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South Branch Loop

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (22)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Northern Virginia
  4. …Mason Neck
  5. Meadowood Recreation Area
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“The main loop trail at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, open to hikers and bikes. ”

Ryan Delaney
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Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.7

KM
Singletrack

148' 45 m

High

10' 3 m

Low

317' 97 m

Up

316' 96 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

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.

Contacts

Local Club: Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE)

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management, Lower Potomac Field Station

Shared By:

Ryan Delaney
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 22 votes

#3

in Meadowood Recreation Area

#826

Overall
  4.4 from 22 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
59%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#3

in Meadowood Recreation Area

#19

in Virginia

#826

Overall
3 Views Last Month
2,979 Since Feb 25, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

The big wall ride on The Boss Trail.
Jun 3, 2015 near Lorton, VA
Having fun towards the top of Yard Sale trail.
Jun 3, 2015 near Lorton, VA
Biking Bad at Meadowood
Dec 4, 2018 near Lorton, VA
My first ride around meadowood
Nov 1, 2021 near Lorton, VA
Small break time.
Sep 24, 2018 near Lorton, VA
A young rider with MORE's sMORE's kids program dropping in on Boss Trail.
Feb 25, 2015 near Lorton, VA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 5 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 24, 2024
Richard Haase
Trails are damp, but not muddy except a few little spots. Came here because Fountain Head was closed. Great little park! 4.6mi
Jul 21, 2024
Ben T
Jun 13, 2024
Chris Ververis
3.5mi
Jul 29, 2023
Timothy Howard
Sunny day ride with no one around — 0h 46m
Apr 11, 2023
Timothy Howard
Nice afternoon ride during the day. — 0h 35m
Aug 13, 2022
Timothy Howard
3.5mi — 0h 45m
Oct 9, 2021
Timothy Howard
1.9mi — 0h 28m
Sep 3, 2021
Timothy Howard
1.8mi — 0h 15m

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Stewarded by Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE)
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