Take a Hike on the Connolly Trail?

Posted by Rachel Hatzipanagos 

Fairfax County’s 40-mile long Cross County Trail will have a new namesake: Rep. Gerry Connolly.

“I am truly humbled by this unexpected honor,” Connolly (D-Va. 11th) said in a statement. “The Cross County Trail is one of my proudest accomplishments in public office.”

The Fairfax County Park Authority decided in June to rename the trail, citing Connolly’s involvement in helping “champion” the trail during his during his tenure as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

“Mr. Connolly has demonstrated a steadfast resolve to preserve parkland and create recreational facilities in this community throughout his many years of public service,” Park Authority Chairman Bill Bouie said in a press release.

The idea for the trail was first conceived in 1999 and was completed in 2005, according to the park authority. The trail spans from the Potomac River in Great Falls Park to the Occoquan River in Occoquan Regional Park.

“Then Chairman Connolly was extremely supportive of park authority efforts to acquire the necessary links to complete the entire route,” a statement from the park authority reads.

The park authority will unveil new signage for the trail in an official ceremony this fall.