For the location of the parking area for this walk click here for a link to Google Maps.

This section of the walk starts across from 3219 Miller Heights Road in Oakton. Parking is available on that street. Look for markers next to a wooded section along the street. People coming from the previous section of the trail will be following the gravel shoulder of the road for a little less than one quarter of a mile.

1. (North) The trail leaves the shoulder of Miller Heights Road and goes down a short steep hill into the woods. It then follows a gentle slope through the woods with homes visible on the right.
   (South) The trail climbs a short steep slope to leave the woods and intersect with Miller Heights Road. This is the end of this section of the trail. People wishing to continue onto the next section should turn right and follow the gravel shoulder of the road for less than one quarter of a mile to a crosswalk. The entrance to the next section is on the other side of that crosswalk.
2. (North) 2 dirt trails intersect from the left. Stay to the right at both trails.
   (South) 2 dirt trails intersect from the right. Stay to the left at both trails.
3. (North) A trail intersects from the right. Go straight on the current trail as it widens and changes to a hard surface.
   (South) The wide hard surface trail ends and splits. Take the dirt trail to the right down the hill.
4. (North) (South) The trail is well above the valley below. A dirt trail intersects from the valley. Stay on the current hard surface trail.
5. (North) Turn left at the next hard surface trail intersection. The trail should go down hill from here.
   (South) Turn right at the next hard surface trail intersection.
6. (North) Turn left at the next trail intersection.
   (South) Turn right at the next trail intersection.
7. (North) Turn left at the next trail intersection just after a display on the left.
   (South) Turn right at the next trail intersection. You should pass a display on the right after turning.
8. (North) A dirt trail intersects from the left. Turn left to follow this trail. The section of trail that goes straight dead ends after a short distance.
   (South) Turn right onto the intersecting hard surface trail. The trail to the left dead ends after a short distance.
9. (North) (South) Difficult Run passes through a wide valley at this location and can be seen from the trail. The foliage blocks views of the stream from other points of the trail during the growing season.
10. (North) Turn right at the next trail intersection. It will cross the other trail a few feet later. Go straight at this other crossing. This move is made to avoid a log across the other trail.
    (South) Go straight at the trail crossing. It joins the other trail a short distance later. Turn left where the trails join. This move is made to avoid a log across the other trail.
11. (North) The trail turns and passes a display on the right. Turn left at the next intersecting dirt trail. The trail crosses a stream on a bridge. This is marked as "The Stevens Family Bridge". The trail turns left after crossing the bridge and goes up a short hill.
    (South) The trail goes down a short hill and turns right to cross a stream on a bridge. This is marked as "The Stevens Family Bridge". They deserve our thanks for making this stream crossing easy. After crossing the bridge turn right at the next trail intersection. There should be a display on your left shortly thereafter.
12. (North) A trail intersects from the right. Continue straight on the present trail.
    (South) A trail intersects from the left. Keep straight on the present trail.
13. (North) The trail reaches Rocky Branch. That marks the end of this section of the trail. People wishing to go on to the next section may cross the stream here using the rocks shown in the picture. This is a difficult crossing for walkers.
    (South) This marks the start of this section of the trail. If you are coming from a previous section you should cross Rocky Branch using the rocks provided. This is a difficult crossing for walkers. The trail goes into the woods as it follows Difficult Run.

Pictorial Directions

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