Riverbend, Great Falls Parks, and Difficult Run Stream! 9.5 Mod. Miles!
- August 25, 2012 · 8:00 AM
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Join Us For a Hike Along Riverbend and Great Falls Park! A 9.5 Mile Moderate Hike with a Shorter 5 Mile Easy Option!
Only about 15 miles from downtown Washington, the Great Falls area is probably the metro area’s finest close-in natural attraction. There, the broad and smooth Potomac River suddenly tumbles almost 80 feet in a series of rapids, and then squeezes through a narrow, mile-long, and sheer-walled gorge. National Park Service (NPS) lands protect both banks and provide riveting views of nature at work. This hike is a two-park, 9.5-mile loop leading through the uplands, to the falls, along the gorge, and onto the floodplain. You’ll experience assorted scenery, impressive vistas, and about 2,200 feet of elevation change. Scenery: Wooded uplands, river vistas, waterfalls, historic remains. 60 Hikes within 60 Miles Washington DC © Copyright Paul Elliott Published by Menasha Ridge Press. All Rights Reserved.
Hike Pace
A moderate pace of about 2.5mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. (most common pace).
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: McLean, VA
Length: 9.5 total miles (with shorter, 5.3 option)
Configuration: Modified loop
Scenery: Uplands, river vistas
Exposure: Shady
Trail surface: Mostly dirt; some pavement, gravel; very rocky in places one steep hill.
Elev. Gain: 2200 feet
Skill Level: Moderate
Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Facilities: Toilets, water, phones at the visitor centers; snack bar at Great Falls center (seasonal); toilets, water at Matildaville
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.
Carpool Information
To carpool from the Baltimore area, meet people 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 Where We Meet for This Hike
Click here for directions to where we meet.
Hike Meetup Time is 8:00 a.m. (Beat the Heat)
Carpool meetup time from Savage is 7:00 a.m.
Gear Information
Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
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 and guides/sweepers which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Fido is Welcome on This Hike!
Let's have good times! Be sure to take the hike leaders numbers with you just in case!
Mike H: [masked]
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Mehdi
I enjoyed the hiking in great falls with MId-Atlantic group of people. Thanks to leaders for guiding to nice views and for taking care and for waiting in the morning.
August 25
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Oscelyn Anderson
Great easy hike. Great hikers, a very cohesive group that kept up the pace. Enjoyed it immensely. Hike leaders were knowledgeable and approachable. Thanks guys for leading the hike!
1 · August 25
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Manjula Raghavendra
Nice relaxing hike with nice group of people. Thanks to both our hike leaders of the day.
1 · August 25
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Allan Capon
Murphy's Law! Really looking forward to my first meetup with the group when 5 minutes from River Bend my phone goes and there are major technical issues at work. Apologized to Mike and headed to the office in Reston. Next time!!
August 25
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Becca B.
Hi all - I have an ankle injury and re-tweaked it last night, so I don't want to risk hurting it further by doing 9 miles today. Sorry for the late cancelation and I hope you all enjoy the hike!
August 25
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Richard Krieger
I can pick up a few people at West Falls Church Metro if someone needs a ride. Please email me if interested.
August 24
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Diego
If i make it out of the waiting list I'll be driving from Annapolis and can pick people up along the way
August 24
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Mark Schultz
Hi all - I'm only on the waitlist right now, but is anybody driving past the Grosvenor-Strathmore metro and willing to pick me up there? Will provide gas $ and good conversation. This is unfortunately the only station I can meet at because the metro doesn't open until 7, although I suppose
I could bike to Bethesda or Medical Center.August 19
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Arindam Ganguly
Hi all, anyone driving from the Twnibrook/White Flint/Grosvenor area? looking for a car pool and will chip in for gas as well.
August 22
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list and would like to go on the hike, you will get an e-mail as slots are available. It is a “first come first serve” for available slots. Open slots are open to everyone whether on the wait list or not, but the wait list will insure you are notified of open slots as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the hike can handle it. Click here for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Hope this helps and enjoy the hike. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.1 · August 22
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Jennifer
Hi,
I'm coming from NW DC and would like to carpool with someone. I don't have a car so I'm more than happy to meet up at a metro station. Thanks!!
July 30
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Syed Wasim Ali
I live less than a mile from Vienna metro and I will be happy to take three people in my car. Let me know...
August 18
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Creme Brulee
hi cesar - if i get off the waiting list, i could meet you at mount vernon metro if you still have room/willing to pick up a passenger. thanks!
August 22
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Ari Lynn
I would like to add a guest, but the website isn't complying. Can I please add one?
August 19
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Kellie Carlisle
Hey Ari, hope this helps you be able to add a guest. It is set up for up to 3 guests but if you have never added a guest before and already RSVP'd it can be tricky. Here is a link that takes you through how to get off the wait list which follows the same process http://www.midatlanti...
Feel free to give me a call if you still have any trouble as I am more than happy to help.August 19
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28 attended
Your organizer's refund policy for Riverbend, Great Falls Parks, and Difficult Run Stream! 9.5 Mod. Miles!
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: Refund if I a notified 48 hours PRIOR to hiking time!
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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