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DIFFICULT RUN

Great Falls, Virginia

Trail Info


​Distance

2.3 miles

Trail Rating

MODERATE

Trail Type

In & Out

The Experience


You will love A dynamite hike along difficult run's entrance to the Potomac rich with river side boulders, canyons and waterfalls.
You need to know  Short distance, small boulder hop areas, access to waterfall views and to great falls national park trails

​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.
​
HIKE ON!

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

HIKE ON!
Driving Directions
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Our philosophy is to encourage exploration of trails in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia through experiential content and purposefully simplistic guided summaries. We aim to provide you the knowledge, the essentials and the confidence to hike a trail.

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  • Home
  • Articles
    • Starters >
      • Beginner Hikers Must Haves
      • How to plan for a hike
      • Parents Guide to Family Hiking
    • Gear Guide >
      • Bicycles 101
      • Exo Spikes
      • Layering
      • Relive App
      • Trail Shoe Guide
      • Trail Sock Guide
    • Health & Safety >
      • First Aid Essentials
      • Hikers Safety Guide
      • Tick Prevention
      • Trail Food Guide
      • Training Guide >
        • Work Up : OLD RAG
        • Work Up : Mount Rogers
        • Work Up : Mount Marshall
    • Hike Lists >
      • Dark Sky Parks
      • Northern Virginia Trails for Dogs
      • Romantic Hikes
      • Trail Gems >
        • Hidden Gems Shenandoah National Park
        • Short but tough hikes
        • Summer Blockbuster Trails
        • Top Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park
        • Top Swimming Holes
        • Toughest Virginia Hikes
        • Waterfall Hikes
        • Virginia Fall Hikes
      • Ultimate Kids Trail Guide
      • Winter Hiking Guide
  • Trail Finder
    • Maryland Trails
    • Central Virginia Trails
    • Northern Virginia Trails
    • Shenandoah National Park Trails
    • Southern Virginia Trails
    • West Virginia Trails
    • Trail Ratings
  • Shop
  • Subscribe