Driving Directions: Click here for starting point on Google Maps.

This walk starts at Twin Branches Road and Glade Drive in Reston and takes you to the Little Difficult Run crossing. The walk stops there because the crossing may be difficult for casual walkers. The section from Glade Drive to Lawyers Road is within Reston and is maintained by the Reston Association. Fairfax County maintains the section south of Lawyers Road.

  1. (South) Take the asphalt trail down the hill on the southwest corner of Glade Drive and Twin Branches Road. Turn right at the first asphalt trail to continue down the hill and follow the Glade Stream.
    (North) The trail climbs a hill and intersects with an asphalt trail. Turn left and follow that trail up to the intersection of Glade Drive and Twin Branches Road. If you wish to continue further on the Cross County Trail follow the crosswalks to join the trail on the eastern side of Twin Branches Road.
  2. (South and North) The trail climbs close to the homes sitting on the bank of the valley. They enjoy a good view of the stream from here.
  3. (South) The trail turns left to cross a bridge over the Glade Stream. Just beyond the bridge turn left onto the intersecting asphalt trail.
    (North) Turn right at the first intersecting asphalt trail. That trail will cross the Glade Stream on a bridge and turn right shortly to follow the stream through the valley.
  4. (South) Turn right at the first intersecting asphalt trail and follow that trail up the hill.
    (North) At the bottom of the hill turn left onto the intersecting asphalt trail.
  5. (South) The walk crosses Lawyers Road in the crosswalk. Follow the natural surface trail to the left on the other side of the road. After a short distance you will notice a display just as the trail enters the woods.
    (North) The walk leaves the woods next to a display. Turn slightly to the left to exit the clearing next to the crosswalk across Lawyers Road. Proceed across Lawyers Road to continue on the asphalt trail on the other side.
  6. (South) The trail goes down a steep bank through a gully. Steps have been provided to walk down the bank. The trail crosses a narrow stream here. A short step will take you over the stream.
    (North) The trail passes through a gully and a narrow stream. There are steps to climb the bank on the other side.
  7. (South) The trail climbs a hill. This hill appears to be the remains of an old road connecting Stuart Mill Road to Lawyers Road. On the other side notice the pipe under the hill indicating that it was man made. Continue down the hill on the other side. The trail following the hill leads to private property.
    (North) The trail crosses a hill that used to be an old road connecting Stuart Mill Road to Lawyers Road. Notice the pipe under the hill indicating that it was man made. Continue down the hill and across the bike ramp on the other side. The trail following the hill to the left leads to private property.
  8. (South) The trail meets Little Difficult Run at the bottom of the hill. Turn left to follow the trail along that stream.
    (North) The trail comes to a small water crossing. Turn right to follow the intersecting trail up the hill.
  9. (South and North) The trail crosses a muddy area. The muddy section is short and rocks will help you stay out of the wet. This section of trail can be muddy during wet weather.
  10. (South) A side trail turns right to cross Little Difficult Run. The cleared section of trail is wider here. The marker may be hidden by brush. Look on the other side of the stream for the trail to confirm you are at the right location. If you miss this turn you will end up on Polo Pointe Drive. Larger stones have been placed in the stream making the crossing easier but there is still one gap that may be difficult. If you wish to cross the stream you may stay on the informal trail to Polo Pointe Drive, cross the stream there, and make your way back to the Cross County Trail following the stream. There is no cleared right of way on the other side but you are not likely to get lost. You will be crossing private property if you choose the Polo Pointe Drive alternate route.
    (North) After crossing the stream turn left to follow the natural surface trail following the stream on the other side.

 

Pictorial Directions

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