Taylorstown

Taylorstown

History goes back a long way in Loudoun County and Taylorstown is one of the county’s oldest settlements. State historical markers say the estate of Hunting Hill dates back to 1737, Foxton Cottage, in the mid-eighteenth century, and Taylor’s Mill built circa 1800. The area situated off of Catoctin Creek, also originally had fieldstone construction houses built by German Quaker

descendants. In the Civil War, despite being part of the south in Virginia, these same people were loyal to the Union, hence Loyalty, the name of the region. The area today is about as rural as it gets anywhere in eastern Virginia. Located in-between ridges east (Catoctin Mountain) and west (Short Hill Mountain), and the Potomac River to the north, the area gets little car traffic.

Getting There

From the Capital Beltway

Take Exit 12, for the Washington Dulles Access and Toll Road, Rte. 267, west. When getting on to the expressway, stay to the outer (right) lanes. The inner (left) lanes are only for access to Washington Dulles International Airport. After 12 miles, just past Sully Rd., Rte. 28, a second toll must be paid to continue on Rte. 267; from here called the Dulles Greenway. Follow the Dulles Greenway approximately 12 miles further, to Leesburg. Head West on the Rte. 7 bypass toward Winchester. Approximately 3 miles past Leesburg, exit and turn right at the stop sign on Charles Town Pike, Rte. 9. Go to the bottom of the hill and turn right onto Clarks Gap Rd. Go about 2.7 miles into Waterford where you can bear right on Butchers Row. As you pass the

school following the road around the curve to the left, the road becomes Loyalty Rd, State Rte. 665. Follow Loyalty Rd. approximately 7.5 miles to a T intersection at Taylorstown. Turn left at the intersection onto Taylorstown Rd, State Rte. 663. After crossing Catoctin Creek, turn left and park on the gravel area besides the road before the intersection with Downey Mill Rd.

Rte. 663.

Area Routes

Bald Hill Road (7.4 miles, X)

Always beware of running routes with “hill” in the name. This route has two basic hills. The first climbs over then down the other side of a mountain. The second one climbs back over, and back down the mountain. Along the way, it also has a few other rolls, twists and turns. If you’re used to running mountains like Brush Mountain, or Price Mountain, or coming out of Ellett

Valley on Harding Avenue near Blacksburg Virginia (all of which the Virginia Tech Cross Country team train on) this will be just another good workout. On the other hand... you’re better off skipping this one if you’re not ready for it.

Start by crossing the creek and climbing toward Taylorstown. Turn right on Loyalty Rd. The rolling hills will warm you up quickly but the fun is only beginning. Notice the long black fence and pastures on the right. This is the former Firestone Ranch; as in the tire company. You will pass Featherbed Road (State Rte. 673) on the right and soon after, you will see the dirt and gravel

Bald Hill Road (also State Rte. 673) on the left. Take the left up Bald Hill Road. For a road, it’s narrow, lightly traveled, and largely uninhabited. It is a public road however. It climbs Catoctin Mountain about 250 vertical feet over 0.9 miles in 3 stages. Going down the other side it drops 260 feet over 1.1 miles to the paved New Valley Road and Taylorstown road intersection.

Following Taylorstown Rd., climb gradually at first, then more steeply when the pavement ends. After 1.9 miles you will have gained 320 feet. Enjoy the obstructed views at the top of the hill, but don’t blink or you will miss Taylorstown on the way down. The road drops 430 feet over the final 1.3 miles to Catoctin Creek. Ralph Keith, a former member of the Loudoun Road Runners

provided the suggestion for this loop.

Nearby and Connecting Zones

Leesburg

Purceville

C&O Canal, Edward’s Ferry

What to do Afterward

Food and Drink

picnic

Entertainment and Edification

Purceville Visitor Center and Museum

Old Waterford

Tarara Winery - Leesburg - 703 771-7100