- Highlights: River views, bird watching
- Distance: 1.3 miles out and back
- Elevation Change: 110 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trailhead Parking: Bush Mill Preserve, 2396 Knights Run Rd., Heathsville VA
- Trail Markings: Orange and blue blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: AllTrails and Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources
- Beer Pairings: Callao Brewing—Ingram Bay IPA & Execute Order 66 IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
This short, easy hike leads to a viewing platform overlooking Bush Mill Stream. The trail is well marked and well maintained.
From the small parking area, follow the blue-blazed Deep Landing Trail as it gradually descends down to the stream. The preserve is rarely crowded, creating an ideal wildlife-watching experience. Several signs describe the wildlife and history of the preserve.
On the return hike to the parking area, we added a short loop on the orange-blazed Heron Loop Trail which also has a viewing platform overlooking the upper section of Bush Mill Stream.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Callao Brewing is located about 15 minutes from the trailhead in Callao VA. This a veteran-owned brewery has 12 taps of craft beer, brick oven pizza, and indoor and outdoor seating.
Pete had a pint of Execute Order 66 (6.6% ABV • 105 IBU) a red IPA hopped with Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Cascade, Loral, Mosaic, and Simcoe. Six in the boil and dry hopped with six. Commander Cody would be proud. Kathy enjoyed Ingram Bay IPA (8.0% ABV • 93 IBU), an American IPA brewed with Magnum hops and then dry hopped with Lemondrop hops. Kathy liked the citrus notes while Pete was not a big fan.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.