Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Friends of the Dahlgren Trail >
      • Meet David Brickley
    • Trail History
    • Our Partners
    • Our Supporters
    • Contact Us
  • Trail Information
    • Trail Maps & Access
    • Use Permits
    • Trail Rules
    • Wildlife Sightings
  • News
    • Events
    • Newsletter
  • How to Help
    • Trail Concept Plan & Public Comments
    • Treasure the Trail
    • Care for the Trail
    • Respect the Trail
  • Mileage Club
  • DRHT Store
  • Poetry on the Trail

Runner gets better acquainted with Dahlgren Trail thanks to season of quarantine

8/5/2020

11 Comments

 
Picture
By Kelsey Bracewell

I love running the Dahlgren Trail but admittedly, I came to love it by accident. I didn’t move to this area with any significant amount of running experience, but I chose the activity as a way to become part of a community. I first found the trail through participating in the annual half marathon that is hosted there in the early spring. I ran that race for several years in a row, but otherwise I didn’t visit the trail very often.
This season of quarantine brought me to the trail in search of exercise and the simplicity of nature. I’ve spent countless hours over the last several months running, walking, wandering, watching, and experiencing the trail like I never had before. I have challenged myself to run the entire trail, and in such challenge found comfort and familiarity within the character of every mile. I have come to easily recognize and relish the trail’s variations – from gravel to smooth stones to earth, grass, and sand. I enjoy identifying common plants, stumbling upon a turtle, snake, or rabbit, and feeling just as much at home as the mile markers that I count along my way.

While I greatly enjoy the solitude of exploring the trail alone, some of my fondest memories have been running up upon other friendly trail users who love it as much as I do, and they tell me a bit about why the trail means so much to them. I’m remarkably thankful for the opportunity to use and know the trail, and I’m grateful to all those who give their time and energy to caring for it.

Click to read more of our August 2020 newsletter, On the Trail
Picture
Friends of DRHT President Jim Lynch snapped a photo of Bracewell (above, right) at the DRHT caboose along with two hikers, Sam and Cory. Below, some of Bracewell's photos of the trail and its flora and fauna.
11 Comments
Woodie
8/6/2020 10:11:58 am

Way to go, Kelsey!

Reply
Kelsey
8/6/2020 02:34:41 pm

Thanks, Woodie! I’m so glad we share a love of cool VA outdoor spaces!

Reply
https://bestwritingsclues.com/reviews/papernow-review/ link
9/30/2020 06:47:09 am

Being in quarantine is not something that any of us is fond of, but just like how you discovered your love for running, this quarantine made me discover my love for taking care of my body. I used to be overweight because I never really cared about my weight before. I ate whatever I wanted and did not bother to check how many calories I was consuming every single day. It turns out that being in isolation helps you to realize the things you are missing out on. That is how I planned to start my fitness journey because it opened my eyes to the fact that I am unhealthy and I need serious help.

Lee's Mom
8/6/2020 11:34:54 am

Great article and pics Kelsey!!

Reply
Kelsey
8/6/2020 02:36:36 pm

I really appreciate it, thank you! Please come see the trail sometime, it would be my honor and delight to show you some of my favorite things about it!

Reply
Amy
8/6/2020 12:14:31 pm

Nice article and photos, Kelsey.

Reply
Kelsey
8/6/2020 02:37:52 pm

Amy, thank you! I’m so glad we were able to run on the trail together for our recent virtual race! That was a fun day!

Reply
Mom
8/6/2020 05:11:33 pm

There she goes being Wonder Woman again!
You are my hero!

Reply
Jen link
8/7/2020 07:16:05 pm

Amazing article! And run! Love running, may have to try this trail!!

Reply
Kylie link
9/7/2021 05:00:39 am

Goood post

Reply
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12/26/2022 02:59:03 am

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Mailing address: PO Box 53, Dahlgren, VA 22448
​Please note: Use of the Dahlgren Trail requires a use permit. Please click here to request a permit.
Horseback Riding on the Dahlgren Trail is NOT permitted.
Trail disturbances? Call the King George County Sheriff's office: 540.775.2049

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