LOCATION: Great Falls, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 2.3 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: Georgetown PIKE
TRAIL TYPE:  In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:  MODERATE (2) 
TRAIL PARKING: 20 Spots or less
KEYWORDS:  Family, Waterfalls

More Northern Virginia Trails

TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail:  Short distance, small boulder hop areas, access to waterfall views and to great falls national park trails
Why go for a hike on this trail: A dynamite hike along difficult run's entrance to the Potomac rich with river side boulders, canyons and waterfalls.
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  All seasons.

Summary:  
​The trail head and your adventure begins at the Difficult Run parking lot, a dusty gravel area along Georgetown Pike. The lot is small and fills easily.
From the trailhead take the gravel pathway towards the underpass, the trail is compacted dirt navigating via tall grasses, trees and ruts made from puddles. The trail is not particularly technical but hikers should be mindful of mountain bikers who frequent this trail.  The Difficult Run river runs alongside the trail in its entirety until it meets the Potomac. The trail provides off path access to views of the river, gorge and waterfalls and a few nice lunch spots to hang out in the middle of the minor falls. The trail will meander for 1.2 miles to the mouth of the Difficult River / Potomac River meet up.
If you are looking to add to your adventure there is access to Great Falls National Park via the Ridge Trail, from there you can take the Ridge Trail for 0.7 miles to the river trail and explore phenomenal views of Mather gorge. To return to your car, retrace your steps.
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HIKE ON!

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

• 1 water bottles
  
• Hiking shoes or Trail Runners
  
• Light snack
  
• Bug Spray

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