On January 1st 2019, the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT) became part of King George County’s portfolio of park facilities. Trail owner, David Brickley, the Friends of the DRHT and the King George Board of Supervisors enacted a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that enables the King George Parks and Recreation Department (KGPR) to approve, manage, schedule and hold events/activities on the trail. The Friends of the DRHT will continue to maintain the 15.7 miles of tree-lined property as before at no cost to the County, while the property owner will continue retain full ownership of the property.
The DRHT can now be accessed by the public, as before, but users will no longer have to fill out a permit, as they’ve done in the past. Special permits for large events will be required and shall be governed by the Rules and Regulations of the KGPR and subject to their oversight.
Upcoming events, such as the Saturday, Aug 3, 2019 3H 50K and Half Marathon run on the trail by Race Timing Unlimited, as well as, other events will be planned to help promote the DRHT and encourage the County’s citizens and tourists to get outdoors and enjoy this excellent resource.
The trail is a perfect way to bike to work, with the Eastern trail boundary in proximity to Gate B of the NSWC Dahlgren Naval Base. The Western end of the trail has over a half mile of intact rails used by local railroad enthusiast in the Rappahannock Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. A 1917 era iron and wooden caboose and freight car are stored there and the site is handicap accessible with picnic tables and grill.
Come see what the trail has to offer and don’t be surprised to find otters, beavers and eagles along the creeks beside the trail during your walk into the wilderness!
