Walkers, hikers, equestrians and bicyclists will officially open the new 40-mile Cross County Trail in Fairfax County this Saturday with fireworks and family activities at Trailfest.
The nearly $6 million trail, which stretches from the Potomac River to the Occoquan River, connects several previously existing trails and helps to satisfy the county’s recreational needs, said Judy Pedersen, Fairfax County Park Authority spokeswoman.
According to a 2003 needs assessment study, 65 percent of county residents said trails were their top recreational desire, she said. The trail project was conceived in 1997.
“This trail system is almost all stream valley trails,” said Gerry Connolly, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairman. He added that the Washington and Old Dominion Trail is much more developed than the Cross County.
The trail runs through the Pohick, Accotink and Difficult Run areas, said Jenny Pate, trail coordinator. She expects hundreds of visitors this Saturday, including several hikers who will travel the entire trail in one day.
Trailfest “brings trails to the forefront of people’s attention,” said Pate, who encouraged residents to use the trail for fitness and transportation purposes.
Cross County Trail …
» Is more than 40 miles long
» Begins in Great Falls Park at Potomac River
» Ends in Occoquan Regional Park on the Occoquan River
» Average hiking speed is about 3 mph
» There will be a fireworks display at Laurel Hills at 8:30 p.m. Saturday as part of the grand opening.
» For more information, visit
fairfaxcounty.gov/parks or call 703-324-8700.
