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LOCATION: Great Falls, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 4.2 miles TRAIL HEAD / DIRECTIONS : GREAT FALLS NATIONAL PARK TRAIL TYPE: Loop TRAIL GRADE: DIFFICULT (3) TRAIL PARKING: 40 Spots or less KEY WORDS: AGES 7+, Pet friendly, Waterfalls, Summit views TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail: Short and sweet day hike that captures the beauty of the national park. Why go for a hike on this trail: big sweeping vistas of the Potomac river, the falls and fun areas to rock scramble and enjoy quiet perch views. Best time to go for a hike on this trail: All seasons. Summary: The trail head is found at the junction of the Patowmack canal trail and river trail just south of the visitor center. The trail head is well marked with clear distinguishing signs. The river trail utilizes the blue swatch throughout. As for your experience, prepare for a narrow weaving single-track with a mix of compacted dirt, rock and a few areas of larger rocks to climb and showboat on. The trails beauty is its access to the cliff areas with views of Mather gorge as it glides right along the cliffs and provides ample perch views. You should know that the trail is highly popular for hikers and climbers so if you are looking for alone time then attend early (before 9am) . The trail continues for 1.4 miles along the ridge with a showcase of lichen, thick forest, waterfalls and wildlife. The trail has its dangers from the cliffs itself to the elements, be mindful during wetter conditions that the rocks and trail become slippery. The trail has its landmarks from Mather plaque to Cow Hoof rock as notable map markers. The latter is where your trek meets the ridge trail, make a left here and follow to the old carriage road for a return trip to the visitor center. This trail is great fun for kids 6+ with proper supervision during cliff areas. HIKE ON! |
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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.
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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