This 124-acre park has a 1-mile loop trail from the parking lot, a portion of which is the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which runs through the property. Soccer fields surround the parking lot. This property has a mix of habitats, which includes open fields, woods, wetlands as well as the Broad Run tributary and Potomac River. A portion of the loop trail parallels the Potomac River which meets the confluence of Broad Run, where the trail turns and parallels that body of water as well. There is a segment of an “inner trail” that runs alongside the wetlands.
Acadian Flycatchers, Brown Creepers, chickadees and several species of woodpecker and the like can be found in the woods bordering the Potomac River. Sightings of Red-shouldered Hawks are routine. In the spring and fall, warblers can be spotted all around the property. One popular spot is at the confluence of Broad Run and the Potomac River. A variety of waterfowl can be found on all the bodies of water. Wood Ducks have nested in the wetlands. Sparrows enjoy field and trail edges in various spots along the trail and soccer fields. The property attracts rare and difficult-to-find species, especially during migration. Marsh Wren, American Bittern, Little Blue Heron, a Golden Eagle and even a Mourning Warbler have been found here. Regular walks are led here on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 8am.
Accessibility: The park is open Dawn to Dusk. A couple of words of caution: 1) When soccer games are scheduled, there can be limited to no parking available and patrons must either wait for a free spot, or search for parallel parking on Bles Park Drive. 2) This park has planned “enhancements.” Beginning in early 2023, surveys and improvements will begin in the park. Information about the enhancements can be found here. Bathrooms are in the parking lot.
Owner/Manager: Loudoun County Parks and Recreation
eBird Hotspot: Bles Park
—Nicole Hutcheson, January 2023