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Fountainhead Regional Park

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Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (151)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Northern Virginia
  4. …Fairfax County
  5. Fountainhead Regional Park
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“The best combination of trails in Fountainhead Regional Park. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

12.9

Miles

20.7

KM

100%

Singletrack

261' 80 m

High

129' 39 m

Low

1,177' 359 m

Up

1,179' 359 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Drops/Jumps · Views

Closes at dark and when trail is wet, Call 703.250.9124 for trail status. One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Overview

Fountainhead Regional Park is a multi-use area on the north shore of the Occoquan Reservoir between Bull Run Marina and Sandy Run Regional Park. The Park is managed by the Northern Regional Park Authority (NVRPA).

Description

Trail Description: The mountain bike trail is a single use series of loops that feature multiple short, steep climbs and several fast descents. Originally 4.5 miles long, an additional 1 mile loop was opened in the spring of 2000. Thanks to a partnership between NVRPA and MORE the trail has been expanded to nearly 15 miles over the past few years. It features a green beginner loop of about 3 miles, an intermediate loop and an advanced loop. The advanced loop starts with an entrance that earns you the rock star award if you make it due to the steep incline, artfully placed rock step ups and a wooden hairpin turn. Other features include 3 drops, multiple rock gardens going up and down hill and super sweet jumps. The black loop will keep your heart pounding from both hard short climbs and thrilling descents. Fountainhead will put a smile on your face that will last for days.
The series of loops is designed for clockwise traffic. Helmets are required and the Park is closed after dark. The trailhead is clearly visible from the parking lot, 0.6 mile from the park entrance. Please be aware that it is easy to pick up significant speed on all sections, even beginner and intermediate loop, so please ride with caution, especially your first time out. The EMS are at this park on a regular basis.

Access Notes: Please remember that access for mountain bikes at Fountainhead is a privilege not a right. Ride only on marked trails, do not cut through switchbacks, and do not alter trail features. Cutting trails or building obstacles without permission of the park is strictly prohibited and can jeopardize access for all.

History & Background

For more than eight years, local riders have enjoyed the MTB Trail at Fountainhead Regional Park. With the support of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and built through the cooperative effort of MORE, REI and support from the now defunct FAT City Cycles, the trail opened in 1997. Lifetime MORE member Andy Caruthers along with current MORE members Paul Hardy and Larry Cautilli are significantly responsible for the existence of the trail. Featured in the August 2001 issue of Bike Magazine, the Fountainhead trail is described as, "some of the region's most challenging singletrack."

Contacts

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

Land Manager: Northern Virginia Regional Parks

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Jaron Holmes and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 151 votes

#1

in Fountainhead Regional Park

#28

Overall
  4.7 from 151 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Fountainhead Regional…

#1

in Virginia

#28

Overall
237 Views Last Month
80,008 Since Jul 25, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
1%
5%
16%
11%
67%
1%
Add a Photo

Photos

Catching air on the first of 3 consecutive humps. Pic by Harold N.
May 12, 2016 near Lake Ridge, VA
Lap around the Green Trail, showcasing most interesting features.
Mar 30, 2020 near Lake Ridge, VA
Biking Bad on Black Friday
Nov 25, 2017 near Lake Ridge, VA
Skinny on Blue
Nov 25, 2017 near Lake Ridge, VA
Dual Drops & ShockABilly exit
Dec 4, 2018 near Lake Ridge, VA
Biking Bad gang shreddin' the trails at Fountainhead
Sep 5, 2019 near Lake Ridge, VA

16 Comments

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Nov 29, 2022
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Sep 10, 2022
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