Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve trail extended

RICHMOND, Va. – A new extension to the most popular trail at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve in Stafford is now open to the public. 

Hikers can meander further along the shoreline of Potomac Creek on the 1.2-mile addition to the Boykin’s Landing Trail, before ascending a ridge line that leads to the Crow’s Nest Point Trail. From the Raven Road access point parking lot, the total length of the moderate, single-track trail is 4.4 miles. 

Crow’s Nest, which protects mature hardwood forests in a rapidly developing area in northern Virginia, offers public amenities such as hiking and paddling. Dedicated in 2008 as the state’s 54th preserve, it is managed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program at DCR. 

The new trail extension was built by the agency with assistance from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation staff from Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve.  

“We’re proud to celebrate this new extension to the Boykin’s Landing Trail, and we’re already looking ahead to 2026 when a larger trail expansion and new public parking access will become a reality through our continued partnership with Stafford County,” said Lesley Starke, Virginia Natural Heritage Program chief of natural areas stewardship. 

Crow’s Nest is one of 21 natural area preserves that currently provides public access for low-impact recreation activities. The limited parking spots at the two lots now open – available on a first-come, first-served basis – are intended to prevent overcrowding that would detract from a quiet and relaxing visitor experience and would harm the sensitive natural resources the preserve must protect. 

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to check the preserve web page before planning a trip: www.dcr.virginia.gov/crowsnest.   

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Wayne Creed

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