Riverbend Park Moderate Hike, 4.5 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 and 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 11:00AM. Riverbend has been very popular since the government shutdown, so arrive early. Your parking location may be up to 0.5 miles from the meeting location depending on how full the park is when you arrive.

TRAIL MAP: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/414335718

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, 4.5-mile hike with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain. Our approximate speed will be 2mph 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. 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 shoes with ankle support and tread. Hiking boots or trail runners preferred. We will be hiking through piles of leaves and acorns, 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, bring rain gear (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 November 13 at 3:00PM. If necessary due to weather, the hike will be rescheduled for November 22 at 10:00AM.

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)