Fauquier County Between Trails and History

Fauquier County offers a wide range of reasons to stay: paved paths and natural trails, parks with outdoor activities, and museums dedicated to gold mining and regional history. Equestrian sports and seasonal farmers’ markets are also among the experiences on offer.

Trails by Length, Surface and Scenery

The Warrenton Branch Greenway is 2.22 miles long, mostly flat and paved. The ADA-accessible route is suitable for joggers, walkers and cyclists, and was designated a National Recreation Trail in 2012. Parking is available on South 4th Street, at the end of Old Meetze Road and at Stafford Farm Trail.

Other trails have their own distinct features: the ADA-accessible LRCC Connector Trail is one-third of a mile long, has a compacted gravel surface, and loops around a pond and a wildlife area. Stafford Farm Trail is about 1.1 miles long and has a natural surface; it runs alongside cornfields and Turkey Run, as well as through woods. Length, surface and scenery give you concrete points of comparison when choosing routes for your stay. The trails in Fauquier County are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Parks and Nature Experiences

Sky Meadows State Park covers 1,860 acres on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its landscape includes gently rolling pastures, meadows, woods and historic farmland. More than 22 miles of hiking trails, designated biking and horseback riding routes, and access to the Appalachian Trail offer different ways to explore the park. Picnicking is possible at Turner Pond. Primitive hike-in camping is available for families and groups. As an International Dark Sky Park, Sky Meadows also offers stargazing and educational programs about the night sky.

At G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area, miles of natural-surface trails complement a 4,000-acre landscape. You can fish in a stocked 10-acre lake and hike the Appalachian Trail. Horseback riding is permitted on the trails, but is not recommended during hunting season. C.M. Crockett Park combines fishing with boat rentals and boat-launch facilities; it also has nature trails and a 1.5-mile cross-country trail for hiking and jogging. In contrast, the nature trail at John Marshall Birthplace Park follows a wooded stream through open farmland to a small monument to John Marshall.

Museums, Equestrian Sports and History

The Gold Mining Camp Museum is Virginia’s only museum devoted exclusively to the history of gold and gold mining. Three buildings interpret structures from a 1930s mine. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. On open days, the gold panning sluice is available until 30 minutes before closing; gold panning demonstrations take place at 2 p.m., weather permitting. Check opening hours and demonstration times before your visit.

The Elk Run Church Museum stands on the foundation of Elk Run Church, the first Anglican church built in what is now Fauquier County. It also displays distinctive artifacts of the Manahoac tribe. The Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail is one of Virginia’s best-preserved early 19th-century jails and presents the history of the jail and the county.

Equestrian sports are another facet of the region: the Warrenton Horse Show is recognized by the US Equestrian Federation as a Heritage Horse Show and is a local Labor Day tradition. Great Meadow is a 374-acre equestrian events park that hosts horse steeplechase races.

Seasonal Markets and Trip Planning

From spring through fall, the county’s farmers’ markets offer fresh produce and locally made goods. Vendors include local farmers, artisans and food sellers. At Three Fox Vineyards and Brewery, the meadow along historic Crooked Run offers the chance to enjoy wine surrounded by nature.

Whether trails, parks, museums or equestrian sports are the focus of your trip depends on your itinerary.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Marshall, Warrenton, Hume, Broad Run, Franklin County, Frederick County, Salem, Arlington.

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