Bles Park

Bles Park sign

Bles Park sign

Bles Park (map) - a sleepy Loudoun County park with a playground, soccer fields, and some nature trails - is now part of a grander plan. In conjunction with this weekend's National Trails Day event, volunteers, led by REI and the Potomac Heritage Trail Association, will blaze the newest stretch of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) in Bles Park. For those counting, the one mile section will add to the current tally of seven hundred plus walkable PHNST miles.

The new trail will follow Broad Run, upstream of the Broad and Potomac confluence. It winds through meadows and forest, all the while staying within a stone's throw of the river bank. The Bles Park section terminates near Rte. 7. Unfortunately for thru-hikers, there is currently a gap in the PHNST at this point, but rest assured that trail proponents are hard at work devising future enhancements.

Bles Park's PHNST designation is getting the press, but it would be remiss not to mention the park's inherent natural beauty and abundant wildlife. About three quarters of the park is open space and a small network of wide, gravel and grassy trails are cut through the meadow. Birds chirp, deer frolic, and the scent of honeysuckle tickles the senses. Don't forget to bring the kids - Bles Park's playground looks like a great time*.

* Editorial note: The author did not attempt to climb the monkey bars but certainly was tempted.

Park Stats: 124 acres; roughly 2-3 miles of natural surface trails (including the PHNST)
Administration: Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services

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