For the location of the parking area for Thaiss Park click here for a link to Google Maps. For the location of the Eakins Park parking area click here.

This section of the Cross County Trail is ideal for both walkers and bicyclist of all ages. It is flat, mostly shade, hard surfaced, and has only one road crossing. It is wheelchair accessible at all points with parking available at both ends. The next sections going east or south are similar until reaching Route 236.

This section of the trail is described as east or west although the general direction of the whole trail is north and south. Going east you will be traveling toward the Occoquan River. Going west will eventually take you to Great Falls Park.

  1. (East) The walk starts from the parking area at Thaiss Park on Pickett Road. Walkers from the previous section of the trail along Pickett Road should follow the access road into the parking lot and walk through the lot to the asphalt trail on the northern end of the lot. Turn right to follow the trail through a short wooded section away from Pickett Road.
    (West) This section of the walk ends at the parking area for Thaiss Park adjacent to Pickett Road. Walkers wishing to continue onto the next section should leave the parking lot on the access road to Pickett Road and turn right to follow the sidewalk along that road.
  2. (East)(West) This is a short section of trail exposed to full sun.
  3. (East)(West) The trail crosses a bridge over Accotink Creek.
  4. (East) Shortly after crossing the bridge a trail intersects. Turn right onto the intersecting trail. The surface changes from asphalt to stone.
    (West) A trail intersects from the left. Turn left to follow that trail. The surface changes from stone to asphalt. There will be a bridge crossing in a short distance. It is easy to miss the turn here as the CCT appears to go straight.
  5. (East)(West) The trail crosses a bridge over Bear Branch. There are private tennis courts on the east side of the bridge.
  6. (East)(West) The trail crosses Barklay Drive. This road is lightly traveled and there is a speed bump here.
  7. (East)(West) The trail crosses a bridge over Long Branch.
  8. (East) This section of the walk ends at Prosperity Avenue. To continue on the next section of the trail continue on the trail on the other side of the road.
    (West) The walk starts on the trail across from the parking area for Eakins Park on Prosperity Avenue. Walkers from the previous section should cross Prosperity Avenue. The trail enters a wooded area.

Pictorial Directions

Home - Contents - Links