South Branch Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

South Branch Loop is the backbone of the mountain bike trail system at Meadowood Special Recreation Management area. Built by volunteers from local IMBA Chapter MORE and BLM staff working together, South Branch was the first mountain bike trail constructed at Meadowood. It is accessible via three trailheads, the primary one at the Mason Neck Gateway kiosk on Gunston Road, and two satellite lots on Old Colchester Road and Belmont Boulevard. South Branch serves as the starting point of the three bike-optimized technical trails, Yard Sale, Stinger Trail, and Boss Trail.

South Branch's rolling singletrack winds through mature hardwood forests along the sides of the South Branch of Massey Creek's stream valley. Expect tight turns, mellow berms, flowy grade reversals, and wooden boardwalks over floodplains and wetlands. South Branch is a great ride on it's own, and is the perfect place for beginner and intermediate riders to hone their bike handling skills before trying the progressive trails at Meadowood or nearby Fountainhead Regional Park.

Ridden clockwise, riders face a sustained climb out of the South Branch stream valley, and short, rolling downhills. Ridden counterclockwise, the long (for Fairfax!) descent to the stream valley is your reward for tackling the numerous short climbs back to the ridge.

South Branch holds up well to moderate precipitation, but is prone to the freeze-thaw cycle in the winter months. Please be mindful of trail closures posted on the BLM or MORE's website, at the trailheads, or at the kiosks along the South Branch Loop.