Great Falls Park, Virginia, 5 mile moderate hike

This National Park hike offers hills, waterfalls, rocky cliffs, scenic river views, a beach, and skunk cabbage. Creaky knees are optional.

We will do an AllTrails route in reverse. First, walking away from the Great Falls Park Visitors Center on the Old Carriage Road and Swamp, Ridge, and Difficult Run Trails, including a couple of steep hills and a detour downhill to the "beach" at the mouth of Difficult Run--and back up the hill. The return begins on a lower stretch of the Ridge Trail. The final two miles are on the more difficult River Trail, which has short, steep hills; steps; slick rocks; rock scrambles; and clifftop overlooks. Going in this direction provides spectacular views of the river flowing through Mather Gorge while hiking upstream toward Great Falls. We will be moving slowly on the River Trail and pausing at overlooks for photos.

After the hike, don't miss visiting the additional Great Falls overlooks and the Visitor Center (no cash accepted at map/book shop). Bring a picnic lunch to eat at the picnic tables. (Note: the park's snack bar might be closed on weekdays; no cash accepted.)

Gather at 9:45 to sign in and begin hiking at 10:00. If you can't make the hike, please cancel your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to allow others on the waiting list to join.

Required: Hiking boots/shoes (NO athletic shoes with smooth bottoms); water; stamina. Recommended: hiking poles, sunblock, insect repellent, rain gear, sunny outlook.

Average pace: 2.0 mph (faster on the early section, slower on the later section)

AllTrails: We will mostly follow "River, Ridge, CCT, and Swamp Trails" (4.8 miles), in reverse, plus detour to and from the mouth of Difficult Run (0.2 mile): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/great-falls-loop-river-ridge-cct-and-swamp-trails

Custom AllTrails map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/great-falls-virginia-hike-may-15-as-of-may-5-e6cc48e?u=i&sh=fuqxr6

Meeting point: Meet at 9:45 am at Great Falls Park, Virginia, in the outdoor courtyard "under" the Visitor Center. Park in the main visitor parking lot and walk to the picnic tables in front of the restrooms (may be closed) and snack bar (may be closed). Street address is 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102. Allow extra time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WmV9aHbqxTEoYPox5?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
GPS coordinates: 38.9969062, -77.2547600

Park entrance fee: NO CASH ACCEPTED. $20 per car or $35 annually. Free with a National Park pass. Carpools can be arranged by using the Meetup Comments section. (Hike leaders may be able to pick up passengers at Difficult Run parking lot just outside the park.)

Facilities: Restrooms were closed and water was shut off as of May 5. If still closed on May 15, use the Porta-Potties in the main parking lot.

Hike details
Rating: Moderate (short distance, but some difficult sections)
Distance: Approx. 5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approx. 460 ft.
Pace: Average about 2.0 miles per hour
Conditions: Hilly. Rock scrambles. Can be muddy and slippery after rain.

Maximum number of hikers: 12

Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions. Hike Leaders are Amber 703-231-5978 and Tim 202-744-0289.

RSVP: Sign-up ends at 6:00 pm the night before the hike. Please do not show up unregistered. If possible, cancel by the same deadline.

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