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Washington, DC: Great Falls Loop
This 4.6-miler runs along steep cliffs to two photogenic overlooks above an impressive waterfall on the Potomac River.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Virginia (VA) |
| Distance: | 4.47 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| Rating: |
 2 rating(s)
|
Mapped by Ivan Levin
TO TRAILHEAD: US 1 S to George Washington Pkwy. N to I-495 S to VA 193 W (toward Great Falls, VA) to Georgetown Pike/VA 193. In 3.5 miles, turn L into Difficult Run parking lot.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
DFR01
| Distance: 1.07 mi | Points: 64 |
Great Falls (Track 1)
DFR02
| Distance: 3.41 mi | Points: 277 |
Great Falls (Track 2)
Points of Interest
DFR001
Location: 38.978287, -77.248871Hike S on Difficult Run Trail, which parallels the banks of its aptly-named stream. In 800 ft., path rounds to the E
DFR002
Location: 38.976006, -77.246223Pass under Georgetown Pike; trail widens as it follows stream's course
DFR003
Location: 38.975887, -77.237022Bear R (SE) @ Y and continue downhill; rocky trail awaits below
DFR004
Location: 38.976208, -77.235130Watch Difficult Run flow into the Potomac River from grassy banks. Next: Retrace to WPT 3; turn R @ Y onto Ridge Trail
DFR005
Location: 38.976204, -77.236259Turn L @ T
DFR006
Location: 38.980785, -77.242607Turn R (N) @ T onto River Trail; prepare for steep descent. On R, rocky cliffs jut up behind the Potomac River
DFR007
Location: 38.984169, -77.245827Follow River Trail to the R (N) @ road crossing
DFR008
Location: 38.989349, -77.248611Pass stone ruins. Turn R @ footbridge (stay on River Trail). In 300 yds., cross wooden footbridge
DFR009
Location: 38.995117, -77.252991Stay R of picnic area. Ahead are two overlooks above Great Falls, a series of several cascades that cut deep grooves into the rocky river bottom. Next, hike S through picnic area, cross footbridge
DFR010
Location: 38.992874, -77.252907Pass bathrooms and turn R @ Y onto Old Carriage Rd.
DFR011
Location: 38.990616, -77.253723Turn R @ 3-way onto Swamp Trail
DFR012
Location: 38.986088, -77.250732Keep R (S) @ Y, heading uphill
DFR013
Location: 38.981892, -77.250099L @ T onto Ridge Trail. In 350 ft., turn R onto path marked by split rail post. In .3 mi., carefully cross Georgetown Pike to parking area
Difficult Run Parking Lot
Location: 38.978245, -77.248611© Ivan Levin
Georgtown Pike
Location: 38.976070, -77.246048Difficult Run Trail passes under Georgetown Pike. © Ivan Levin
Difficult Run Trail Fork
Location: 38.975876, -77.236847Go straight for scenic views of Difficult Run flowing into the Potomac River. © Ivan Levin
Difficult Run and Potomac River
Location: 38.976231, -77.235031Difficult Run empties into the Potomac River. © Ivan Levin
River Trail Entrance
Location: 38.980770, -77.242332Entrance to River Trail from Ridge Trail. © Ivan Levin
Potomac Overlook
Location: 38.981796, -77.243050Scenic overlook of Potomac River. © Ivan Levin
River Trail Road Crossing
Location: 38.984203, -77.245811River Trail after road crossing. © Ivan Levin
Potomac River
Location: 38.985584, -77.246124View of Potamac upriver from overlook on River Trail. © Ivan Levin
Patowmack Canal Ruins
Location: 38.989414, -77.248451© Ivan Levin
Large Wooden Footbridge
Location: 38.991703, -77.249168Large wooden footbridge on River Trail. © Ivan Levin
Great Falls
Location: 38.995022, -77.252876View of Great Falls from scenic overlook. © Ivan Levin
Swamp Trail
Location: 38.985981, -77.250549View of Swamp Trail. © Ivan Levin
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