Meadowood Bike Trails New Opportunities on the Horizon
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area has been undergoing some major changes in the mountain bike arena. Meadowood already has 13.4 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of horseback riding trails and 4.7 miles of mountain bike trail, but future plans are about to change that landscape.As a result of a Challenge Cost Share partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE), progress is being made on two new mountain bike trails. Doug Vinson, BLM Bike Trail Coordinator, said, “These new mountain bike trails will provide a venue unique to the DC Metro area that is progressive, fun and challenging. These trails will give the rider the ability to hone skills that they can use on just about any trail, anywhere. Volunteer Dates:June 8, 22 and 29 July 13, 20 and 27 August 10, 17 and 24Interested in lending a hand? Volunteer on Saturdays to help build new bike trails at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area. Meet at Trail Head Parking Lot: 10324 Belmont Blvd., Lorton, VA 22079. Volunteers are asked to sign in at 8:45 a.m. on the scheduled Saturday, and may work for as long as they like between the hours of 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. All help is appreciated and your volunteer hours WILL make a difference. Water, snacks and tools provided. Call Doug Vinson at 703-339-3465 for more information.The trails under construction will add about 2.5 miles to the Meadowood mountain bike trail system. Each new trail will have its own flavor and style. One trail will have a fast and flowing rhythm. One will be rustic and narrow, predominately hand built trail with natural obstacles. The last trail is proposed to be a chunky flow trail with rock gardens, drop offs, and three-dimensional wooden features like rolling boardwalks and banked turns. The trails will be geared toward the intermediate skilled rider, with options for beginners and experts alike.Visit Meadowood at 10406 Gunston Road, Lorton, VA 22079. The site is open sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, free of charge. Trail maps are available at kiosks in the parking areas. Maybe you'd like to bring a fishing pole and try your luck at Hidden Pond or Enchanted Pond for bass, sunfish, catfish and crappie? (Virginia fishing license required.)Remember the "Leave No Trace" principles: Know before you go. (Be prepared for temperature, activity type and logistics.) Choose the right path. (Pick up a map and follow the trail.) Trash your trash. (Pack it in, pack it out.) Leave what you find. (Plants, rocks, historical items) Respect wildlife. (Never approach, feed or follow them. Control pets.) Be kind to other visitors. Enjoy your trip to Meadowood! Visit http://www.blm.gov/es/st/en/fo/lpfo_html.html for a sneak preview.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.