Great Falls Hike

Let’s get an early start and hike the scenic trails in Great Falls Park!

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The route: The hike is a loop, interrupted by an out-and-back excursion en route. We'll start at the intersection of Canal and River Trails and hike south along Old Carriage Road to the intersection with the Ridge Trail. Turning left onto Ridge Trail, we’ll follow it to where it meets River Trail.

At this point we’ll interrupt the loop for an out-and-back excursion along Ridge Trail and Difficult Run Trail, to the mouth of Difficult Run on the Potomac. After admiring the view, we'll return along the same route.

After the excursion, we’ll hike north along the River Trail all the way back to our starting point near the Visitor Center.

The hike is about 4 miles of smiles, plus some extra distance to check out the overlooks, and should take no more than 3 hours at a moderate pace. The surface is dirt or gravel throughout, except for the River Trail, which is broken and rocky. The going is fairly easy along Old Carriage Road and Ridge Trail, moderate during the excursion to Difficult Run, and moderate to strenuous along the River Trail.

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/omurtus

*** NB: The River Trail runs along the edge of sheer cliffs in many sections. As the NPS website notes, "Your safety is your responsibility." Exercise caution and keep a close eye on your furry friend. We want you to have fun, but we also want you to come home safe! ***

How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take exit 44 onto VA-193/Georgetown Pike towards Great Falls. Follow signs for Great Falls. Drive 4.4 miles west along Georgetown Pike. At the traffic light at the intersection with Old Dominion Road, turn right to enter the park. (There is a park sign.) Drive 1 mile along Old Dominion Road and note the Visitor Center on your right. Continue another 0.1 miles (just past the Visitor Center) and turn right to enter the main parking area.

Sorry, this is not a Metro accessible hike.

Where to meet: We'll meet south of the Visitor Center at the entrance to the path to Overlook #1, GPS = 38.996428,-77.25453

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes or boots with tread on them and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. A rain slicker/poncho is a good idea, in case of rain.

Weather: The forecast is partly sunny, a high of 79 degrees, and a 50% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Updates here: http://tinyurl.com/mek9mf4

Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is permitted.

Cost: $5 per person walking in, or $10 per vehicle, payable to Ranger Rick at the gate. (Sorry, the NPS fees just went up.) See: http://tinyurl.com/po6reeg

Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and drinking fountains at the Great Falls Visitor Center.

Notes:

• Great Falls: http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm

• Trail Map: http://tinyurl.com/obbjbc