PATC Hikes & Events

Balls Bluff Hike: A 6.3-Mile Moderate Hike

If you’re looking for a hike that blends captivating history with the untouched beauty of Virginia’s landscape, the Balls Run trail at Balls Bluff National Park is an unbeatable choice. This moderate 6.3-mile trek invites hikers, history buffs, and nature lovers to unique adventure, rich in stories and stunning vistas.

Balls Bluff National Park is a living testament to the Battle of Balls Bluff, fought in October 1861 during the early days of the Civil War. The park’s rolling hills and wooded ridges remain much as they were over a century ago, allowing visitors to reflect on the tragedy that unfolded on these grounds.

One of this hike’s most memorable features is the sweeping view of the Potomac River. As we hike the wooded bluffs, the river appears in stunning contrast to the surrounding forests. We then descend to river level which offer spectacular views of the Potomac River. This time of year, the riverside area should be covered in a wonderful display of bluebells and other spring flowers. The trail also meanders through groves of mature oak and maple, offering shade and glimpses of wildlife.

The hike covers approximately 6.3 miles of well-marked, moderately challenging terrain. Starting at the main trailhead, the route winds through forested areas, follows gentle ridgelines, and dips into picturesque valleys. Hikers will navigate a mix of packed dirt paths, rooty sections, and occasional rocky stretches, making sturdy footwear a smart choice.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.13059, -77.53065
The approximate street address to the park entrance is 250 Balls Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA 20176. It is approximate as the parking lot has no official address. It will become obvious as you approach the address. The trailhead is next to the portable toilet on the right.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6.3 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 700
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: A portable toilet can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Bluebells at Riverbend Park, Great Falls and Difficult Run a Mod. 10.5 Mile Hike

This is a two-park hike spanning 10.5 miles, beginning at Riverbend Park and winding through the uplands toward Great Falls. The trail follows the gorge and continues onto the floodplain, offering a variety of landscapes, stunning vistas, and about 800 feet of elevation change along the way. The hike winds its way back to Riverbend and its spring display of bluebells.

Just 15 miles from downtown Washington, the Great Falls area stands out as premier natural escape from the city. Riverbend Park features over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. In the spring, these meadows and riverbanks come alive with blooming Virginia bluebells, creating a vibrant carpet of soft blue and pink hues. Bluebells are especially abundant along the Potomac’s floodplain, drawing hikers and nature lovers to this annual spectacle. Here, Potomac River abruptly plunges nearly 80 feet through a series of rapids, carving a narrow, mile-long gorge with sheer walls. Protected by National Park Service lands on both riverbanks, the hike rewards you with breathtaking views of nature's power—accented by a wonderful display of bluebells lining the water’s edge.

NOTE: It is important to arrive by 8:45 or earlier as the parking lot fills quickly at this time of year.

Time to Meet: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot.
The GPS Coordinates are 39.017916, -77.246091

The street address to the park is 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066.

We meet at the visitor’s center.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 10.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 800 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Bathrooms both at trailhead and Great Falls
Fees: no fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Join for an early morning hike to get the weekend started! Sunrise will be at 6:30am, so that will also be our start time. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign the required PATC Waiver and stretch out. My hikes start on time, so please be punctual.

WE HAVE 2 PATC HIKE LEADERS, SO WE ARE OPENING THIS UP TO 15 HIKERS. THIS IS A VERY LARGE GROUP, SO PLEASE ARRIVE BY 6:15 SO WE CAN BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 6:30.

THE PARKING LOT IS VERY SMALL, SO JAM IN TIGHTLY. FEEL FREE TO BLOCK IN OTHER HIKERS FROM THIS GROUP SO WE CAN FIND SPACE FOR EVERYONE. IF YOU DON'T FIND A SPOT, DO NOT PARK ON THE ROAD AS YOU WILL BE TOWED! THE OVERFLOW LOT IS ACROSS ROUTE 7.

There is a bit of climbing that is nicely rewarded with a great view at the top. This hike runs the final leg of the Appalachian Trail’s Roller Coaster and contains a few ups and downs. Some sections are rocky, so wear proper shoes.
The hike will bring us to a fantastic overlook of the Southwest and Shenandoah Valley.

• This is a Moderate Hike with 5.8 miles of hiking and 1,530ft of elevation gain.
• Our pace will be around 2.25-2.50mph
• Hike time will be about 3 hours

At the top, feel free to bring a thermos of coffee and breakfast snacks to enjoy the view with.
Notes: