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This is the best way to see Riverbend and Great Falls Parks.


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Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.5

KM

Loop

316' 96 m

High

117' 36 m

Low

444' 135 m

Up

434' 132 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

33%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Overview

This hike takes you on a tour of all the best of Riverbend and Great Falls Parks.

Description

Parking at Riverbend Park (8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, VA 22066) is free. Follow the Potomac Heritage Trail (formerly green blaze, now sky blue blaze).

This trail follows the Potomac River downstream. It passes an aqueduct/dam as it crosses into Great Falls Park. Just after you pass the visitor center in Great Falls Park, you'll see the majestic view of Great Falls. At this point the name of the trail changes to the River Trail. Follow this trail (green blaze) through a few technical sections. Be very careful on the rock scramble as the ledge has a big drop down to the bank.

You'll know when you reach the half-way point when you climb your way to Cow Hoof Rock. This is a super long, super steep climb. The River Trail connects to the Ridge Trail. Turn right onto the Ridge Trail and follow that to the beginning of the Matildaville Trail.

The Matildaville Trail begins with three rapid descents. They are awesome. I would do the entire distance for just the beginning half mile of this trail. Once it bottoms out it climbs into a dried up oxbow lake. Take a deep breath when you enter this bowl. It is really nice. The trail descends into the ruins of Matildaville.

Follow this trail until it connects back in to the Potomac Heritage Trail. You'll only follow your own tracks for a short bit. Turn left onto the Mine Run Trail. Follow this picturesque trail as it climbs through the woods with the only sound of the brook splashing down with you. The Mine Run connects to the Riverbend Trail. Turn left onto it and follow as the red blaze joins it.

The red blaze Bootlegger Trail turns right and then a quick left, and you are going to follow. It is followed by a fun windy descent. It spills out onto the Riverbend Trail again, but only for 150 feet or so before you turn left to continue on the red blaze Bootlegger Trail. It climbs up to Jeffery Road as you hike in the bright sunshine until you see Madison's Escape Trail near the park entrance. This trail descends all the way down to the parking lot where we began.

Flora & Fauna

deer, birds, snakes

Contacts

Shared By:

Shadow Runner

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 8 votes

#2844

Overall
  4.3 from 8 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#86

in Virginia

#2,844

Overall
47 Views Last Month
3,383 Since Oct 27, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Great Falls panorama
Dec 28, 2014 near Great F…, VA
Great Falls is truly a magnificent place to hike or run.
Dec 28, 2014 near Great F…, VA
Beautiful views of the Potomac can be had from River Trail.
Dec 28, 2014 near Great F…, VA
The rocky, cliff-top nature of River Trail.
Dec 28, 2014 near Great F…, VA
Great Falls Park Visitor Center
Dec 28, 2014 near Great F…, VA
View across the aqueduct dam from Riverbend Park towards the falls.
Apr 30, 2016 near Great F…, VA

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