Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Riverbend, Great Falls Parks, and Difficult Run Stream! 9.5 Mod. Miles!

32
  • January 26 · 11:00 AM

  • This location is shown only to members

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

Trail Notes for Leaders

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 11:00 a.m. (Beat the Heat)

Carpool meetup time from Savage is 10:00 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!

Brian: [masked]

Harrison: [masked]

Mike: [masked]

Additional MAHG Leader

Join or login to comment.

  • Lindsay Orlin
    Lindsay Orlin

    thanks for a wonderful hike on a lovely trail.

    1 · January 27

  • Cassie
    Cassie

    It was a really beautiful hike and as always I enjoyed talking to everyone I met. Thanks to Mike and Harrison for keeping us all together!

    1 · January 27

  • harrison
    harrison

    Thanks to everyone for coming out and braving the cold. It was a great day and hike. I look forward to seeing all of you again.

    1 · January 26

  • Mark H
    Mark H

    Good times hiking with you guys today ! Unfortunately my GoPro pics are cloudy due to condensation over lens problems, I tried to salvage a few, rest are from Nikon. Take care all !

    1 · January 26

  • Irene
    Irene

    good moderate hike, nice pace

    1 · January 26

  • Lisa Russell
    Lisa Russell

    I had a great time hiking with you all today. I hope to see you all again soon on the next hike!

    1 · January 26

  • Pam
    Pam

    Good workout

    1 · January 26

  • JOEL KATZ
    JOEL KATZ

    Mike did a fine job leading, good hike

    1 · January 26

  • Janna
    Janna

    Really enjoyed this hike and a great group of people:)

    1 · January 26

  • Betsy Levin
    Betsy Levin

    Because of an afternoon conflict, I only did the 5-6 mile option, but would love to do the whole hike the next time. Harrison and Mike took turns leading our moderate paced group and they were both great. Weather cooperated and it was a beautiful hike.

    1 · January 26

  • Maria
    Maria

    Great hike, nice people and wonderful scenery.

    1 · January 26

  • Tino
    Tino

    I would just like to say, that I enjoyed all the people I had the opportunity to meet and have a nice, causal conversation with during this hike. I'm looking forward to my next outing with the group!

    1 · January 26

  • Michelle
    Michelle

    Hey! I am a last-minute add on, as my football game just got cancelled b/c of the snow. I live in McLean and can give a ride to people if needed. I can pick up metro-ers from West Falls Church station at 10:15 if anyone still needs a ride. Just let me know!

    1 · January 26

    • Michelle
      Michelle

      Oh and I am planning to bring my Jack Russell Terrier Jasmine!

      January 26

  • Irene
    Irene

    looking forward to a snowy chilly hike tomorrow!!!!!

    1 · January 25

  • Miguel
    Miguel

    Since it's going to snow tonight, is the road after exiting I-495 going to be drivable? (Georgetown Pike) My car is not the best in the snow.

    1 · January 25

    • harrison
      harrison

      We can only assume the roads will be treated; however, you may want to consider carpooling if you are concerned your car will be an issue.

      1 · January 25

  • Mike
    Mike

    I will be driving from Rosslyn, if anyone Arlingtonish needs a ride let me know.

    January 25

  • Christina
    Christina

    I'm also looking for a ride and can help out with gas, etc. Thanks!

    January 24

    • harrison
      harrison

      Where are you coming from?

      January 25

  • David Loiter
    David Loiter

    wow, 62 people already. I live in se dc. Happy to carpool. I can drive (or be a passenger) from downtown or near downtown. I won't be in one of the relatively fast hiking groups.

    1 · January 24

  • Cassie
    Cassie

    What does difficult run stream mean?
    Thanks!

    1 · January 24

    • harrison
      harrison

      Difficult Run is a stream that feeds into the Potomac River. There is a trail that follows along part of it, which is one of the trails we use to make this loop.

      1 · January 24

  • harrison
    harrison

    With so many in this group, carpooling is highly encouraged. Thanks and see y'all on Saturday!

    January 22

  • harrison
    harrison

    I will be coming from western NOVA and can meet at the Centreville Park&Ride or anywhere off I66 outside the Beltway.

    January 20

  • Will Pierce
    Will Pierce

    If anyone in Northern Virginia is willing to carpool, I'm in Ballston and willing to help out with gas etc. Message or call at [masked]

    January 19

  • Kellie Carlisle
    Kellie Carlisle

    How to Move from the Waitlist to a “Yes” - If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co... Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.

    January 14

  • Aleksi
    Aleksi

    Anyone around northern VA area or passing by, I am looking for a ride to this hike. I'm next to Pentagon City.

    January 7

34 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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