Great Falls Park, Virginia, 5 miles (repeat of May 15)

This hike largely repeats the May 15 hike, when some trails were closed by high water. Expect steep hills, rock scrambles, rocky cliffs, and scenic river views and waterfalls. Trails may be muddy.

We will walk south 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 to a waterfall on Difficult Run. The return is on Ridge Trail and the more difficult River Trail, which has short, steep hills; steps; slick rocks; rock scrambles; and clifftop overlooks. We will be moving slowly on the River Trail and pausing at overlooks of the Potomac River flowing through Mather Gorge downstream from Great Falls. We will finish at the overlooks of Great Falls.

Bring snacks or a sandwich to eat at a rest stop mid-way during the hike. (Note: the park's snack bar might be closed on weekdays; no cash accepted.)

Start time: Gather at 10:00 to sign in so we can start hiking at 10:15. (Note the start time!) 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. Recommended: hiking poles, sunblock, insect repellent, rain gear, snacks.

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

AllTrails: We will mostly follow the AllTrails "River, Ridge, CCT, and Swamp Trails" in reverse: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/great-falls-loop-river-ridge-cct-and-swamp-trails

Custom AllTrails map for this hike: 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 10:00 am at Great Falls Park, Virginia, at the front entrance of the Visitor Center (door facing the visitor parking lot). Street address is 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102. Allow extra time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway.
Meeting place: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WmV9aHbqxTEoYPox5?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.c10opy
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 leader may be able to pick up passengers at Difficult Run parking lot on Georgetown Pike outside of the park.)

Facilities: Restrooms outside in the courtyard of the Visitor Center. Also JiffyJohns in the parking lot.

Hike details:
Rating: Moderate; some difficult sections
Distance: Approx. 5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approx. 500 ft.
Pace: Average about 2.0 miles per hour
Conditions: Steep hills. Rock scrambles. Can be muddy and slippery after rain.
Maximum number of hikers: 8

Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions. Hike leader is Amber 703-231-5978.

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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