Bull Run Mountain Green Loop

The Preserve is open FRIDAY - SUNDAY year-round. March 16th – November 14th 8:00am – 6:00pm November 15th – March 15th 8:00am – 4:30pm The trail here reflects the new route for the larger loop in the area. This trail brings you through several different ecosystems on the Preserve and passes several cultural sites of note along the way. Chapman's Mill was built in 1742 by Jonathan and Nathaniel Chapman, a father/son partnership from an enterprising, well-connected colonial family. Enlarged in 1758, the mill became a prosperous gristmill that fostered the development of the Shenandoah Valley as a wheat and corn producing region for the next one hundred years. While you cannot reach the Chapman's Mill property from the Preserve's trail system, there is a point along the southwest portion of the Green Trail where you can see down onto the Mill. Starting on the trail, do it clockwise so you can get the uphill portion done first. Hike up towards the ridgeline, then back down passing through 2 stream crossings at most. You will see the remains of a civil war rail house with an ice hole nearby. Then comes a few other buildings, one with quite a bit of artifacts inside including a 1940-1950's refrigerator. Hiking up the hill to the ridge line produces a nice view of the other side.... plenty of rocks to sit on for lunch. Turning back downhill, you come across an old cabin homestead on the left hand side. There is small machinery close by to look at also. Once you get back on the road, you hike back to your original trailhead parking lot.