Implementation Plan For The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail In Fairfax County Prepared for the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning, and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Assessment by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission September 2002
Cover Photograph Credits (clockwise from top right): Virginia Tourism Corporation, Donald Briggs and Jennifer Burke
Acknowledgments i The Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their contributions to this project: Don Briggs, Superintendent of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail for the National Park Service; David Marshall and Sheng Leu with the Fairfax County Office of Planning and Zoning; Jenny Pate with the Fairfax County Park Authority; and the members of the Fairfax County Non-Motorized Transportation Committee. This report is an NVRC staff product prepared for Fairfax County, supported in part by funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the National Capital Region, National Park Service. Any assessments, conclusions, or recommendations contained in this report represent the results of the NVRC staff's technical investigation, and do not represent policy positions of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission unless so stated in an adopted resolution of said Commission. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Fairfax County, the National Park Service or any of its subagencies. Funding for this report was provided by: The National Park Service Challenge Cost Share Program Report prepared by: Douglas A. Pickford Director Economic & Heritage Resources Northern Virginia Regional Commission with assistance from Jennifer Burke THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL COMMISSION 7535 Little River Turnpike, Suite 100 Annandale, Virginia 22003 703.642.0700 www.novaregion.org
ii THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer Executive Director REGIONAL COMMISSION as of August 9, 2002 Hon. Scott K. York Hon. Kristen C. Umstattd Hon. Barbara A. Favola G. Mark Gibb Commissioners County of Alrington Hon. Albert C. Eisenberg Hon. Barbara A. Favola Hon. Jay N. Fisette Hon. Charles Monroe County of Fairfax Hon. Sharon Bulova Hon. James C. Chesley Hon. Gerald E. Connolly Anna F. Dixon Brenda Z. Greene Hon. Penelope A. Gross Hon. Katherine K. Hanley John F. Herrity Hon. Catherine M. Hudgins Hon. Elaine N. McConnell Hon. Stuart Mendelsohn Sally B. Ormsby Alice Keane Putman Lilla D. Richards County of Loudoun Charles J. Billand Hon. Mark R. Herring Hon. Scott K. York County Of Prince William Hon. Hilda M. Barg Edgar Bruce Holley Hon. John D. Jenkins Don White Hon. Edgar S. Wilbourn, III City of Alexandria Hon. William C. Cleveland Hon. Redella S. Pepper Robert Rapanut City of Fairfax Hon. Joan Cross David Kirkpatrick, Jr City of Falls Church Lyman Krekel City of Manassas Robert C. Goessman Hon. Harry J. Parrish, II City of Manassas Park Jesse Ludvigsen Hon. William R. Wren Town of Dumfries Hon. Melvin Bray Town of Herndon Hon. Michael L. O'Reilly Town of Leesburg Hon. Kristen C. Umstattd Town of Purcellville Hon. William T. Druhan, Jr. Town of Vienna Hon. Albert J. Boudreau The Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) is an independent public agency chartered in 1969 to plan for the physical, social and economic development of the region. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to local, state and federal governments and as an advocate for Northern Virginia and its 1.8 million residents. The Commission's policies and programs are established by a 42 member Board of Commissioners comprised of elected officials and private citizens appointed by the governing bodies of the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William; the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, and the Towns of Dumfries, Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville and Vienna.
Table of Contents iii I. INTRODUCTION... 1 How to Use This Report... 1 II. POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL (PHNST)... 2 The Trail At A Glance... 2 PHNST Generalized Alignment Corridor Map... 3 III. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS... 4 Trail Characteristics of the PHNST in Fairfax County... 4 Action Items... 5 IV. THE PHNST IN FAIRFAX COUNTY Segment 1 - Prince William County Line to Pohick Creek at Ft. Belvoir... 6 Recommended Alignment... 6 Opportunities and Issues... 6 Next Steps... 6 Aerial Photograph of Corridor... 7 Cost Estimate... 8 Map 1... 9 Segment 2 - Pohick Creek at Ft. Belvoir to Grist Mill Park... 10 Recommended Alignment... 10 Opportunities and Issues... 10 Next Steps... 11 Aerial Photograph of Corridor... 11 Cost Estimate... 12 Map 2... 13
iv Table of Contents Segment 3 - Grist Mill Park to the City of Alexandria Line... 14 Existing Alignment... 14 Next Steps... 14 Aerial Photograph of Corridor... 15 Cost Estimate... 16 Map 3... 17 Segment 4 - Arlington County Line to I-495/Capital Beltway... 18 Existing/Alternative Alignments... 18 Opportunities and Issues... 18 Next Steps... 19 Aerial Photograph of Corridor... 19 Cost Estimate... 20 Map 4... 21 Segment 5 - I-495/Capital Beltway to Great Falls National Park... 22 Recommended/Alternative Alignments... 22 Opportunities and Issues... 22 Next Steps... 23 Aerial Photograph of Corridor... 23 Cost Estimate... 24 Map 5... 25 Segment 6 - Great Falls National Park to Loudoun County Line... 26 Recommended Alignment... 26 Opportunities and Issues... 26 Next Steps... 26 Aerial Photograph of Corridor... 27 Cost Estimate... 28 Map 6... 29
Table of Contents v TABLES Table 1 - Estimated Trail Construction Costs... A-1 APPENDICES A. Trail Construction Cost Estimate Methodology B. Sources of Funding C. Listing of PHNST Stakeholders D. Draft Guidelines for Requesting Designation of a Trail as a Segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
INTRODUCTION I. With passage of the National Trails System Act of 1968, Congress authorized a national system of trails based on multiple partnerships and substantial roles for citizens organizations. Subsequently, the Department of Interior (DOI) and the Department of Agriculture have been authorized and funded to study the feasibility of establishing additional national scenic trails. In 1974, DOI completed a feasibility study that led to Congressional enactment of Public Law 98-11 in March, 1983, and establishment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST). The original concept proposed to establish 704 miles of connecting trails through Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington D.C. The Act establishing the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail states that no lands outside the exterior boundaries of any federally administered area may be acquired by the federal government for the Trail, making local initiatives extremely vital to completing the Trail. To date, approximately 300 miles of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail have been designated. In the Summer of 2001 the National Park Service entered into a cooperative agreement with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) to identify practical opportunities for development of the PHNST in Prince William and Fairfax Counties. NVRC staff, with considerable assistance and guidance from local government staff, developed the recommendations contained within this report. The recommended alignment and potential alternative alignments for the PHNST are based on local government plans, studies and field work conducted by NVRC. HOW TO USE THIS REPORT change from day to day, as will cost estimates for construction (see Appendix A for Cost Estimate Methodology) and the viability of routing a trail within certain areas in the County. Anyone interested in a particular section of the trail should consult one or more of the following agencies or organizations: the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning; Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Assessment; the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority; the Fairfax County Park Authority; or the National Park Service (contact information is listed in Appendix D). All of these agencies have some jurisdiction and oversight of the PHNST corridor in Fairfax County. This report has divides the PHNST corridor in Fairfax County into six sections. Each section begins with a chart that provides a summary of the trail corridor, providing information on trail length; status of planning; trail surface type; major water bodies that are crossed; where to find the trail section on U.S. Geological Survey maps (7.5 minute quadrangles); and a list of the major parks and attractions that are linked by the trail. Each section also provides a written description of the recommended alignment, as well as any alternative alignments followed by a brief discussion of the opportunities and issues that exist within the corridor. The chapter concludes with a summary of immediate next steps to construct the PHNST in Fairfax County. Each section also includes an aerial photograph of the trail corridor, a detailed map and a spreadsheet that summarizes the specific costs, status and elements that need to be constructed before the trail is considered completed. Each trail element has an index number that can be cross referenced to the adjoining map. The cost estimates do not take into account any funds that may be needed for land acquisitions or the purchase of easements. The information contained within this report represents a snapshot of the conditions and status of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) in Fairfax County. Circumstances along the corridor will PAGE 1
NORTHERN VIRGINIA SECTION II. THE POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL The Trail at a Glance TRAIL CHARACTERISTICS TRAIL CORRIDOR: LENGTH: TRAIL SURFACE TYPES: PUBLIC PARK LINKAGES: PRIMARY TRAIL LINKAGES: Stafford/Prince William County Boundary to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 116 Miles (76.4 Planned, 39.6 Existing) Arlington - 8.94 (Existing) Alexandria - 4.38 Miles (Existing) Fairfax - 41.69 Miles (25.27 Existing, 16.42 Planned) Loudoun - 45.56 Miles (.78 Existing, 44.77 Planned) Prince William - 15.51 Miles (.28 Existing, 15.23 Planned) Paved Asphalt - 48 Estimated Miles Stone Dust - 27 Estimated Miles Natural - 41 Estimated Miles G.W. Memorial Parkway, Potomac Overlook, Oronoco Bay, Founders, Torpedo Factory, Waterfront, Potomac View, Jones Point, Fort Hunt, Washington Mill, Grist Mill, Scotts Run Nature Preserve, Great Falls NP, Riverbend Chain Bridge, Custis Lee, Key Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, Memorial Bridge, 14th Street Bridge, Four Mile Run, Eisenhower Avenue/Cameron Run PROMINENT HERITAGE, AND CULTURAL LINKAGES: Potomac Overlook, Fort C.F. Smith, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Arlington Cemetery, Arlington House, Numerous Sites in Old Town Alexandria, Jones Point, Dyke Marsh, River Farm, Fort Hunt, Mt. Vernon, Woodlawn COUNTY BY COUNTY SUMMARY Estimated Avg. Cost City of Alexandria Mileage Percent Cost 1 Per Mile Trail Completed 4.38 100% $ - Trail Planned 0 0% $ - $ - Total 4.38 100% $ - $ - Arlington County Trail Completed 8.94 100% $ - Trail Plannned 0 0% $ - $ - Total 8.94 100% $ - $ - Fairfax County Trail Completed 25.27 61% $ - Trail Plannned 16.42 39% $ 5,751,439 $ 350,369 Total 41.69 100% $ 5,751,439 Loudoun County Trail Completed 0.78 2% $ - Trail Plannned 44.77 98% $ 7,699,388 $ 171,959 Total 45.56 100% $ 7,699,388 Prince William County* Trail Completed 0.49 2% $ - Trail Plannned 20.68 98% $ 6,880,333 $ 332,727 Total 21.17 100% $ 6,880,333 Northern Virginia Corridor Trail Completed 39.86 33% $ - Trail Plannned 81.87 67% $ 20,331,160 $ 248,339 Total 121.73 100% $ 20,331,160 1 Does not include costs associated with land acquisition or easement purchases. PAGE 2
Harpers Ferry, W.Va. THE POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL GENERALIZED TRAIL CORRIDOR Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Corridor The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Corridor In Northern Virginia Potential Whites Ferry to Leesburg Connection Leesburg Loudoun County Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Alternative Bike Corridor (W&OD, Lee Custis, 4 Mile Run) Arlington Fairfax County Alexandria Prince William County Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Corridor PAGE 3
FAIRFAX COUNTY III. The PHNST in Fairfax County EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS TRAIL CHARACTERISTICS TRAIL CORRIDOR: Prince William County Line to Loudoun County Line LENGTH: Fairfax - 41.69 Miles (25.27 Existing, 16.42 Planned) Alternative Routes - 21.98 Miles COST ESTIMATE FOR COMPLETION: NO. OF PRIVATE PROPERTIES IMPACTED: NO. EXISTING EASEMENTS: $5,751,439 (approx. $350,359 per mile) Mt. Vernon Extension - $1,422,288 TBD TBD PUBLIC PARK LINKAGES: PRIMARY TRAIL LINKAGES: PROMINENT HERITAGE, AND CULTURAL LINKAGES: Occoquan Regional Park, Mason Neck State Park, Pohick Regional Park, G.W. Memorial Parkway, Fort Hunt, George Washington Grist Mill State Park, Grist Mill Park, Scotts Run Nature Preserve, Great Falls National Historic Park, Riverbend Chain Bridge, Custis Lee, Key Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, Memorial Bridge, 14th Street Bridge, Four Mile Run, Eisenhower Avenue/ Cameron Run, Fairfax Cross County Woodlawn, Colchester Church, Mt. Vernon, Washington's Grist Mill, George Washington's Patowmack Canal SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS With over 60% of the trail complete and a greater part of the northern corridor secured with easements or within the public domain, the establishment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) in Fairfax County is close to becoming a reality. Resolving the issues associated with routing the trail through Fort Belvoir and linking it to the newly acquired Lorton property remain problematic, but not insurmountable. As efforts are made to establish the PHNST in the southern part of the County, the corridor between Great Falls National Park and the Loudoun County line presents an immediate opportunity to connect a number of public parks and open spaces. With support from the Great Falls Trailblazers, a local citizens' group, and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (with over 2,000 member), this section of trail corridor could serve as an example for volunteer development and maintenance of trail segments in other parts of the County. These organizations have secured easements and are helping to build and maintain trail segments. Both have worked closely with Fairfax County and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) to see that a regional trail network becomes a reality. PAGE 4
The cost estimate of $5.75 million includes all facilities necessary to provide a network of trails serving the County's 1 million residents. Additionally, construction is much less expensive using the region's vast reservoir of volunteers and trial-building expertise. Along with donated materials, natural surface trails require less engineering, labor and materials. A primary option for the southern corridor features a paved facility for different types of users, providing an important link in the region's nonmotorized transportation system as well as the trail network; in this scenario, costs are substantially higher than in the northern corridor. The numerous steps that need to be undertaken to see that the PHNST is completed in Fairfax County have been summarized below, and ranked by priority from those items that need immediate attention to the issues or concerns that can be dealt with in the future. The list of items were determined by the consensus agreement between County and NVRPA staff and members of the County's Non-motorized Transportation Committee. These priority actions include: INTERMEDIATE ACTIONS 1. Continue to work with Fort Belvoir to determine the most suitable route through/around the military installation. 2. Incorporate a PHNST alignment in the site/management plan being developed for the Lorton property. 3. Continue to monitor construction of the Wilson Bridge to ensure adequate pedestrian access through, over and near the new bridge facility. FUTURE ACTIONS 1. Continue to examine opportunities to link the PHNST to existing and future trail networks within the County. 2. Continue to work with the National Park Service to find a suitable alignment that will extend the Mt. Vernon trail from Roosevelt Island to I-495. 3. Identify funding for a bridge over I-95 and determine a suitable alignment to allow the PHNST to follow the Pohick stream valley north to the Lorton property. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS 1. Complete construction and signage of the segment of trail between Riverbend Park and the Loudoun County boundary. 2. Initiate the Scenic Byway grant to study the feasibility of establishing trail adjacent to Georgetown Pike between I- 495 and Great Falls National Park. 3. Continue to work with NVRC to identify sources of funding for implementation of the PHNST in Fairfax County. 4. Complete construction of Clarke's Crossing bridge work. PAGE 5
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY LINE TO POHICK CREEK AT FORT BELVOIR Length: Status: Trail Type: USGS 7.5 Map: Water Bodies: Linkages: RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT Recommended Alignment - 6.19 miles Number of Private Properties - TBD Properties Under Easement - TBD Lorton Alternative - 4.94 miles from Occoquan Regional Park Number of Private Properties - TBD Properties Under Easement - TBD All Alignments Planned 10' asphalt multi-use trail Fort Belvoir, Occoquan Massey Creek, Occoquan River Planned Lorton trail system, Gunston Road Trail to Pohick Regional Park and Mason Neck State Park, Pedestrian and Equestrian Trails along Occoquan River/Bull Run, Occoquan Regional Park The Proposed Countywide Trails Plan has identified a potential route for the PHNST from the Prince William County line to Fort Belvoir. This proposed route begins at the existing (but currently closed) pedestrian bridge that crosses the Occoquan River near the northern boundary of the Town of Occoquan. The trail would then use an existing public access road, travelling north to Route 123. The trail would continue north along the west side of Route 123 to the intersection of Lorton Road (approximately 1.19 miles). Here the trail would turn east, crossing Route 123 and following Lorton Road to the intersection of Gunston Cove Road (approx. 2.15 miles). The trail would turn south following Gunston Cove Road to Route 1 (approx. 1.16 miles). Crossing Route 1 Gunston Cove Road changes into Gunston Road, continuing east to Old Colchester Road (approx..71 mile). Turning north again the trail would follow Old Colchester Road to Fort Belvoir at Pohick Creek (approx..97 mile). This PAGE 6 entire segment would be either on-road or on a trail that would run parallel to existing roadways. OPPORTUNITIES AND ISSUES New Route 123 Bride Crossing The Prince William County Park Authority has identified two alternatives for crossing the Occoquan River into Fairfax County. The first and most attractive is the pedestrian bridge in the Town of Occoquan. However, a second alternative might be considered if the pedestrian bridge remains closed. This route is along the proposed pedestrian access that will be incorporated into the new Route 123 bridge after the widening project is completed in Fairfax. Funding for this project has been put on hold due to state funding issues. Both options provide essentially the same connection to the planned route in Fairfax County. Lorton Property - Alternative Alignment With the transfer of the Lorton property to Fairfax IV. THE PHNST IN FAIRFAX Segment 1 County moving towards fruition, a good opportunity exists to route the PHNST through what is planned to be a very large park area. The user experience would be greatly enhanced if this route were eventually developed. The difficulty of this option arises in routing the trail back over (or under) Interstate 95. The initial concept was to follow the Pohick Stream valley to Old Colchester Road and into Fort Belvoir. However upon further investigation it was found that the culvert under I- 95 is quite narrow and would need substantial upgrading and re-configuration to accommodate a trail facility. The most practical option is now to follow the alignment as identified in the Countywide Trail plan. This route designates Pohick Road as the point to cross over I-95 where it would then connect to Old Colchester Road. An alternative alignment might include a connection to the Cross County Trail within the Accotink stream valley north of Lorton. Gunston Cove Road and Old Colchester Road Routing Building a trail along Gunston Cove Road and Old Colchester Road could prove to be quite problematic due to the number of adjacent private property owners. From Gunston Road to Pohick Creek (-- miles) the trail would crossover -- properties if located on the west side and -- to the east. NEXT STEPS COUNTY Continue monitoring the progress of widening Route 123 to ensure the design and final construction of the pedestrian facilities are compatible with planned PHNST alignments.
Pohick Cr eek Monitor future improvements to Lorton, Gunston Cove and Old Colchester Roads to ensure that the PHNST is accommodated in design improvements. Continue monitoring developments in the transfer and future use of the Lorton complex to ensure that a viable route for the PHNST can be accommodated through the complex. Proposed PHNST Alignment & Alternatives From Prince William County Line to Pohick Creek at Fort Belvoir Route 123 Lorton Rd. Fort Belvoir Recommended Alignment Lorton i-95 Route 1 Gunston Rd. Old Colchester Rd. Alternative Alignment Town of Occoquan PAGE 7
POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Fairfax County Implementation Plan Map 1 COST MILEPOSTS 1 TRAIL SEGMENTS FEET (est.) A B C D E Map ref. # COMMENTS / DESCRIPTION Map 1 Prince William County Line to Pohick Creek at Ft. Belvoir Recommended Alignment Trail Construction Prince William County Line to Pohick Creek at Ft. Belvoir 32,630 $ 1,403,934 1 Large Bridge over Pohick Creek 100 $ 75,000 2 Subtotal 32,730 $ 1,478,934 Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Corridor begins at pedestrian bridge from Town of Occoquan then traverses the Lorton site. Proffered improvements are a real possibility when site is developed in the future. Trail Amenities Large Sign 4 $ 800 Placed at major access point(s). Fairfax County side of the Occoquan River, Route 123 crossing, within Lorton complex, and at Old Colchester Road at Pohick Creek. Small Trail Sign 16 $ 1,637 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 6 $ 1,550 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 3,986 Total Cost Recommended Alignment $ 1,482,920 Alternative Alignment Trail Construction Route 123 to I-95 at Eastern Boundary of Lorton Property 16,168 $ 715,822 3 Bridge Crossing of Giles Mill Branch 100 $ 75,000 4 Lorton Road Crossing Improvments TBD 5 I-95 Bridge or Tunnel Improvements TBD 6 I-95 to Pohick Creek at Fort Belvroir 9,821 $ 450,518 7 Subtotal 26,089 $ 1,241,340 Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Corridor begins at pedestrian bridge from Town of Occoquan then traverses the Lorton site. Proffered improvements are a real possibility when site is developed in the future. Alternative 2 Amenities Large Sign 3 $ 600 Placed at major access point(s). Fairfax County side of the Occoquan River near Route 1 bridge, Gunston Road, and at Old Colchester Road at Pohick Creek. Small Trail Sign 13 $ 1,304 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 5 $ 1,235 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 3,140 Total Cost Alternative 2 $ 1,244,480 1 Mileposts: Milepost Status Codes: A: Segment in a local comprehensive plan X = completed (including determination of a final alignment) U = underway B: Preliminary engineering completed $ = funded (including environmental, historic and cultural resource reviews) O = on hold pending administrative/regulatory action C: Property acquisition completed (including appraisal & negotiations) D: Final design (including surveying, structural design & inspections) E: Construction - Indicates that trail segment is complete PAGE 8
(3) Alternative PHNST Alignment (6) I-95 Crossing MAP 1 Implementation Plan For The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail In Fairfax County (Prince William County Line to Fort Belvoir) Recommended PHNST Route Alternative PHNST Routes Existing Connecting Trails Federal Land Public Parks Other Open Space (1) Map Reference # (1) Recommended PHNST Alignment Fairfax County Prince William County Route 123 (4) Giles Br. Lorton (5) Lorton Rd. Crossing Lorton Road Interstate 95 Gunston Cove Road Gunston Road (7) Pohick Cr. Alignment Pohick Creek Old Colcheser Road (2) Pohick Cr. Bridge Fort Belvoir Occoquan Pohick Regional Park Occoquan Regional Park PAGE 9
POHICK CREEK AT FORT BELVOIR TO GRIST MILL PARK Length: Status: Trail Type: USGS 7.5 Map: Water Bodies: Linkages: Recommended Alignment - 5.68 miles Number of Private Properties - TBD Properties Under Easement - TBD Alternative Alignment - 6.60 miles Number of Private Properties - TBD Properties Under Easement - TBD All Alignments Planned 10' asphalt multi-use trail Fort Belvoir, Mount Vernon Pohick Creek, Accotink Creek, Dogue Creek Planned Pohick Stream Valley Trail, Potential Rail-to-trail conversion, Planned Accotink Stream Valley Trail The Proposed Fairfax Countywide Trails Plan identifies a PHNST alignment planned and designed in 1997 by staff of the Installation Support, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir (Fort Belvoir). Unfortunately, a by-product of the events that occurred on September 11, 2001 has been a dramatic increase in security at all military installations. Fort Belvoir is no exception, and original plans to route the PHNST through main areas of the installation are being revisited. Hopefully the original route can be maintained. However, if an alternative must be identified it is anticipated that Fort Belvoir officials will be receptive to providing a significant easement along the perimeter of the installation along Old Colchester Road, Route 1 and Mt. Vernon Highway. This study will summarizes both alignments. RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT As mentioned previously, the recommended alignment is consistent with trail plans developed by Fort Belvoir and Fairfax County. From Pohick Creek the trail would enter the Fort Belvoir installation and run north through the wooded area that is adjacent to an existing access road (Poe Road). Turning northeast, the trail roughly parallels Poe Road to Pohick Road. The alignment then moves slightly north and would run adjacent to Route 1 past Gunston Road and Pence Gate on Belvoir Road. After crossing through a forested area, the trail would pick up the Dogue Creek stream valley and exit Fort Belvoir at Walker Gate. Staying on the southern shoulder, the PHNST would follow the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway east to the boundary of Fort Belvoir. At Grist Mill Road, the trail would cross Mount Vernon Memorial Highway and continues east in the right-of-way between the highway and the existing access road. Between Patton Boulevard and Grist Mill Park, the PHNST would cross approximately 800 feet of private property before crossing Ferry Landing Road and onto County owned property at Grist Mill Park. ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENT From Pohick Creek, the trail would ideally continue north running parallel to Old Colchester Road to the intersection of Route 1 (approx..88 of a mile). At Route 1, a grade-separated trail could parallel the highway to the intersection of Mt. Vernon High- IV. THE PHNST IN FAIRFAX COUNTY Segment 2 way, Route 235 (approx. 4.3 miles). Turning due east the trail would then follow the Mt. Vernon Highway to the Walker Gate where it would then follow the recommended alignment (approx..41 of a mile). OPPORTUNITIES AND ISSUES Prior to September 11, 2001 this section of trail represented one of the better opportunities for quick completion. Funding was dedicated and the entire trail corridor was planned, engineered and within the public domain. Since September, the status is very uncertain (see Next Steps). Alternative Route Development Issues Between Pohick Creek and the east of Walker Gate, Ft. Belvoir, the best location for the PHNST is within Fort Belvoir. In the vicinity of the intersection between Route 1 and Mt. Vernon Highway, a loop trail or other connection to Woodlawn Plantation, a property owned and managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, could also become a segment of the PHNST, adding to the educational opportunities associate with the trail. The section of trail from Pohick Creek to the vicinity of the Accotink Creek would be routed through an undeveloped and wooded landscape. Significant wetlands are encountered in the vicinity of Accotink Creek and Route 1, which may require substantial elevated trail grading or wood decking. Both options are expensive. From Accotink Creek the corridor could follow an existing utility right-of-way that parallels Route 1 to Pence gate. From Pence Gate to Mt. Vernon Highway the trail would have PAGE 10
to be integrated into existing landscapes and developments including a golf course and the Woodlawn Plantation equestrian area. Substantial improvements or a new bridge would be required to cross Dogue Creek on Mt. Vernon Highway. NEXT STEPS In 2000 Congressman Moran secured $500,000 in funding for the development of Phase I of the PHNST within Fort Belvoir. As of publication of this document, no construction has be initiated within the installation. The Potomac Trail Council and interested citizen groups should monitor the status of this project to ensure that the resources are allocated to the construction of the PHNST and not used for other purposes. Initiate negotiations to find a resolution to the alignment of the PHNST either through or around Fort Belvoir. At issue is whether the recommended or the alternative routes of the PHNST through Fort Belvoir can be realistically achieved. If not, then a new route needs to be identified in this area. Complete an analysis of whether VDOT rightof-way between Fort Belvoir and Fairfax County's Grist Mill Park is sufficient to accommodate the PHNST. Continue to advocate implementation of current plans to link the Accotink Stream Valley Trail (Cross County Trail) with the Fairfax County Parkway trail to provide linkages to Fort Belvoir at Telegraph Road, as well as with the planned Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Continue examining development of a safe bicycle/ pedestrian crossing of Route 1. Examine the feasibility of obtaining a voluntary easement to route the PHNST through property owned by the Saint James Episcopal Church in order to align the PHNST on the north side of the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway between Patton Boulevard and Old Mill Road. Proposed PHNST Alignment & Alternatives From Pohick Creek at Ft. Belvoir to Grist Mill Park Recommended Alignment Alternative Alignment PAGE 11
POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Fairfax County Implementation Plan Map 2 COST MILEPOSTS 1 TRAIL SEGMENTS FEET (est.) A B C D E Map ref. # COMMENTS / DESCRIPTION Map 2 Pohick Creek at Ft. Belvoir to Grist Mill Park Recommended Alignment Pohick Creek to Western Bndry of Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge 10,008 $ 346,270 8 Western Bndry of Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge to Eastern Bndry 4,652 $ 1,250,084 9 Large Bridge over Accotink Creek 100 75,000 Eastern Bndry of Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge to Dogue Creek 10,284 $ 437,871 11 Large Bridge over Dogue Creek 100 75,000 Dogue Creek to Grist Mill Park 4,871 $ 211,608 13 Road Crossing Improvements at Mt. Vernon Highway TBD 14 Subtotal 30,015 $ 2,395,833 Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Initial corridor will require considerable grading, but becomes much more level once leaving the immediate Pohick Creek stream area. 10' wide wood deck. Almost entire corridor consists of wetlands and marsh areas necessiating raised, wood deck structure. $ 10 Large bridge structure required to cross over Accotink Creek. Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Steep terrain approaching Dogue Creek will require considerable grading and site improvements. $ 12 Large bridge structure required to cross over Accotink Creek. Recommended Alignment Amenities Large Sign 6 $ 1,200 Placed at major access point(s). Fairfax County Parkway, Beulah Rd. gate, Gunston Rd., Main Gate, Walker Gate, and Grist Mill Park. Small Trail Sign 15 $ 1,501 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 6 $ 1,421 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 4,122 Total Cost $ 2,399,955 Alternative Alignment Pohick Creek to Walker Gate (along the perimeter of Fort Belvoir) 29,767 $ 1,014,125 A1 Large Bridge over Accotink Creek 100 75,000 Large Bridge over Dogue Creek 100 75,000 Walker Gate to Grist Mill Park 4,871 $ 211,608 13 Road Crossing Improvements at Mt. Vernon Highway TBD 14 Subtotal 34,838 $ 1,375,732 Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Initial corridor will require considerable grading, but becomes much more level once leaving the immediate Pohick Creek stream area. $ A2 Large bridge structure required to cross over Accotink Creek. $ A3 Large bridge structure required to cross over Dogue Creek. The alternative alignment picks up the recommended alignment at this point. Alternative Alignment Amenities Large Sign 6 $ 1,200 Placed at major access point(s). Fairfax County Parkway, Beulah Rd. gate, Gunston Rd., Main Gate, Walker Gate, and Grist Mill Park. Small Trail Sign 17 $ 1,742 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 7 $ 1,650 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 4,591 Total Alternative Alignment Cost $ 1,380,324 1 Mileposts: Milepost Status Codes: A: Segment in a local comprehensive plan X = completed (including determination of a final alignment) U = underway B: Preliminary engineering completed $ = funded (including environmental, historic and cultural resource reviews) O = on hold pending administrative/regulatory action C: Property acquisition completed (including appraisal & negotiations) D: Final design (including surveying, structural design & inspections) E: Construction - Indicates that trail segment is complete PAGE 12
Accotink Creek Fairfax County Parkway Alternative PHNST Alignment (A1) (A2) Fort Belvoir Pence Gate Woodlawn G.W. Grist Mill State Park (A3) Walker Gate (14) Mt. Vernon Highway Country Club Grist Mill Park Occoquan Pohick Creek Old Colchestter Rd. Route 1 (8) Fort Belvoir Belvoir Road Golf Course (9) (10) (11) (12) Dogue Creek (13) Pohick Regional Park Pohick Bay MAP 2 Implementation Plan For The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail In Fairfax County (Pohick Creek at Fort Belvoir to Grist Mill Park) Recommended PHNST Route Alternative PHNST Routes Existing Connecting Trails Federal Land Public Parks Other Open Space (1) Map Reference # PAGE 13
GRIST MILL PARK TO THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA LINE Length: Status: Trail Type: USGS 7.5 Map: Water Bodies: Linkages: Recommended Alignment - 10.88 Miles Number of Private Properties - TBD Properties Under Easement - TBD All alignments existing Varying widths of asphalt & some wood decking, multi-use trail Mount Vernon, Alexandria Little Hunting Creek, Potomac River, Hunting Creek Grist Mill, Mt. Vernon, Riverside, River Farm, Collingwood, Dyke Marsh, Belle Haven From Fairfax County's Grist Mill Park to the City of Alexandria Boundary (Hunting Creek/Cameron Run), an existing trail alignment serves as the preferred route for the PHNST. The trail between Grist Mill and Mt. Vernon is presently owned and maintained by Fairfax County. The Mount Vernon Trail, a recognized segment of the PHNST managed by George Washington Memorial Parkway, National Park Service, connects Mt. Vernon and the City of Alexandria, providing an important route for transportation as well as recreation and education. Recommendations for this trail corridor are limited to a number of improvements to existing trail conditions, and potential new linkages to improve access to and from the trail. EXISTING ALIGNMENT Beginning at Grist Mill Park, the trail runs east, parallel to the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Between Peachtree Landing and Southwood Drive, the trail is located on the paved shoulder of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. The trail crosses the highway at Southwood, and remains on the southside of the highway for a short distance before again crossing to the north at the intersection of Old Mill Road. Between Old Mill Road and the parking lot west of the Mount Vernon Circle, the trail is aligned to the north of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. At Mount Vernon, trail users must navigate the circle in front of the main entrance, and continue through the east parking lot to its northern terminus before picking up the trail again. Continuing north, the grade-separated trail is located on the eastern side of Mount Vernon Parkway. Between Little Hunting Creek and Fort Hunt, the trail runs close to the river shoreline. At Fort Hunt, the vehicle access tunnel takes trail users to the west side of the Mount Vernon Parkway. The trail continues north on the west side until crossing back to the river side of the parkway at Alexandria Road. For a short distance the alignment uses North Down Road, before the trail becomes grade separated again. Approximately one mile to the north, the trail travels through Dyke Marsh and Belle Haven park, before reaching Cameron Run/Hunting Creek and the City of Alexandria line. IV. THE PHNST IN FAIRFAX COUNTY Segment 3 NEXT STEPS Extend the 10' foot asphalt surfaced trail another 40 feet between Peachtree Landing Road and the trail leading into Grist Mill Park. Encourage VDOT to provide bicycle route striping along the north shoulder of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway between Peachtree Landing Road and Southwood Drive. Upgrade the trail surface (approximately 200 feet) in the proximity of the Washington Farm Methodist Church located at Old Mill Road. The trail should be upgraded from a concrete pedestrian walkway (approx. 3' width) to a 10' asphalt surface suitable for multi use purposes (Federal funding for this project has been secured). Improve signage and lane striping in and around the circle and main entrance to Mount Vernon. An alternative route might be considered to separate bicyclists from the large crowds of pedestrians congregating in this area. Continue to encourage the maintenance and improvements to the Mt. Vernon Trail, including PHNST signage. PAGE 14
City of Alexandria Belle Haven CC Dyke Marsh Proposed PHNST Alignment & Alternatives Grist Mill Park to City of Alexandria Line Existing PHNST Alignment Recommended Alignment Huntley Meadows The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Alternative Alignment Fort Belvoir Recommended Alignment Little Hunti ng Creek Mt. Vernon Grist Mill Park Highway Mount Vernon Ft. Hunt Park PAGE 15
POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Fairfax County Implementation Plan Map 3 COST MILEPOSTS 1 TRAIL SEGMENTS FEET (est.) A B C D E Map ref. # COMMENTS / DESCRIPTION Map 3 Grist Mill Park to City of Alexandria Line Trail Construction Amenities Grist Mill Park to City of Alexandria Line 54,971 $ 2,305,788 X X X X X 15 Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Maintained by Farifax County from Grist Mill Park to Mt. Vernon. From Mt. Vernon to City of Alexandria Line trail is maintained by the NPS, G.W. Memorial Parkway. Decking through portions of Dyke Marsh 2,500 $ 675,500 X X X X X 16 10' wide wood deck completed through much of Dyke Marsh area. Subtotal 57,471 $ 2,981,288 Large Sign 3 $ 600 Placed at major access point(s). Mt. Vernon, Ft. Hunt, and Belle Haven picnic area. Small Trail Sign 29 $ 2,874 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 11 $ 2,721 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 6,195 Total Cost $ 2,987,483 1 Mileposts: Milepost Status Codes: A: Segment in a local comprehensive plan X = completed (including determination of a final alignment) U = underway B: Preliminary engineering completed $ = funded (including environmental, historic and cultural resource reviews) O = on hold pending administrative/regulatory action C: Property acquisition completed (including appraisal & negotiations) D: Final design (including surveying, structural design & inspections) E: Construction - Indicates that trail segment is complete PAGE 16
Little MAP 3 Implementation Plan For The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail In Fairfax County (Grist Mill Park to City of Alexandria Line) Existing PHNST Recommended PHNST Route Alternative PHNST Routes Existing Connecting Trails Federal Land Other Open Space Public Parks (1) Map Reference # Belle Haven CC City of Alexandria (16) Dyke Marsh Potomac River Huntley Meadows Fort Belvoir (15) The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Mt. Vernon Grist Mill Park Highway Mount Vernon Hunti ng Creek Ft. Hunt Park PAGE 17
ARLINGTON COUNTY LINE TO I-495/ CAPITAL BELTWAY Length: Status: Trail Type: USGS Quadrangle: Water Bodies: Linkages: Recommended Alignment (Hiking Trail) -4.85 miles Number of Private Properties - TBD Properties Under Easement - TBD Additional Alignment (Mt. Vernon Extension) - 6.06 miles Number of Private Properties - TBD Properties Under Easement - TBD Existing and Planned (Bicycle Route) Natural Surface, Paved (Planned Bicycle Route, Mt. Vernon Extension) Washington West, Falls Church Turkey Run, Dead Run Fort Marcey, Turkey Run Recreation Area (G.W. Parkway), Langley Oaks Park, Claude Moore Colonial Farm IV. THE PHNST IN FAIRFAX COUNTY Segment 4 From the Arlington county line to the I-495/The Capital Beltway, there is one existing route and one possible route for the PHNST: The Potomac Heritage Trail, a hiking only route within George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) between Theodore Roosevelt Island and I-495/The Capital Beltway, and a bicycling route, currently being studied, between the same two points. EXISTING ALIGNMENT (HIKING ONLY) The Potomac Heritage Trail crosses the Fairfax- Arlington border at Pimmit Run. Trail users must use caution when crossing an entrance ramp at the Route 123 cloverleaf. Near the CIA/FHA entrance ramp, the trail descends through the Turkey Run Recreation Area and toward the Potomac River shoreline. At I-495, the trail crosses under the American Legion Bridge, connecting on the north side of the Bridge to Live Oak Drive. North ofpimmit Run, the trail crosses Turkey Run, Dead Run and seven minor stream crossings. Potomac Appalachian Trail Club volunteers have maintained the Trail for years. PAGE 18 ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENT (POTENTIAL BICYCLING ROUTE) Through the efforts of the Virginia Bicycling Federation and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, the Congress provided funds for GWMP, National Park Service, to study the feasibility of extending the Mount Vernon Trail north from its current terminus at Theodore Roosevelt Island. This proposed route is included generally in the Countywide Trails Plan. In2002, a contractor to GWMP provided staff with a study indicating potential locations for a multi-use trail between Theodore Roosevelt Island and the American Legion Bridge (I-495), both on and off property managed by NPS. Among other findings, the study indicates the need for comprehensive resource inventories, engineering analyses and an evaluation of community issues, especially potential impacts on residential areas adjacent to potential trail routes. Opportunities and Issues The Potomac Heritage Trail lies completely within GWMP boundaries, providing opportunities for outstanding educational and recreational experiences for residents of and visitors to the region. If constructed, the bicycling route would complement these experiences while providing anon-motorized transportation option parallel to the Parkway. NEXT STEPS: Potomac Heritage Trail (hiking only route): The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club has requested designation of this trail by the National Park Service as a segment of the PHNST. With adoption by Fairfax County of this implementation plan, such designation should proceed in tandem with designation of the route between the northern terminus of the Potomac Heritage Trail and the Fairfax County-Loudoun County border. Potomac Heritage Trail? Scotts Run Nature Preserve: Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation should analyze the feasibility of constructing a grade-separated trail in the space betweeni-495 and Live Oak Drive,
connecting to an existing parking area for Scotts Run Nature Preserve off Georgetown Pike. Such a trail would discourage use of the Live Oak Drive cul-de-sac, a residential area, as a trailhead. Mount Vernon Trail Extension (proposed bicycle route): GWMP staff will consult with Arlington and Fairfax County representatives to help determine next steps in the process to determine the feasibility of the trail development. If the concept is determined to have merit, the Parkway will initiate additional feasibility analyses and environmental and historical resource compliance, including opportunities for public participation. The concept of the PHNST should be recognized in continuing studies and public discussions. Live Oak Road Turkey Run Scotts Run Nature Preserve Dead Run I-495/Capital Beltway Langley Oaks Park G.W. Memorial Parkway FHWA Georgetown Pike Claude Moore Colonial Farm CIA Proposed PHNST Alignment & Alternatives Arlington Co. Line to I-495 Langley Fork Park Route 123 Recommended Alignment Alternative Alignment (Mt. Vernon Trail Extension Potomac Heritage Trail Arlington County Line PAGE 19
POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Fairfax County Implementation Plan Map 4 COST MILEPOSTS 1 TRAIL SEGMENTS FEET (est.) A B C D E Map ref. # COMMENTS / DESCRIPTION Map 4 Arlington County Line to I-495/Capital Beltway Trail Construction Amenities Arlington County Line to I-495/Capital Beltway 25,607 $ 128,035 X X X X X 17 Natural surface hiking trail. Trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). Bridge or Culvert over Turkey Run 25 $ 17,500 X X X X X 18 Small bridge to cross Turkey Run. Bridge or Culvert over Dead Run 25 $ 17,500 X X X X X 19 Small bridge to cross Dead Run. Sub-total 25,657 $ 163,035 Large Sign 3 $ 600 Placed at major access point(s). Route 123, Turkey Run, and I-495/Capita Small Trail Sign 13 $ 1,283 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 5 $ 1,215 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 3,098 Total Cost $ 166,133 Additional Alignment - Mt. Vernon Trail Extension Trail Construction Arlington County Line to Dead Run 22,000 $ 959,600 U 20 Dead Run to I-495/Georgetown Pike Overpass 10,028 $ 459,170 U 21 Sub-total 32,028 $ 1,418,770 Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Some areas will require significant grading and site improvements to keep slopes level for bicycle use adjacent to G.W. Memorial Parkway. Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Some sections of this trail may be crushed stone, particularly those within the Dead Run stream valley. Sections of this trail may also be on-road bike routes on low volume residential streets (Whann Avenue, Benjamin Street and Balls Hill Road). Amenities Large Sign 2 $ 400 Placed at major access point(s). Route 123, and Turkey Run. Small Trail Sign 16 $ 1,601 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 6 $ 1,516 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 3,518 Total Cost Additional Alignment - Mt. Vernon Trail Extension $ 1,422,288 1 Mileposts: Milepost Status Codes: A: Segment in a local comprehensive plan X = completed (including determination of a final alignment) U = underway B: Preliminary engineering completed $ = funded (including environmental, historic and cultural resource reviews) O = on hold pending administrative/regulatory action C: Property acquisition completed (including appraisal & negotiations) D: Final design (including surveying, structural design & inspections) E: Construction - Indicates that trail segment is complete PAGE 20
Live Oak Road (19) Dead Run (18) Turkey Run Scotts Run Nature Preserve Langley Oaks Park I-495/Capital Beltway Claude Moore Colonial Farm FHWA CIA Langley Fork Park (17) Potomac Heritage Trail Route 123 MAP 4 Implementation Plan For The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail In Fairfax County (Arlington County Line to I-495/Capital Beltway) Recommended PHNST Route Alternative PHNST Routes Existing Connecting Trails Federal Land Public Parks Other Open Space (1) Map Reference # PAGE 21
I-495/CAPITAL BELTWAY TO GREAT FALLS NATIONAL PARK Length: Status: Trail Type: USGS Quadrangle: Water Bodies: Linkages: Recommended Alignment - 7.49 miles Number of Private Properties - 32 (north), 21 (south) Properties Under Easement - 0 Alternative Alignment - 10.44 miles Number of Private Properties - 83 (north of Old Dominion Drive) Properties Under Easement - 0 Planned Crush stone and asphalt Falls Church Scotts Run, Bullneck Run, Rocky Run, Difficult Run Scotts Run Nature Preserve, Great Falls National Park, Difficult Run/Cross County Trail IV. THE PHNST IN FAIRFAX COUNTY Segment 5 This section of the proposed PHNST represents one of the more difficult alignments due to the densely developed nature of the corridor. In the spring of 2002, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission will begin a feasibility study of routing the trail along Georgetown Pike. The findings of the feasibility study should supplement the recommendations provided in this Implementation Plan. RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT The Proposed Countywide Trails Plan routes the PHNST up Live Oak Road (see comments in previous section concerning this segment of trail) to Scotts Run Nature Preserve. The trail would then utilize existing trails within Scotts Run to a point near the existing parking lot at Scotts Run where the trail would turn west and continues along the north side of Georgetown Pike to the eastern boundary of Great Falls National Park (approx. 4.09 miles). At Great Falls National Park the trail would turn north and connect to the existing trail network within the park. The trail then passes through the Visitors Center area and continues north following the existing Potomac Heritage hiking trail that connects to Fairfax County's Riverbend Park (approx. 3.4 miles). ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENT The trail would follow the recommended route to Scotts Run and Georgetown Pike. From here the trail would continue south along Scotts Run (a proposed stream valley trail in the Countywide Plan) to the vicinity of the I-495/Old Dominion Drive overpass. Here the trail would turn northwest and follow Old Dominion Drive to Difficult Run where it would turn north and follow the existing stream valley trail. A significant physical barrier in this area are steep slopes that exist along Difficult Run near Old Dominion Drive. If this alignment were considered, a significant amount of site work would be necessary to complete this connection. The trail would continue east along the Difficult Run Trail before entering into Great Falls National Park (total approx. length is 6.36 miles). From this point the trail would follow the recommended route to Riverbend Park (approx. 3.93 miles ). OPPORTUNITIES AND ISSUES Private Property Easements on the Recommended and Alternative Routes - The recommended route along Georgetown Pike will possibly transverse 32 private lots between Scotts Run and Great Falls National Park if the trail is situated on the north side of the road. It would cross 21 lots if routed on the south side of Georgetown Pike. The feasibility study will attempt (without actually conducting property surveys) to determine the extent and suitability of using existing VDOT right-of-way for the trail route. If the right-of-way is insufficient for trail purposes, a significant number of private property easements will have to be negotiated for completion of this section of trail. As with the recommended route, a significant number of properties (72 in total on the north side of Old Dominion Drive and another 11 or more along PAGE 22
Scotts Run) that front along Old Dominion Drive would require easements for trail construction. This is a significant undertaking and could take many Riverbend Park Georgetown Pike Difficult Run SV Park & Cross County Trail (23) Existing Potomac Heritage Trail in Great Falls NHP (27) Alternative Route Great Falls NHP years to complete. If the feasibility study concludes that the recommended route is not possible, then a similar study should be conducted on the alternate route. NEXT STEPS Trailhead at Live Oak Drive - To provide a better trailhead for the Potomac Heritage Trail terminus at Live Oak Drive, a better connection and signage should be established between the existing trail and Scotts Run Nature Preserve. This improvement would encourage trail users to utilize the existing parking lots at Scotts Run instead of shoulder parking along the residential area adjacent to Live Oak Drive. Old Dominion Drive Feasibility Study - Completion of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission feasibility study for (24) Difficult Run Bridge Madeira School Georgetown Pike routing the trail along (22) Recommended PHNST Route Georgetown Pike between Scotts Run Nature Preserve and Great Falls National Park should be completed before a final alignment is determined in this corridor. Scotts Run Proposed PHNST Alignment & Alternatives I-495 to Great Falls NP Scotts Run Nature Preserve Recommended Alignment Alternative Alignment Live Oak Drive (26) Alternative Route (25) Alternative Route 495/Capital Beltway PAGE 23
POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Fairfax County Implementation Plan Map 5 COST MILEPOSTS 1 TRAIL SEGMENTS FEET (est.) A B C D E Map ref. # COMMENTS / DESCRIPTION Map 5 I-495/Capital Beltway to Great Falls National Historic Park Recommended Alignment - Georgetown Pike Trail Construction Trail Construction Live Oak Road to Eastern Boundary of Great Fall NHP 21,601 $ 1,002,922 U 22 Eastern Bndry Great Falls NHP to Riverbend Park 17,980 TBD X X X X X 23 Bridge over Difficult Run 500 $ 375,000 U 24 Sub-total 39,581 $ 1,002,922 Alignment is located on Live Oak Drive. Some striping may be appropriate. Most of this section of trail already exists, however some critical improvements would be necessary to upgrade the existing trail tread. A major bridge structure will be necessary to cross over Difficult Run downstream from the Georgetown Pike crossing. Recommended Alignment Amenities Large Sign 1 $ 200 Placed at major access point(s). Dranesville District Park. Small Trail Sign 20 $ 1,979 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 7 $ 1,874 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 4,053 Alternative 1 Total Cost $ 1,006,975 Alternative Alignment - Scotts Run/Old Dominion Drive Trail Construction Live Oak Drive to Old Dominion Drive 15,000 $ 536,500 25 Crushed stone. Steep grades, wooded area within the stream valley. Old Dominion Drive & Scotts Run to Difficult Run 19,350 $ 888,830 26 Asphalt 10' wide multi-use trail. Grade separated from Old Dominion Dr. Difficult Run to Riverbend 20,800 $ - X X X X X 27 Some improvements may be necessary to trail tread within Great Fall NHP. Sub-total 55,150 $ 1,425,330 Alternative Alignment - Scotts Run/Old Dominion Drive Amenities Large Sign 2 $ 400 Placed at major access point(s). Dranesville District Park and at Old Dominion Drive and Scotts Run. Small Trail Sign 28 $ 2,758 Placed every 2,000 feet. Trash Receptacles (Fiberglass) 10 $ 2,611 Placed every mile. Sub-total $ 5,769 Alternative Alignment Total Cost $ 1,431,099 1 Mileposts: Milepost Status Codes: A: Segment in a local comprehensive plan X = completed (including determination of a final alignment) U = underway B: Preliminary engineering completed $ = funded (including environmental, historic and cultural resource reviews) O = on hold pending administrative/regulatory action C: Property acquisition completed (including appraisal & negotiations) D: Final design (including surveying, structural design & inspections) E: Construction - Indicates that trail segment is complete PAGE 24
Riverbend Park Georgetown Pike (23) Existing Potomac Heritage Trail in Great Falls NHP MAP 5 Implementation Plan For The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail In Fairfax County (I-495/Capital Beltway to Great Falls NHP) Recommended PHNST Route Alternative PHNST Routes Existing Connecting Trails Federal Land Public Parks Other Open Space (1) Map Reference # Difficult Run SV Park & Cross County Trail (27) Alternative Route Great Falls NHP Old Dominion Drive (24) Difficult Run Bridge Madeira School (22) Recommended PHNST Route Live Oak Drive Georgetown Pike Scotts Run Scotts Run Nature Preserve (26) Alternative Route (25) Alternative Route I-495/Capital Beltway PAGE 25
GREAT FALLS NATIONAL PARK TO LOUDOUN COUNTY LINE Length: Recommended Alignment -6.56 miles Number of Private Properties - TBD Properties Under Easement - TBD Status: Underway Trail Type: Natural Surface USGS Quadrangle: Water Bodies: Clarks Branch, Nichols Run Linkages: Riverbend Park, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority properties IV. THE PHNST IN FAIRFAX COUNTY Segment 6 An "unofficial" trail has existed along this corridor for years and has been enjoyed by local hikers and equestrians who knew of its existence. In the late 1990's the Great Falls Trailblazers (a local trail advocacy group) undertook an effort to formally establish this section of trail and to obtain easements from the private properties that abut the Potomac River. The Trailblazers have made significant progress and at the time of publication, only two property easements remain to be completed to assure an uninterrupted corridor between Riverbend Park and the Loudoun County line. RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT From the northern boundary of Great Falls National Park the trail would continue along the Potomac shoreline and passes through the parking lot of the Riverbend visitors center and boat ramp (approx..95 mile). Following closely to the shoreline the trail continues north (using existing park trails) until reaching the bend in the river where it turns to the northwest. Shortly after crossing Clarks Branch the trail would enter onto Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) property (1.22 miles from the visitor center). At the west boundary of the NVRPA property (1.15 miles) the trail would then transverse six private parcels (about 1,250 feet), four of which currently have easements. The trail would then again enter onto another NVRPA parcel. About 1.5 miles to the west are two more private parcels. One of these parcels is being developed and a trail easement will be required during the Fairfax County subdivision process, to connect to another NVRPA parcel to the west. Just upstream of NVRPA, is a large private parcel with 2,135 feet of river frontage. This property is the Fraser Preserve and is owned by the Nature Conservancy, who have agreed to grant an easement for the trail. From here, the trail enters the last parcel in Fairfax County, owned by NVRPA, and the alignment follows the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DCWASA) maintenance road for the Potomac interceptor sewer (about 1,680 feet from the Fraser boundary). The trail would follow the DCWASA right-of-way and existing natural surface trails to the Loudoun County line for about.86 of a mile. OPPORTUNITIES AND ISSUES This section of trail in Fairfax County represents one of the prime opportunities to demonstrate a cooperative initiative by linking numerous existing parks that are owned and managed by the National Park Service, Fairfax County and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Moreover, this particular section of trail enjoys considerable community and volunteer support through the actions of the Great Falls Trail Blazers, Potomac River Greenways Coalition, and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. With the exception of four parcels, an uninterrupted corridor exists between Great Falls National Historic Park and the Loudoun County boundary (where the corridor can also proceed further west due to existing easements and public lands). NEXT STEPS The reconstruction of a bridge over Clarks Branch has been a top priority for local trail users in this area. However, no approved plans have been adopted and the bridge project is not fully funded. NVRPA and the Great Falls Trail Blazers are working to secure easements on the remaining four private parcels in this section of the trail. Initial talks have been conducted with staff from the District of Columbia Water and Sanitation Authority to negotiate use of the maintenance road PAGE 26
Loudoun County NVRPA WSSC Right-of -Way Fraser Preserve Potomac River NVRPA right-of-way. These negotiations are continuing toward a formal agreement between the DCWASA and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Fairfax County Park Authority staff has been working with the Great Falls Trail Blazers and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club to determine an appropriate alignment for the trail and to initiate development of the trail. This cooperative initiative should continue and may serve as a model for the development of other sections of trail in the County. NVRPA Proposed PHNST Alignment & Alternatives Great Falls NP to Loudoun County Line Recommended Alignment (29) Alternative Alignment Existing Potomac Heritage Trail NVRPA Clarks Branch Country Club Clarks Branch Bridge Existing Potomac Heritage Trail Riverbend Great Falls NHP PAGE 27