Name: Take a Hike! @ Difficult Run to Great Falls Park
Start: 2025-11-30T09:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-30T12:00:00-05:00
Location: Cross County Trail Access Point

Join us for an easy hike along the **Difficult Run Trail to Great Falls Park** and kick off your day with **great company** and engaging conversations! The trail is **mostly flat**, but a **246-foot incline within Great Falls Park** will give us a fun little cardio challenge. Don’t worry - we’ll pause at the top to regroup, hydrate, and catch our breath while soaking in the views. Whether you're here for the exercise, the scenery, or the chance to meet like-minded people, this hike has something for everyone!

This trail is packed with sights: enjoy picturesque views along Difficult Run Stream and breathtaking overlooks of the Potomac River from up high. We’ll even come across a picnic table at the top of one incline, the perfect spot to rest, take in the view, and soak up some good vibes!

Afterward, join us for an optional lunch at Mookie's BBQ to relax and unwind after our hike.

**Meeting Time & Location**
Meet at 9:30 AM at [Cross County Trail Access Point (Leigh Mill Rd & Kelso Rd)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/btDGQg7gphrVJdmB7). If you're running a bit late, you can catch up with us at the Difficult Run parking lot off Georgetown Pike - we’ll pass through about 30 minutes into the hike.

**Distance:** 5 miles

**Difficulty:** Easy (246 feet of elevation gain)
This hike is rated Easy for its gentle terrain, wide paths, and manageable 246 feet of elevation gain.

* **Easy Water Crossing:** Large stepping stones make the stream crossing simple and safe.
* **No Rock Scrambling or Steep Climbs:** The trail has no steep rocky sections or scrambling required.
* **Mild Inclines:** The mostly flat route includes a gentle 246 foot incline within Great Falls Park.

**Pace:** Moderate Pace
A steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

**Parking**
Plenty of parking is available. You can park off Route 683 by [Cross County Trail Access Point (Leigh Mill Rd & Kelso Rd)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/btDGQg7gphrVJdmB7) (be sure to park head-in, with your car clear of the street). Additional parking is on the shoulder of Kelso Road. The trailhead is at the intersection of Route 683 and Kelso Road, marked with a crosswalk.

**Trail Map (AllTrails):** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Difficult Run to Great Falls Park](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/difficult-run-from-683-23fa71c)

**Dog Attendance**
For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding!

**Lunch After the Hike**
Join us for an optional lunch after the hike at **Mookie's BBQ, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066**. It’s a perfect way to relax and unwind after our time outdoors!

Mark Piscopo

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Take a Hike! @ Difficult Run to Great Falls Park

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