Holiday Hike! A River & Waterfall Hike in Scotts Run Nature Preserve! 4 Mod. Mi
- July 4, 2012 · 9:00 AM
-
This location is shown only to members
A Moderate 4 Miles in Scotts Run Nature Preserve in McLean!
"This hike features river views, a waterfall, wildflowers, amphibian breedingareas in spring, and some pretty interesting ruins as well. It includes palisades along the Potomac and the rocky lower end of Scotts Run." Copyright 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Washington, DC Published by Menasha Ridge Press. All Rights Reserved.
Visitors have flocked to Scott’s Run for years to witness the spring wildflowers that grow there. Sources say that trail-ing arbutus, Virginia bluebells and trillium blooming on the steep hillsides create a small oasis of rare and fragile plants. Remarkable and rare species grow along the precipitous cliffs, in steep valleys and throughout the mature hardwood forest of very large oak and beech trees, ancient hemlock and wild cherry trees that stand as tall as the oaks.
Scotts Run Nature Preserve consists of a rather hilly, wildflower-riddled tract of riverside woodlands scarcely 4 crow-miles northwest of Washington. For songbirds and other wildlife, it’s a true sanctuary.
Pace Options
We break down into groups no larger than 15 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience. This also allows us to offer a variety of hike paces and for this particular hike you have 2 to choose from which allows us to be put together with those of a similar pace. Paces should be not only based on your preference but also ability needs to be taken into consideration.
Pace Option 1: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph (most common pace).
Pace Option 2: A vigorous paced group of up to 3-4mph so no complaints about this pace being too fast because you know what you are getting into-grin!
PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly
Trail Information
Activity Type:Hiking 
Nearby City: McLean (Very near DC but you would never know it! In the vicinity of Great Falls)
Scenery: Rolling woodlands, river views, and hopefully wildflowers
Exposure: Mostly shady with a couple of open areas where it is somewhat sandy near the river
Trail Surface:Mostly dirt or gravel; rocky, rooty near river. There are some boulders too.
Length: 4 total miles
Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet but in undulating hills
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Skill Level: Moderate 2.0 - 3.0 mph pace options
Duration: Up to 3.5 hours including dawdling time at the river and enjoying scenery/pics etc.
Season: Year-round
Local Maps:USGS Falls Church and my map of choice, PATC Map D
Facilities: None
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for up to the minute trailhead weather
Carpool Information
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore area, you can arrange to meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station. Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations complete with directions. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click here for directions to the trailhead.
Hike Time is at 9:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time is 8:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which helps ensure that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or stayingfit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Fido is Welcome on This Hike!
NOTE: Holiday hikes, including this one, are non-refundable, except if it is cancelled or rescheduled.
Let's have good times and please take the hike leaders number with you just in case!
Mike H: [masked]
Justin C: [masked]
Tim W: [masked]
Kenny T: [masked]
-
-
Elizabeth
This was a very nice hike. It was a great "local" outing with a fun group of people!
July 5
-
-
Tim Waggoner
Very nice hike, the weather wasnt too bad and its nice to find another great local hike.
July 5
-
Anita
This was perfect for a holiday hike; not too far a drive but still out in the woods; scenic and beautiful!
July 4
-
leslie ebert
We both really enjoyed the hike & meeting everyone. Thanks Justin for being a great leader.
July 4
-
-
Melody
Anyone needing a ride to the hike. I will be at Eisenhower Metro at 8am and can take up to 6 people as well as Tori. Please send me an email if you would like to carpool.
July 3
-
A former member
Sure
July 3
-
Melody
Not sure if Henry is going or not, says he is driving and has room but is still on the waiting list. With that said, I will drive and can take anyone from Alexandria. @Tori, do you still need a ride? if so where in Alexandria are you? Feel free to email me to coordinate. Will be leaving by 8am.
July 3
-
-
Rachel
Nayna, if I happen to get off the waitlist I'd meet you there! Will be monitoring. I missed when everything opened up earlier today.
July 3
-
-
A former member
Anyone want a ride from Cleveland Park metro area??
July 3
-
Henry
I'm driving fro Mt. Vernon area South of Alexandria, probably via GW Parkway, have plenty room
July 3
-
Kellie Carlisle
This hike is FULL with a very large waiting list. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please be sure to change your RSVP to NO so that someone on the waiting list can join us. Thank you!
July 3
-
A former member
Anyone coming from Alexandria?
June 26
55 attended
-
-
-
Justin Carlisle
Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder, Co-Organizer
Event Host
-
-
-
Elizabeth +2
-
-
leslie ebert +1
-
Melody
Checked-in -
-
-
-
Kolie
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
-
Krish +1
-
-
-
-
Rachel +1
-
-
-
Lisa J. +1
-
-
Robin G
.
-
-
Daniel ONeill
30 Days of Free Hikes for Volunteering! Expires 03-10-13
-
Ed +1
-
Kathleen Gibson
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
-
-
-
-
-
lynn chen +1
-
Heather +1
-
-
Daniela +1
-
Agatha
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
-
-
Greg
Checked-in -
A former member
Your organizer's refund policy for Holiday Hike! A River & Waterfall Hike in Scotts Run Nature Preserve! 4 Mod. Mi
Refunds are not offered for this Meetup.
Paddle Trip! New Point Comfort!
Beaches, Salt Marsh, Abundant Wildlife, and an Historic Stone Lighthouse
-
10% off Terrapin Challenge
from Terrapin Adventures
-
$18 off Wilderness First Aid Classes
from The Center for Wilderness Safety
-
$5 off new 1-yr reg. membership, includes free Backpacker subscription
from American Hiking Society
People in thisMeetup are also in:
-
-
-
-
-
DC African American Adventure & Sports Group-Washingto
n, DC3,706 Adventurerists
Next Meetup:
Sunday, May 26 -
Join or login to comment.