Great Falls/Difficult Run 4.5-mile loop

A moderate loop hike from the Great Falls Virginia visitor's center south to Difficult Run and back to Great Falls.

We will start on the Old Carriage Roard and winding Swamp Trail. Then onto the Ridge and Difficult Run Trails. Return along the Ridge trail and more difficult River Trail, which has short but steep hills; steps; mini-rock scrambles; and clifftop overlooks.

We will pause at several overlooks and finish at the overlooks of Great Falls.

Bring; hiking boots (no smooth-soled shoes), water, and snacks for a rest stop halfway through the hike. Hiking poles are also recommended as there are several steep and rocky sections.

Start time: Meet at 10:00 and start walking at 10:15

Pace: average 2.0 mph (faster on the early flat section, slower on the later rocky section)

AllTrails map:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/copy-great-falls-4-6-jan-4-2026-26c2646?u=i&sh=pzrvpp

Meeting point: Meet at 10:00 am for sign-ins and introductions, at the bottom of the ramp to the Visitor Center (the entrance facing the parking lot). Street address is 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102. Allow extra drive time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway.

Meeting place coordinates: 38°59'50.3"N 77°15'18.0"W

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 can take 3 passengers from Alexandria / Del Ray area).

Facilities: The park has restrooms and a snack bar located under the Visitor Center.

Pets: Dogs are welcome as long as they are well-behaved. Park rules state that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions. Hike leaders is Peter 703-999-9435. However, there is NO cell service in the park, so hike leaders will not get last-minute messages.

RSVP: Sign-up ends at 6:00 pm the night before. Please do not show up unregistered. 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.

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