Riverbend Park to Difficult Run hike (8.8 mi., 807' elevation)

EXPECTATION: Each person is responsible for downloading and following the map linked below on their cellphone using the AllTrails app.

Here's a local hike for those interested in something fun and close.

We will park and assemble at Riverbend Park in the parking lot (see map below) and will start hiking south along the Potomac Heritage Trail to the River Trail at Great Falls Park. There are too many beautiful overlooks to count and we will stop at many of them to enjoy nature and take some pictures. We will keep going till we get to the mouth of Difficult Run where it empties into the Potomac, Then we will head back on the Difficult Run Trail, to the Ridge Trail and follow the map linked below on AllTrails right back to our Parking Lot. This hike will give a good overview of two beautiful parks: Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park.

TRAIL MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-1-2022-12-15-pm-09def3e?u=i&sh=y1w9cy

BRING: Water, some trail shoes/hiking boots, and warm clothes.

AFTER HIKE FOOD/DRINK: Anybody interested in stopping after our hike for a little food, drink, and fun conversation just let us know. We will gather at the Old Brogue Irish Pub and eat outdoors. It is located at 760 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY: I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive and inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated event leader(s) for this particular hike I am participating in.