Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve

Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is a protected area in northern Virginia featuring rocky ridges and steep valleys with forested slopes. The preserve offers hiking trails that wind through different woodland types across the rolling topography.

The area was designated as a protected preserve in 2002 by Virginia's conservation authority. This designation aimed to safeguard the region's natural ecosystems and animal populations for the future.

The preserve shows traditional split rail fencing made from black locust wood, built using methods passed down through Virginia's farming communities. This style of fencing remains a visible reminder of how people have long shaped this landscape.

The trails are open Friday through Sunday and vary in difficulty across the rolling terrain. Watch for steep sections and slippery ground, especially after rain, to stay safe while exploring.

A student education program uses the preserve to teach young people by raising and releasing brook trout into local streams. This hands-on project connects conservation work directly to learning in the field.