There is no denying that the star of spring in the District and its surrounding areas is the cherry blossoms during peak bloom, but there’s another local bloom upon us that many say they prefer!
These are the beautiful little blue flowers called “Bluebells” that bloom along Bull Run’s aptly named hiking trail: “Bluebell Trail”.
Where to walk among the DMV area’s most iconic wildflower blooms
Bluebell Trail is an easy one-and-a-half-mile loop trail just a 30-minute drive from D.C. that transforms into a picturesque paradise every year around mid to late spring, just after the
D.C. Cherry Blossoms’ Peak Bloom draws to a close.
The iconic Bluebell flowers, after which the trail is named, line the trail and the surrounding woods, creating a sea of blue and violet!
The Bluebell Trail doesn’t take much effort to complete; it is under two miles in total length as a loop, and the terrain is mostly flat with only a few gentle slopes, making this a great destination for people of all ages!
Everything you need to know for your visit to see the Bluebells at Bull Run
Credit: Nova Parks
Located around Centreville, VA, Bull Run Regional Park has roughly 1,500 acres of park and facilities, making it a great space for a day outside with the family or with friends. A few fun things to do at Bull Run include:
- Hiking
- Camping (Cabins available + tent spaces)
- Disc Golf
- Visit Atlantic Waterpark
Fees associated with visiting Bull Run Regional Park
To enter Bull Run Regional Park, there is a fee per vehicle, and you can opt for any of the following rates:
- Per Day – $8
- Per week – $15
- Per day, shelter discount – $5
- Per day, 10 or more passengers – $12
- Annual Pass – $31
- Per round, per person – $2
For Sunday through Thursday:
- Electric site, 15/30 Amp service – $39 during peak season, $34 during non-peak season
- Electric site, 30 Amp with water – $48 during peak season, $39 during non-peak season
- Electric site, 50 Amp with water – $53 during peak season, $49 during non-peak season
- Full hook-up, 30/50 Amp service – $67 during peak season, $62 during non-peak season
- Late check-out, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – $25 during peak season, $25 during non-peak season
For Fridays, Saturdays, Holidays, & Sundays before a holiday:
- Electric site, 15/30 Amp service – $43 during peak season, $34 during non-peak season
- Electric site, 30 Amp with water – $53 during peak season, $39 during non-peak season
- Electric site, 50 Amp with water – $58 during peak season, $49 during non-peak season
- Full hook-up, 30/50 Amp service – $70 during peak season, $62 during non-peak season
Peak season is defined as April through October, and non-peak season is November through March.
- Daily – $100 during peak season, $90 during non-peak season
- Weekly – $600 during peak season, $540 during non-peak season
The park’s hours of operation
The good news is that Bull Run Regional Park is open daily, from sunrise to sunset, and the gatehouse is open from March 1st until October 31st.
The important thing to know is that parking spaces are limited, so it’s better to arrive early if you do not want to wait for parking to open up, or if you want to experience the trail without too many others around.
