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Scotts Run


Highlights:

nature preserve, hemlock forest, small waterfall
Near:Mc Lean, VA
Scenery:
Distance:2.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:250 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary:  This 335 acre park, formerly known as the Burling Tract, was the scene of much controversy in the 70s when threatened by a housing development. It became, instead, Dranesville District Park and more recently Scott's Run Nature Preserve. The trail follows Scotts Run which is lined with tall hemlocks, then emerges from the woods beside a waterfall as the stream tumbles into the Potomac. After passing the site of the old homestead with only its chimney still standing, it again turns toward the Potomac for another overlook. The sound of the rapids of Stubblefield Falls gradually give way to the traffic on the Beltway as you return to the parking lot.
Trailhead:  I-495 to VA 193 (exit 44); VA 193 west 0.3 mi to East Parking Lot, on right with sign. If this lot is full, continue a little farther on VA 193 to another lot and begin hike from there. Visibility can be poor if making a left turn from this second lot. (Lat:38.958 Lon:-77.2001)
Trail Guides for Scotts Run:
Circuit Hikes in VA WVA MD and PA
by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club (PATC)

Map D
by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club  (PATC)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes,
Ranger Contact: Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority 703-352-5900
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted  56 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Viewer on 9/2/2009
It's very pretty, but too close to the Beltway. Throughout the hike we were able to here sirens, car traffic, construction, airplanes and helicopters. At times had trouble hearing one another over the traffic noise!

Reviewed by J on 8/8/2009
Nice short hike. Ok for children. My 7 year old loved it. Lots of birds, toads, and even a skink. Follow the maps - they help. And remember,you're never too far from civilization.

Reviewed by Arman on 10/5/2008
This is nice beautiful park with a nice waterfall. It isn't at all a challenging hike (beside a few areas) but it is a nice place to relax, when I went there I was able to go near the middle of the river, it was very nice. If you go there try looking at the water while your standing in it, it feels like your moving!

Reviewed by donny on 9/11/2008
Excellent urban escape. I will definetly go again, especially on a hot day....I took a nice little swim while I was there!!

Reviewed by frisbeetom on 7/24/2008
have loved this hike and delta since '76. used to be a rope swing into potomac left of creek's junction, one can sit (with head bent forward for airspace) under main fall which can also be partially blocked by 1 or 2 people from above. my favorite mini-falls in memory.

Reviewed by Starr on 5/29/2008
My friends and I used to go to the waterfall almost once a week. We loved it! We'd play in the water, above and below the falls. The old homestead is also very interesting. The pool is home to a lot of tadpoles. I also went with my Vertebrate Zoology class in college to look for "critters." We found a lot of salamanders, turtles, tortoises, and frogs.

Reviewed by Mike on 3/11/2008
This was a great first hike. It was definitely a motivator that kept me doing the hiking game.

Reviewed by Denise on 9/3/2007
I've been hiking to the lovely little waterfall since I was a junior at Herndon High School. I've taken my kids there, and anyone else i know, that likes to hit the trail. I love it. It is ever-changing since the ecosystem of the perserve seems fairly "un-messed with". One year it will be smooth sailing until you have to climb to the ridge, the next year, one of the big old trees will have lost it's grip on the steep side of the hill and crashed across the trail. But of course, isn't that part of hiking? And the little waterfall is always worth the trouble. It's my reward for climbing over the big boulders and risking poison ivy exposure!


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Fairfax County Hiking, Fairfax County Trails, Fairfax County Hikes

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