Got a hunger for some gravel? But you think it’s too far away? Think again. This beautiful little trail lies just on the other side of the 301 bridge in King George, VA. There is even a small primitive campsite at the mid-way point that would be perfect for a quick overnight getaway or shakedown ride.
In March 2019 the team at Gravel Travel & Dirt took off to the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail in King George, VA.
It’s safe to say that over here at Gravel Travel & Dirt we love a good rail trail. And when that trail is natural surface it’s all the better.
Natural surface trails tend to have a character and history that is all their own. The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail in King George, VA first came on my radar several years ago.
In March 2019 the gravel travel & dirt team paid a visit to the trail system to see what it was all about. We were not disappointed.
In its infancy, the was managed by a group of dedicated, hard-working volunteers with a vision for something great.
The Friends of the DRHT have been striving to build a free public outdoor recreation area that did not revolve around cars for more than 12 years.
Their vision? To have this 15.7 mile tree-lined abandoned rail bed trail become a part of the Caledon State Park.
The railroad line was built by the federal government during World War II to serve a United States Navy base in Dahlgren and after changing
When it was initially opened in 2006 it was privately held and required a permit to use.
In October 2018 the trail became a part of King George county’s park system while still being privately held.
This removed the requirement for permitted use.
The trail wanders through the woods and the surface varies from smoother hard packed dirt to some loose gravel and even offers some seriously wet areas that are all passable.
The trail passes through a lot of wet, swampy land offering an awesome connection to this natural area.
There is even a primitive campsite midway along the trail for those seeking a little more adventure.
Parking is limited so make sure to check their website at friendsdrht.org for more timely details and a trail map. Services are very limited so make sure to pack plenty of water and some snacks.
The Gravel Travel & Dirt team in this video… Brian Raines Joey Sikorski (video credits!) Wes Chester Will Moran, GTD Patron