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Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail

Honoring Two Trail-Building Leaders

As the current board chair of the Friends of the Dahlgren Trail, I am honored to recognize two leaders whose dedication helped shape both our organization and the trail we enjoy today. Dave Jones, our first president, served for 14 years and laid a strong foundation for the Friends through his steady leadership, community spirit, and hands-on service. Jim Lynch followed with six years as president, bringing deep knowledge of King George County and valuable connections with local and state leaders to advance trails, parks, greenways, and regional partnerships. I am deeply grateful to Dave and Jim for their many years of service and for the lasting legacy they have created for our organization and community.

Wildlife Research Happening Along the Trail

Did you know that some of the trail cameras you may notice along the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail are contributing to important wildlife research? As part of the Virginia Gray Fox Project, researchers from Virginia Tech and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources are using motion-activated cameras across the Commonwealth to better understand the distribution and health of Virginia's gray fox population, which has shown signs of decline in recent decades.

These unobtrusive cameras capture valuable information about gray foxes and many other native wildlife species while allowing researchers to study animals with minimal disturbance. If you spot a trail camera during your visit, please leave it in place - it may be collecting data that will help guide future wildlife conservation efforts throughout Virginia.

I hope to see you out on the trail soon! ~Laurie
 

Want to get Involved?

Nearly everything accomplished on the Dahlgren Trail is made possible by volunteers. Opportunities may include trail maintenance, event support, litter cleanup, outreach, and other projects that help keep the trail welcoming and accessible.

This month, we particularly want to thank our treasurer, Kevin - for hours of volunteer trail maintenance that keeps the trail open and clear for everyone. Thank you so much, Kevin!

Want to lend a hand? Complete our volunteer interest form!
 Volunteer Interest Form 
 

Celebrating King George County

As our nation continues to celebrate it’s 250th anniversary, we are also celebrating what makes King George County such a special place to live, work, and explore. Positioned between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, near the Chesapeake Bay, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, King George offers a rare combination of peaceful landscapes, rich history, outdoor recreation, and innovation. It is home to a generous and engaged community, excellent schools, and Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, where talented engineers, scientists, physicists, and mathematicians contribute to our nation’s safety. The Dahlgren Trail is proud to be part of this remarkable community.
 

Beat the Heat: Join the 3H Half Marathon & 50K!

Looking for your next great summer running challenge? Registration is officially open for the 3H Half Marathon & 50K along the beautiful, shaded Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail! Named for the classic mid-summer elements - Hot, Hazy, and Humid - this event is the ultimate test of summer grit, offering a flat, fast, and incredibly supportive course.
 View Race Details 
 

New and Improved Dahlgren Trail Website

Staying connected with the Dahlgren Trail is now easier than ever. Our newly updated website makes it simple to find trail maps and parking information, learn about upcoming races and special events, explore volunteer opportunities, and discover the history of this treasured King George County resource. Visit the website often to see what is happening and find new ways to enjoy and support the trail.
 Check It Out 
 
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If you are enjoying the Dahlgren Trail newsletter, the races organized by our valuable event partners, the trail improvements made by our volunteer maintenance team, and would like to support the Dahlgren Trail - please consider making a donation, following us on Facebook or Instagram, volunteering, and telling your friends and family about us! *All donations to the Dahlgren Trail are tax-deductible.

The 16-mile Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail connects Virginia's Northern Neck to history, nature, and recreation. The trail is open for walking, running, cycling and other non-motorized recreational uses. The trail is comprised of 240 acres of preserved sanctuary for native wildlife and natural beauty. The trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail and part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

To find an archive of past newsletters, visit our website.

PO Box 53, Dahlgren, Virginia 22448, USA

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