Riverbend Park/Great Falls Moderate Hike, 5 miles

Riverbend Park is a lush Fairfax County Park located along the Potomac River just north of Great Falls National Park. Entry is free. We will be hiking a loop that primarily covers the Potomac River Heritage Trail, briefly enters Great Falls on the Mine Run Trail, and circles back to the river on the Bootlegger trail.

Hikers must register individually and must read the entire event description.

WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:
Meet at the Riverbend Park map at the top of the boat ramp near the Riverbend Park Visitors Center on Potomac Hills Street - NOT at the Nature Center. See map and GPS coordinates below. Please arrive at the meeting spot no later than 10:45AM for a hike brief, and we will start hiking at 11:00AM.

TRAIL MAP: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/420948589
DOWNLOAD GPX FILE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I8vpkWPQfrIlLbUnV6gfJNs6feN_7eS4/view?usp=drive_link
HOW TO USE GPX: https://gpxadventures.com/tutorials/electronic-devices/what-is-a-gpx-file/

CELL PHONE COVERAGE:
Spotty. Check your route ahead of time and don't depend on your phone for directions!

WHAT TO EXPECT:
This will be a moderate, 5-mile hike with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain. Our approximate speed will be 2.5mph and the hike is expected to last 2-2.5 hours. Some parts of the trail are single-track, and the trail condition varies between smooth dirt, rocks and roots, leaf-covered forest trail, and grassland, and all may be under snow depending on the weather. The hike leader will provide a printed map and a liability waiver at the meeting site.

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:

1. At least 16 oz of water. Hikers without water may not join the hike.
2. Supportive weather-appropriate shoes with ankle support and tread. Hiking boots or weatherproof trail runners preferred. We will be hiking through piles of leaves and acorns which may or may not be frozen or snowy, so traction is an issue and the hike will be much easier if you have some grip.
3. Weather-appropriate clothing. Layers encouraged. If there's any chance of rain/snow, bring gear for that (e.g. jacket, gaiters for shoes). Choose synthetic fibers, not cotton!
4. Food, other items to meet your needs: Always better to have a granola bar than to hike hungry!
5. Trekking poles: Optional but encouraged.

KIDDOS AND DOGS: Contact the hike leaders in advance if you plan to bring a kiddo or a leashed doggo.

WEATHER: Cancellations for weather will be announced by Thursday December 11 at 3:00PM.

INCLUSIVITY: All folks are welcome on this hike, regardless of age, ancestry, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Those with disabilities are welcome as long as they can physically complete the hike at the posted speed without assistance from the leaders. This trail is not wheelchair accessible and will be difficult for those with crutches.

MORE ABOUT PATC: To find out more about PATC, click here. To join, click here. (Membership not required for hike participation)