the CCT trail, between the accotink and difficult run sections (Oakton: subdivision, fence)

[brooklynborndad]

We did the section from Oak Marr Rec Center up to Miller heights road and then to MP 14.5, which is already within Diffult Run Stream Valley Park.

IIUC the section near Oak Marr was not originally part of the Difficult Run trail, but was created to link the Accotink trail and Difficult Run trails, when the CCT was created/designated. There are road links at both ends - we skipped the walk along Blake Lane that connects the old Accotink trail head at Thais Park with Oak Marr (we've walked that area before, and its not particularly attractive)

We parked at Oak Marr Rec center (not easy as there was a big swim meet) than walked the quite woodsy trail - it was hilly, a bit slippery with all the leaves, closer to a real hike than Accotink trail is. Though some might not like walking along the fence to Oak Marr Golf facility There were a couple of other walkers, and one intrepid cyclist - but this section seemed underutilized, for a nice (if overcast) sunday afternoon. We then walked the section on quiet Miller Heights road in Oakton to get to Difficult Run, and went a ways up the trail there, to the 14.5 milepost. This part of the trail was more heavily used, with several walkers and a runner in a brief period of time. Probably cause its generally an easier and more attractive stream side trail. At that point we needed to head back. Total of about 4 miles round trip.

[tyoung4th]

I grew up in Miller Heights and used to run the Difficult Run trail in the '80s. I would also cut across the stream to Fox Lake and run through that subdivision all the way to Timber Lake. Lots of memories there.