Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve (Rating: C)

About this event

Details

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer: https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

This is 8.66 mile hike with 604 feet of elevation gain.

Join me in exploring this tucked away gem in Stafford County. Crow's Nest is, simply, a beautiful place and considered highly significant from numerous standpoints. Topography is varied, with the high narrow ridgeline rising 160 feet above two tidally influenced creeks: Potomac and Accokeek. The peninsula is deeply dissected on both its northern and southern flanks by a series of deep ravines cutting into ancient coastal plain marine sediments and feeding tidal marshes along the bordering creeks. The hyperlink to the hike https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/crow-s-nest-natural-area-preserve-nvhc-458f6cb?u=i&sh=pcotzb

cnnap-trailmap.pdf

Hiking Pace: Pace will be about 2.5 mph while moving.

One Porta Johns is available at the trailhead start.

Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early so everyone can sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00 am. The park is open Thursday – Sunday, 8 am – 5:30 pm. GPS Coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XZBysgwZVqnMbeRX6

Access to the park via Raven Rd. You will drive approximately 1.5 miles once you enter Raven Road on a narrow gravel road. Speed limit: 5 mile per hour, as the road is used for two-way traffic. We will meet at the Raven Road entrance trailhead. Look for a Dark Brown Toyota Highlander.

Post hike rehydration TBD

Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy PETS - Pets are permitted at Crow’s Nest Preserve. All dogs must be on a leash. Please clean up after your pet. Pets may not be left unattended at any time.

Recommendations: Insect repellent, snack/lunch, adequate hydration/2 liters of water. I recommend sturdy hiking boots/shoes and poles if you normally use them.

Park Entrance Fee: $0.00 | There is very limited parking (18 vehicles) at the start of the trailhead.

Carpool Parking Lot: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants, and they participate at their own risk. Hikers will depart the carpool lot by 8:00 AM. It's about a 45-minute to one hour drive from the Occoquan Commuter Lot to Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve depending upon traffic. Suggested carpool fee is $4. Hike leader will meet the group at Crow’s Nest Preserve trailhead at 8:45AM.

From Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)