MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Laurel Hill

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (102)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Northern Virginia
  4. Laurel Hill Park
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“Fast trail with flowing lines and lots to see. ”

Ernest Rodriguez
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

10.7

Miles

17.3

KM

90%

Singletrack

233' 71 m

High

135' 41 m

Low

586' 179 m

Up

586' 179 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Open from sunrise to sunset.

Overview

Laurel Hill is one of the newest trail systems in the region. This property is now maintained by The Fairfax County Park Authority, following their take-over of the retired Lorton Correctional Facility. The newly developed trails criss cross the open fields and woods of the original facility connecting in several places with the 41-mile long Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT).

While on the trail, riders will note that most of the original building infrastructure is still in place (although much of it is in various states of disrepair). Although intended for multi-use, the trail system was designed by mountain bikers with a great flowing experience in mind. There are, however, a few advanced trail features in specific skill areas of the trail. This experience is in plain sight of the original guard towers, prison buildings, old inmate work farms, utility buildings, and other remnants of a once large correctional facility.

Need to Know

The trail network crosses active roads and driveways, including Lorton and Furnace roads. Riders should exercise caution crossing these roads, especially as drivers will not be used to seeing cyclists in these areas. Some sight lines are limited. Additionally, most of this trail system is open to hikers and equestrians. Look out for other trail users and follow IMBAs Rules of the Trail.

Description

There are many trailheads to access the trail system, but two of the most utilized are at the Equestrian Center and the Giles Run Meadow Park parking lots. From the Giles Run parking lot, the trail starts right next to the road (Giles Run Meadow Trail) ride natural surfaced singletrack until you reach Giles Run stream and walk your bike across large boulders. Continue riding until you reach the Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT) and take a left/south. Giles Run will be below you at times which can be seen through the trees. There are some bridges and pine groves. Ride the CCT until you reach Lorton Road, the singletrack continues once you cross the road. There to two trailheads after the road crossing (one immediately afterward) and the other about 500 feet along the former railroad bed.

You are now entering onto the Pasture Loop. You can go left or right, but once you reach the gravel road, you can go further south and meet up with the more challenging Slaughter House lake Accotink loop (the old Slaughterhouse Loop is at the trailhead (yes, it was a real). Do the loop and backtrack on the same gravel road uphill and take your first right. This trail will take you behind the old Dairy Farm building (soon to be the Equestrian Center stables).

This trail will dump you out back on the Pasture Loop, turn right and follow the tree line. The Power Station Loop trailhead will be on your right. Make sure you take the second trailhead which will make you do the loop clockwise. About 2/3's into the loop there are some table top jumps.

Exit this loop back on the Pasture Loop away from the trash incinerator property, take a right fork up to and cross Furnace Road and do the Apple Orchard Loop (either direction is equally fun).

Cross back over Furnace Road and back onto the Pasture Loop. You'll soon see the equestrian center and you've completed most of the trail. Continue riding until you run out of time.

Enjoy!

History & Background

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorto…
fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/laure…

Contacts

Local Club: Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE)

Land Manager: Fairfax County, VA - Park Authority

Shared By:

Ernest Rodriguez
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 102 votes

#1

in Laurel Hill Park

#159

Overall
  4.1 from 102 votes
5 Star
34%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Laurel Hill Park

#4

in Virginia

#159

Overall
183 Views Last Month
44,738 Since Jun 30, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
12%
16%
69%
1%
1%
1%
Add a Photo

Photos

Biking Bad at Laurel Hill
Dec 4, 2018 near Lorton, VA
Power Station Loop, Dairy Barn Trail
Aug 4, 2020 near Lorton, VA
On the Power Station trail, getting a quick ride in before the sun goes down.
Sep 20, 2015 near Lorton, VA
Nice and easy and fun
Dec 4, 2018 near Lorton, VA
You can see the old barn from the Laurel Hill Loop.
Mar 4, 2020 near Lorton, VA
On the descent.
Nov 2, 2016 near Lorton, VA

7 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 11 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 28, 2024
Ben T
Fun trail system that was relatively easy to follow. Would ride again. Only complaint is the mix of gravel on much of the singletrack.
Jan 11, 2024
Derek Gruber
Sep 2, 2023
Timothy Howard
1h 45m
Aug 2, 2023
Private User
Jul 13, 2023
Jill Douglas
8.4mi
Feb 19, 2023
Adam C
Sep 7, 2022
Darcie P
Jun 24, 2022
Craig Karnis
2.3mi — 3h 45m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Stewarded By

Stewarded by Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE)
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started