Fountainhead Loop Hike

From the main parking area, find the trailhead for the Equestrian Loop Trail (Blue Trail) as it winds to the northeast back along the road. This section stays to the north of the road in order to avoid the private archery range. After a half mile, the trail crosses the entrance road and begins to descend to the south.After a mile, you'll pass the Hampton Loop on the left. This hike takes the loop on the return but because all the trails at Fountainhead can be traveled in either direction, visitors can head north on the loop at any point or skip it altogether to cut down the mileage by a mile or so. Continue for a hundred feet or so to a stream crossing near the second entrance for the Hampton Loop. Head south along the eastern park boundary toward a bridge crossing near mile marker 1.25. Don't be surprised to hear or see mountain bikers to the south as the trails come close through this area. Finally, at mile marker 1.75, you'll arrive at the loop section for the Equestrian !Loop Trail. This hike continues east toward the Inlet Loop (Orange Trail), avoiding the western half of the Equestrian Trail loop. Another variation on this route is to make a bigger loop out of the eastern half of the Inlet Loop (Orange Trail) and the western half of the Equestrian Loop Trail (Blue Trail). Make sure to take a break at the 2.5-mile mark (between mile marker 1.25 and 1.5 of the Inlet Loop) for a viewpoint across the river. After completing the Inlet Loop (Orange Trail), retrace your steps with the option to add on the Hampton Loop if you haven't already, before heading back to the main parking area.