This section of the Cross County Trail starts at the boat ramp at Occoquan Park. The boat ramp is just below the Marina Building. That is the first building on the right you will come to when entering the park via the access road from Route 123. For a link to the access road on Google Maps click here. There is a detour between points 7 and 12 while construction takes place at the former Lorton Prison.

  1. (North) The CCT starts at the boat ramp and follows the Occoquan River for a short distance. The river should be on your left.
    (South) The CCT ends at the boat ramp. The Marina Office is up the stairs on the hill overlooking the boat ramp.
  2. (North) (South) You may notice several people fishing in the river along this section of the trail.
  3. (North) An asphalt trail intersects from the right. Continue straight on the present trail.
    (South) An asphalt trail intersects from the left. Continue straight on the present trail.
  4. (North) (South) The trail passes a small parking area along the access road.
  5. (North) (South) The trail passes a side trail leading up the hill on steps. This might be a good alternate route for walkers or for bikers willing to walk down the steps. This is best traveled in a southern direction from point 6 on the map.
  6. (North) The trail passes a side trail leading up the hill on steps. Just beyond this the trail crosses the park access road in a crosswalk and follows a hard surface trail past a gate on the other side.
    (South) The trail passes a gate and uses a crosswalk to get to the other side of the park access road. Just beyond the crosswalk is a side trail up the hill to the right on steps. If you have already followed the CCT between points 5 and 6 on the map in one direction you may wish to try an alternate trail up the hill. Bicyclists should be aware that there are steps on both ends of this trail. Refer to point 21 for directions on the alternate trail.
  7. (North) (South) The trail passes a landfill.
  1. (North) The trail reaches an access road around the former Lorton Prison. Take a sharp left to follow this road with the prison fence on your right. You are now on a detour route around the prison.
    (South) The access road intersects with an asphalt trail from the right. Take a sharp right to follow this trail with a landfill on your left. You are now back on the regular route.
  2. (North) Upon reaching the second watch tower the access road turns to the right as a gravel trail intersects. Stay straight to follow the gravel trail towards Rt. 123.
    (South) The gravel trail intersects with an access road. Continue straight on the access road with the prison fence on your left.
  3. (North) The gravel trail ends at an asphalt trail on the side of Rt. 123. Turn right to follow that trail with Rt. 123 on your left.
    (South) After passing the Lorton Prison buildings look for a gravel trail on your left. Turn left to follow that trail.
  4. (North) Turn right onto the gravel trail just prior to the intersection with Lorton Road. The gravel trail intersects with the prison access road. Stay straight on the access road with the prison fence on your right.
    (South) The access road turns left as it nears Rt. 123. Go straight and follow the gravel trail that intersects at this point. Turn left at the asphalt trail along Rt. 123 and follow that trail with Rt. 123 on your right.
  5. (North) Another access road intersects from the left just prior to a barn. Turn left at this point and walk on the grass to the right of this access road. This marks the end of the detour route.
    (South) The trail leaves the woods and joins an access road into the prison grounds. Turn right onto an access road on the outside of the fence. This is the start of a detour around the prison.
  1. (North) The trail passes to the right of a short parking area and enters a short wooded section.
    (South) The trail leaves the woods and passes across a short parking area onto a grass strip next to the access road.
  2. (North) The trail leaves the woods and follows next to Lorton Road.
    (South) The trail enters the woods.
  3. (North) This section of the walk ends where Lorton Road intersects with a restricted road. To continue to the next section of the trail cross Lorton Road and follow the restricted road up the hill for a short distance. The CCT starts up a bank on the right side of the restricted road. Look for the markers.
    (South) This section of the walk starts from the intersection of a restricted road with Lorton Road. If you are coming from the previous section of trail via the restricted road cross Lorton Road and follow the dirt trail along the side of Lorton Road.


Directions for the alternate trail between points 5 and 6.

  1. The trail climbs a few steps and turns left to climb the hill.
  2. At the top of the hill continue in the same direction to follow the power lines for a short distance.
  3. The power lines cross a gully. The trail turns left prior to the gully and enters the woods.
  4. After a considerable distance the trail splits. Turn right to view the Amphitheater.
  5. After a short distance an area with several seats appears. There are several interesting observation points here of the bridge construction over the Occoquan River, the town of Occoquan, and the widening of Route 123. Mountain Laurel is also present and blooms in mid-May. After viewing this area retrace your steps back to point 24. Turn right to follow the other trail at the split.
  6. Notice the white markings on the trail to guide you.
  7. The trail descends the hill on steps. The steps become steep near the bottom. The CCT is at the end of the steps. Follow the directions from point 5 on the map to conclude the walk.

Pictorial Directions

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