Summary: Perhaps the most popular riding spot in the D.C. Metro area. This trail was built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers, unlike most of the mixed-use trails in the region. The trail was built by the Midatlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE) in cooperation with REI and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) in 1997. It is incredibly well maintained due to the hardwork of volunteers and MORE.
This trail is one of the more challenging in the region and includes many technical hills, including the infamous Shock-a-billy!
Since Fountainhead trail must be ridden one-way in a clockwise direction you will not encounter Shock-a-billy until the end of the ride (although there is a shortcut if you want to make an attempt while you are still fresh). Shock-a-billy is a difficult descent and should only be attempted by experienced riders. The hill feels like it is straight downhill and requires excellent balance and the ability to handle large drop-offs while descending, as the hill is "stepped" using wooden braces.
The trail is very well marked and provides several opportunities to cut the ride short if time does not allow you to do the full loop. The trail is very rooty and technical in spots requiring your full attention and providing for few breaks. Many of the downhills lead straight to a technical climb with little opportunity to get your momentum going. Nonetheless, this make the trail very fun and keeps even the most skilled among us coming back for more.
Trailheads/Directions: From the Fairfax County Parkway, take the exit for Ox Road (Route 123). Head south on Ox Road/123 for about three miles and turn right onto Henderson Road. Go about two miles and turn left onto Hampton Road. Fountainhead regional park will be on your right in about one and a half miles. Park in the large lot. You can't miss the trailhead across from two large information billboards. Don't forget to sign in! (You don't need to give your name. MORE just wants to keep track of trail usage.)
Trail Maps and Resources: The best map available is on MORE's Fountainhead Trail page. You can learn more about Fountainhead Park from the NVRPA page. Fountainhead trail is also the home of many mountain biking races including the popular Cranky Monkey series.
Post Ride Eat's/Watering Hole's: Fountainhead is several miles from any shopping districts so most people drive to the trail. If you have time there are a variety of interesting places in nearby Historic Occoquan.
