From the Trailhead - April 2021

"Our Community Comes Together & The Trail Runs Through It..."
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We are proud to welcome new and returning trail users to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of springtime on the Dahlgren Trail! We are delighted to see seasonal wildlife and blooming plants populate the beautiful trail, and we continue to work hard to provide access and engagement opportunities for those who wish to come observe the beauty and take a breath of fresh air.

Over two recent weekends, we hosted a roadway litter clean up for a section of Indiantown Road that we adopted through the state's "Adopt-A-Highway" program. We are so grateful for everyone who came to support us and the roads of King George that we're glad to call home!

Speaking of local roadways - we would like to formally announce the recently approved addresses for our trail access parking areas. We would like to give a special thanks to the staff of the King George Community Development Office for assisting us:

• Trailhead: 10431 Bloomsbury Road, King George VA, 22485
• Trail Mile 4: 9274 Comorn Road, King George VA, 22485
• Trail Mile 8: 6493 Indiantown Road, King George VA, 22485

As you may already know, the Dahlgren Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail and a part of the developing Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) network which stretches over 830 miles. Earlier this month we were proud to host new Acting Superintendent of the PHNST, Anne O'Neill. We provided a tour of the trail, spoke about future development goals and milestones, and enjoyed a meet-and-greet with lunch at Caledon State Park, joined by members of the King George Board of Supervisors, Chairman Annie Cupka, and Vice-Chairman Jeff Stonehill, Park Staff, Dahlgren Trail owner David Brickley, and several members of the public.

In case you missed the news last month: we were able to rally a group of dedicated volunteers and community members to construct raised boardwalks through a chronically muddy section of the Dahlgren Trail. When the Sheetz-To-Sheetz Trail Run appeared on our doorstep this year, we wanted to ensure that all walkers, runners, hikers, and wheelchair athletes could successfully navigate the trail in time to enjoy this popular local event.

• Our story was picked up by the Free Lance-Star, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Washington Post, The Daily Progress, and the Associated Press!