your bike, however, there may be some brave souls that wish to descend this. If this is you then save this portion to the end of your ride. For those that wish to avoid this section of trail there are several connecting trails just to the north from the bridge that will take you more gradually over the ridge.
Just start exploring - there are lots of technical sections, several ascents/descents, and one or two tricky switchbacks.
Location/Connecting Trails: The trail is located in Reston, VA and connects with both Folkstone Park and The Glade. This trail is part of a network of trails which leads from West Ox Road in Herndon and eventually will lead you to the Cross County Trail. To get there by car from the Dulles Toll Road; take Reston Parkway south. Turn left at the light for Lawyers Road. Make immediate right onto Fox Mill Road. Go one or two miles and make left turn into entrance for Crossfield Elementary School. Park in lot on right hand side next to the soccer field.
Trailheads: The main trailhead is located in the back left-hand corner of the soccer field next to the parking lot described above. If you are biking to the park from the west then you can enter at several points along Fox Mill Road. One entrance is just across the intersection with Folkstone Drive. Enter the trail and head south. You will need to climb down a five foot cliff into Little Difficult Run and carry your bike across to the other side. Once you have done this you will be in the southernmost portion of the park described above. Or enter this section from Shady Mill Lane which is just across the road from Westwood Hills Drive where you can connect with the trail in Folkstone Park. A trailhead also exists on Lawyers Road just to the west of Soapstone Drive. This trailhead is difficult to see as it is overgrown with tall grass and weeds.
Trail Maps and Resources: Restonpaths.com has a nice map of the park on their website.
Post Ride Eat's/Watering Hole's: After exploring this park and Folkstone 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.
