David Brickley walks down the 15-mile abandoned rail bed in King George called the Dahlgren Heritage Trail. Some advocate opening the trail, now private property, for public use. SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Hilary Lufkin

Date published: 11/3/2006

I discovered yet another gem of the Fredericksburg area recently, one that is relatively easy to access, yet far from the noisy city and the sprawling suburbia that characterizes our region.

This northeastern portion of Virginia has more to offer than shopping malls and busy highways. Though we don't usually notice them in our stressful lives, beautiful poplar trees, sprawling oak canopies, singing geese, lush marsh grasses, and placid wetlands typify the greater Fredericksburg area.

A mere 20-minute drive down State Route 218 in King George County will take you to a place where the harmony of nature encompasses all these wonders.

The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail is a charming place that can add adventure and an appreciation for natural beauty to the lives of families, bikers, and hikers.

Right now the trail is private property, but by visiting the Friends of the Dahlgren Heritage Trail Web site, anyone can apply for a user permit.

Soon, hopefully, the trail will be state property, which means trail maintenance will be more regulated and less expensive for private citizens, and the trail will be open to the public for use.

School groups will be able to learn about native plant species and wetlands, families will have another walking trail to enjoy with their children, bikers and hikers will be able to use the trail for personal fitness or group outings, and the Fredericksburg area will have another item on our list of beautiful preserved lands.

Fredericksburg

Date published: 11/3/2006