Bluebells to Bluetail (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, 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.

DESCRIPTION:
Roughly 7ish mile circuit hike (with nature focus) from Riverbend Park (with acres of pre-peak bluebells and other wondrous wildflowers) to Great Falls Park (where an uber-rare red-flanked bluetail bird from Siberia and beyond has been visiting since New Year’s Day). Roughly 350ish elevation change.

At our start in Riverbend Park, we’ll dawdle slowly for the first mile to admire the wildflowers, frogs, toads, salamanders, an eagles' nest, and scenery.

After that, we’ll hike at roughly 3 mph but still stop occasionally for flowers, frogs, and other fun stuff. We’ll trek along Riverbend’s uphill trails and then down by the Potomac River to Great Falls Park. There is a slightly tricky rocky crossing between Riverbend and Great Falls — right by the now infamous Potomac Interceptor sewage line that crosses the Potomac River and creates a mini-waterfall. People with balance problems would likely find that difficult.

When we enter Great Falls, we’ll look for the bluetail bird, which resembles an Eastern Bluebird. We’ll turn around (and take a break) near the Great Falls' overlooks. Then we’ll head back to Riverbend along the river with its almost endless eye-candy views of rocks and rapids.

Some bluebells will be blooming (but unlikely peak) but gobs of other wildflowers (like cutleaf toothwort, Virginia springbeauty, and bloodroot) should be all dressed up along our Easter Parade.

CARPOOL: Carpooling is recommended. Riverbend is hosting its own short hike at 9:30 so we don’t want to use too many of their parking spots.

WEATHER: Change in weather policy: if there is a threat of some minor rain, we will still hike. We may have to adjust our route to avoid some of the slippery parts. I will post a final decision by 5 PM on Saturday.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Adults only. No pets, not even real live Easter bunnies.

BRING: $2 cash. Riverbend, a Fairfax County park, requires a $30 payment for more than 12 hikers so please bring $2 cash. No change, please. Also bring water, a snack, and a fully charged cell phone. Optional: camera and/or binoculars, iNaturalist app, and high-quality chocolate to share with your fellow hikers.

BATHROOMS: Portapotty at start, restrooms at turnaround, and at end.

MEET: 8:30 a.m. RIVERBEND PARK'S VISITOR CENTER (Not the Nature Center) deck facing the river.
Please arrive early and ready to go by 8:40. Thanks.
Riverbend Park 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, VA
Beware of Google Maps directions. Use these GPS coordinates to reach the visitor center at the intersection of Potomac Hills Street and the Potomac River. 39.018743, -77.245956
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend

RIVERBEND PARK TRAIL MAP:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/assets/documents/trails/trail%20maps/riverbendtrailmap2.pdf

GREAT FALLS PARK:
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm

GREAT FALLS PARK TRAIL MAP:
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf

EBIRD GREAT FALLS PARK:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L718485/recent-checklists

NORTHERN VIRGINIA’S WILDFLOWERS:
https://www.pwconserve.org/plants/

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S FREE MAP/BROCHURE APP:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm

WASHINGTON POST’S BLUETAIL STORY:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/03/08/rare-bird-red-flanked-bluetail-virginia/

VIRGINIA WILDLIFE MAGAZINE’S BLUETAIL STORY:
https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/spotted-a-superstar-red-flanked-bluetail-far-from-home/