The Experience
You will love Big forest feel, easy & short trails, kid friendly
You need to know This is a great small day hike for families with little ones 3 and older.
Your adventure begins at the designated gravel parking area for the park. the trailhead is found to the back of the lot (small opening to the woods), From here the trail systems is a series of small branch like offshoots, all short distance and color coded. The trail system does do a loop and returns you to your car. To find the overlook use the light blue trail which will take you across manageable terrain (compacted dirt and leaves) , at the 0.6 mile mark the trail descends quickly to the left (mind your little ones here) to a small brook crossing and then a quick ascent to the overlook. The overlook does provide fantastic views of the Potomac River from 50 to 65 ft up! Do know the park service has added fencing to protect everyone from getting to close to the edge of the cliff. The overlook does have a small bench and plenty of space to enjoy the views. Once fulfilled continue on the light blue trail for 1.0 mile through dense forest back to the parking lot. There are a few notes about the trail, it does not manage water well so expect standing or boggy conditions after any rainy event. The trail can also become over grown in areas, be mindful of ticks as you manage your way back to your car. Be sure to check yourself, kids and pets for any tag along ticks.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
HIKE ON!
You need to know This is a great small day hike for families with little ones 3 and older.
Your adventure begins at the designated gravel parking area for the park. the trailhead is found to the back of the lot (small opening to the woods), From here the trail systems is a series of small branch like offshoots, all short distance and color coded. The trail system does do a loop and returns you to your car. To find the overlook use the light blue trail which will take you across manageable terrain (compacted dirt and leaves) , at the 0.6 mile mark the trail descends quickly to the left (mind your little ones here) to a small brook crossing and then a quick ascent to the overlook. The overlook does provide fantastic views of the Potomac River from 50 to 65 ft up! Do know the park service has added fencing to protect everyone from getting to close to the edge of the cliff. The overlook does have a small bench and plenty of space to enjoy the views. Once fulfilled continue on the light blue trail for 1.0 mile through dense forest back to the parking lot. There are a few notes about the trail, it does not manage water well so expect standing or boggy conditions after any rainy event. The trail can also become over grown in areas, be mindful of ticks as you manage your way back to your car. Be sure to check yourself, kids and pets for any tag along ticks.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
- 1 water bottle or camelback
- Running shoes or sneakers
- Snacks
- bug spray (warmer months)
HIKE ON!
