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Date of Hike: Thursday, April 08, 2010 |
| Had a really great time on this trail. The scenery and views of the river and falls I found just beautiful. However, the map has you going the wrong direction. From the parking lot you must take the trail facing your left. I took the one to my right a week ago and it is not the correct trail and leads to Reston, VA. The River Trail was rather rocky and so proper shoes I felt were in order, especially if you go and find muddy areas where you could slip and fall. I did get side-tracked several times but was able to clarify my way once arriving at the Visitor Center at Great Falls. My day was a lovely spring day and the hike was wonderful. I took long than 2 1/2 hours because I got diverted so much on other trails but was great anyway.
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| By:
Dog Is My Leader
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Rating:  |
Date of Hike: Thursday, February 04, 2010 |
| This was a nice hike. For the first half that follows the river is awesome. When I made it to the top of the first hill I was able to see a person kayaking and watched for a few minuets. The views from the trail and the overlooks you pass in the main picnic area are just great. The last section of the trial that you are too follow down the ravine is closed. If you continue past the trail you will run into Carrage Road again. If you turn right it will lead you back to Georgetown Pike. You can ether turn right and walk along the ridge beside the road to where you need to cross the road to the parking area or cross Georgetown Pike and walk along the road to the parking area. I would suggest to walk along the ridge because their isn't much room to walk beside the road.
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| By:
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Date of Hike: Monday, January 18, 2010 |
| As an easy hike, this is great. Twelve of us had a grand time trying to figure out directions. It seems those in front didn't have a map but did have some fascinating discussions going on. There were several times we went off the beaten path. But it was a gorgeous day and we were interested in enjoying ourselves, so it really didn't matter. Do note that the last turn -- off Swamp Trail -- is closed.
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| By:
Darby
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Date of Hike: Saturday, January 09, 2010 |
| Hiked difficult run for the first time in years and the first time ever with snow on the ground. I absolutely recommend this hike in the winter months, it is not difficult and the views are even better as you peak through the trees along the ridge trails and the snow on the ground provides a great landscape. The trails had hard packed snow and ice but was not a problem to navigate (even with my friend in tennis shoes...) despite a few slippery spots. The solitude was nice before you get closer to the park at Great Falls and the cold weather deterred even more. FYI the last part of the trail back to the parking area says "trail closed" but i followed the numerous tracks in the snow down the trail anyway with no problems. Great hike, very family friendly.
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| By:
skm
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Rating: |
Date of Hike: Sunday, October 04, 2009 |
Echoing the previous review, we also started in the wrong direction, but quickly figured out that we were headed in the wrong direction. Note, the trailhead with the map of the trail takes you in the opposite direction. The hike starts from the other end of the parking lot. Overall the hike was beautiful, especially along the Potomac.
Couple of things to note - the blazes marking the River Trail have been remarked recently in green paint. Also, do not rely on the distances in the direction, as we found them to be off at different points.
We discovered a number of other trails within this area and are looking forward to hiking it again!
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| By:
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Date of Hike: Saturday, September 12, 2009 |
I really enjoyed this hike.... Once we found out where the "actual Hike" started. Pay close attention upon arrival. We ended up going 3.5 miles down another trail that wasn't even in the right direction, but the directions were VERY similar to WRONG trail we were on. Just know that when you are in the parking lot, you don't go down the trail to the right when pulling in. There is really no header for the correct trail which is what confused us. On the up side, once we were on the correct trail, we loved the hike. It was absolutely beautiful, and not very challenging. There was a sign when we got to the end (where you are supposed to go to the split post and turn right) saying that the trail was closed. We just continued about another 70 yards and there was an open gravel road to the right, and we followed that down to the parking area. Had we not gotten off on the wrong foot with this hike, it would have been much better, but considering the circumstances, it was still a good time!
If you are looking for something really fun, and very challenging I would recommend OLD RAG MOUNTAIN. We completed that hike about a month ago, and it was very fun, but also very hard.
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| By:
John
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Date of Hike: Sunday, June 28, 2009 |
| This is a terrific hike. Did a modified version of this hike - out to the potomac and back - with a 6 and 9 year old and a 2 year old in a backpack. The walk along the stream is beautiful, there are plenty of interesting spots to stop and explore, and the banks of the potomac is perfect for halfway snack. This spot gets crowded in the late morning and afternoon, so go early.
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| By:
Suz
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Date of Hike: Sunday, May 10, 2009 |
| One of my fave hikes in the area. Took my dog there yesterday for the beautiful weather- kept him on a leash at all times- and I was glad because there was a snake laying on the trail. Probably sluggish from hibernation, but he wouldn't move. Couldn't tell if he/she was poisonous- had waht looked like diamond shapes on him. Eventually he moved away, after some prodding, and I was glad the bikers and hikers would not have a run-in.
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| By:
AlwaysHiking
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Date of Hike: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 |
Have done this loop more times than I can count. Used to jog it in high school for soccer conditioning and now I take my kid sister and dog there. Great trail for dog walking, great also for young kids. Very pretty scenery.
Word of advice though, in follow up to the other comment left here. Swimming is not allowed in this section of the Potomac within Great Falls park as well as within Difficult Run park. Also, pets must be kept on leash at all times. I have seen people on a number of occasions get ticketed for breaking either of those two restrictions. Trust me, I know it's tempting to wade or let the dog off leash for a swim, I'm speaking from experience, the $107 ticket isn't worth it.
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| By:
Kat
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Date of Hike: Saturday, August 26, 2006 |
| We did this hike with three dogs and found that it is very heavily traveled so if you are planning on bringing pets be sure to bring your leashes. The confluence of the Potomac River is a great swimming spot and we spent close to an hour wading in the waters. Repellers and kyakers are seen throughout the hike and the waterfalls are magnificent. I highly recommend this hike espically for the views and interactions with other outdoor activities.
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