Name: Riverbend Park, Great Falls Park, (Rating: C)
Start: 2025-11-28T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-28T13:30:00-05:00
Location: Riverbend Park Visitor's Center

*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.*

**Post Thanksgiving Calorie Burn! 🦃**

**8.5 mile circuit hike with 500 feet of elevation gain.**

A nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park.

**Description:**
We'll start our hike in Riverbend and then join the Potomac Heritage trail where we will travel south to Great Falls. We'll stop at the Great Falls overlook(s) for some amazing views of the falls and then continue on the River Trail as it winds along Mather Gorge and some more great scenery. We will then connect to the Ridge Trail, Swamp Trail, Old Carriage Road, back to Great Falls visitor center and begin our return to Riverbend. Lunch break about halfway through.

**Hike Pace**:
Pace will be about 2.5 mph.

**Bring:**
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots on the River Trail. Hiking poles if you normally use them. There are no stream crossings.

**Fee:**
***There is no entrance fee at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. Group fees are required for groups of 12 or more. I will get the group permit in advance. Small bills only please!***

**Dogs are welcome** on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)
**Riverbend Park trail map**:
[https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf](https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf)
**Great Falls Park trail map:**
[https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf)

Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00am.

**Meeting Place Instructions:** Riverbend Park, Great Falls, VA. We will meet at the lower parking lot, on the right, across from the Riverbend Visitor Center. Coordinates 39.01817, -77.24599

Post hike re-hydration at Old Brogue Irish Pub, Great Falls

Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

Steve W 🥾🥾 

Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

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Riverbend Park, Great Falls Park,  (Rating: C)

Riverbend Park Visitor's Center

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Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

Riverbend Park, Great Falls Park, (Rating: C)

Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

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