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 With Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Difficult Run, Riverbend Park along the banks of the Potomac River and just outside the beltway, is least least well known of the three. With only a small amount total elevation gain, the interconnecting trails are suitable for just about any skill and fitness level.
The hiking trails at Riverbend Park can be done in a number of different combinations to suit the abilities of any hiker. Here we have marked out the longest possible circuit route of 3.0 miles.
From the parking area, directly behind the main visitors center, walk through the picnic area, and head upstream on the Heritage Trail that follows the banks of the Potomac River. In 0.3 miles pass the Nature Trail, and in another 0.2 miles cross another small footbridge then arrive at the intersection of the Paw Paw Passage Trail. The Paw Paw Passage Trail will head uphill on a wider gravel path for a short distance before passing a pond on the right.
Continue uphill for another 0.2 miles where the Paw Paw Passage Trail turns left off the gravel road it has been following. Immediately cross another footbridge, then climb uphill for 100 yards and arrive at the Riverbend Nature Center.
Turn right on the paved path that passes behind the Nature Center, then turn left at the Duff 'n Stuff Trail sign, and immediately turn right down several steps onto the unmarked Nature Trail (not accurately marked on the map). Follow the trail for 100 yards, then turn right at the first junction for 60 yards to a wildlife clearing. Turn right for 0.2 miles and reach the intersection of the paved Center Trail.
Turn left on the Center Trail for 200 yards to the intersection of the Upland Trail. Turn right on the Upland Trail and in 0.1 miles reach another wildlife clearing. Stay right on the Upland Trail as it heads downhill and crosses the Riverbend Park access road in another 0.1 miles.
After crossing the access road, the Upland Trail will make six turns at other trail junctions as it makes its way the 0.8 miles to the banks of the Potomac River at the eastern end of the park. The easiest way to follow the Upland Trail is to follow the well marked trail posts.
At the banks of the Potomac River turn left upstream on the Heritage Trail, then pass through a picnic area in 0.2 miles. From this point the Heritage Trail will become wider, and arriving back at the Riverbend Park Center, and lower parking area, in another 0.7 miles. |
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