Virginia Bluebells As Far As You Can See
Nestled in a 1,500 acre park in Virginia, one with historical significance, lies a vast natural blue carpet on the forest floor that is well worth a visit for it’s spectacular three-week appearance. Bull Run Regional Park – the scene of significant Civil War action – is home to one of the largest stands of Virginia Bluebells on the east coast and it’s “Bluebell Trail” is a 1 ½ mile loop that takes you right through its magnificence.
And it’s a good thing the bluebells are beautiful. While this hike along the Bluebell Trail was to be an extremely easy effort on our part today, my morning was filled with a calamity of errors that nearly led me to retreat, not unlike Union General Irvin McDowell during his attempt to cross Bull Run Creek here at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. For a moment, my karma seemed to go along with the territory.
I mean honestly, from forgetting to check my gas gauge and having to go out of my way to fill the tank, to parking a mile away from the trailhead and wrestling my dogs back into the car, to my dogs spilling half our water supply before our hike really got started, I felt doomed. (Don’t worry, I will tell you where to park so that you don’t make the same mistake that I did.) Let’s face it, it happens. If you have dogs (or small children), you know that things don’t always go the way you planned.
Thank goodness for the reset button, which in this case was taking a moment to look at my surroundings. Standing on the Bluebell Trail, you can’t escape the splendor of these beautiful, delicate flowers that, when packed together, offer a powerful punch. I rallied my troops – Alex and Penny – and we marched off on an enjoyable hike among the beauty and vastness of these flowers at their peak.
Chiming In On Bluebells
Virginia Bluebells are native to moist woodlands and flood plains throughout eastern North America. Their scientific name – Mertensia virginica – honors German botanist Franz Karl Mertens, while the species refers to Virginia.
It is an ephemeral plant with delicate blue, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom starting around mid-April and last approximately three weeks. The plants emerge with pink buds, but when ready for pollination they increase their alkalinity causing the pink pigmentation to turn blue. This makes the plant more attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies, who have an easier time perching on the edge of the tubular flowers than do bees. The Virginia Bluebell is part of a small set of naturally occurring true blue flowers.
The bluebell is a symbol of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. Legend has it that if you can turn a bluebell flower inside out without tearing it, you will win the one you love. (But please don’t pick the bluebells at the park to test this theory.) Apparently, also according to legend, wearing a wreath of bluebells will only allow a person to speak the truth. (Anyone else searching Pinterest right now to make a bluebell wreath?)
Thomas Jefferson grew Virginia Bluebells at Monticello, so there are references from garden writers of the 18th century calling them “Jefferson’s blue funnel flowers.” Other names include Virginia Cowslip, Roanoke bells and Oyster Leaf. There are at least 18 other species of bluebells in North America.
Bull Run Regional Park and the Bluebell Trail
Bull Run Regional Park is part of the NOVA Parks system, a conglomerate of 32 natural and historic places that are preserved and, in some cases, enhanced with recreational facilities, all under joint jurisdiction of three counties and three cities in Northern Virginia.
To access the Bluebell Trail, park at the Atlantis Waterpark and then cross the street to the clearly marked trail. It is an easy, flat 1 ½ mile loop that runs along Bull Run Creek. It is mostly a dirt trail, with a small portion of boardwalk through a muddy section. The trail is open to hikers and equestrian riders.
From April to May, there are Virginia Bluebells as far as the eye can see. They blanket the forest floor, they grow on uprooted trees, and they provide a sea of blue along the banks of Bull Run Creek. There are many opportunities to stop and take it all in, including benches where you can rest along the water’s edge. Make sure you take advantage to soak it all in.
From the Bluebell Trail, you will also find the trailhead for the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, a 19-mile trail that connects four regional parks – Bull Run Regional Park, Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Bull Run Marina and Fountainhead Regional Park – and identifies various battle points and land features. From here, this portion of the trail goes 1.72 miles to the next parking lot access on Route 28.
Today’s Hike
Distance: The Bluebell Trail is a 1 ½ mile loop.
Difficulty: Easy.
Trailhead: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, VA 20121. Park at the Atlantis Waterpark and the trail is across the street from the disc golf course. For park information, click here.
Admission: $8 per vehicle for non-residents of the NOVA Parks jurisdiction.
Facilities: Restrooms available during season. Picnic and camp sites are available, click here for more information.
Notable: The Blue Bell Trail is open to foot and paw traffic, as well as horses. You can also access the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, a 19-mile trail connecting four regional parks along Bull Run Creek that features various battle points and landmarks.
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