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 Reporter |
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 2 Submit your own review 
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!
Reviewed by kkc on 1/8/2007 I hiked there for years with my dog. You can make it as easy or as challenging as you want. The trails aren't well marked, true, but it's easy to figure out after a time or two. Great views of the river from the top of the main trail off the parking lot (nearest the beltway). There's an old swimming pool and the old homestead. Not nearly as packed on weekends as Great Falls, and usually no one there oon weekdays.
Reviewed by Ken G. on 12/30/2006 Great place to hike, and it is hard to believe you are only a short distance from the beltway. Very pretty walks along the Potomac River and through the woods, and the waterfall is an added bonus. The trails along the river are narrow and sometimes slippery. You also ford a few small creeks on stones. We normally do this hike in the winter when the trees are bare and the views are less obscured. The only negative is that the trails are poorly marked and not blazed. Even with a map is a easy to get confused, but the park is small enough you cannot really get lost. 
Reviewed by petsmom on 9/8/2006 Nice views but some steep sections going to the river and back. Biggest problem is that the trails are not marked and it is very very easy to get lost. The map is also not very accurate and might show an intersection of trails coming to a Y when it is really an X, so which trail is not on the map??? Many many side trails not on the map. No brochure or map you can take with you, just the "you are here signs". I was lucky to have another map in a book published by the PATC that was accurate, but even that didn't show enough detail.
Reviewed by paul on 7/4/2006 Rugged beauty in the shadow of urban sprawl. Well maintained trails with some recent archeology. I run here every day. A fine edition to te potomac trail system.
Reviewed by Countertop on 6/1/2006 I hike here with my son and dog at least once a week as its just down the road from us. A wonderful little treasure, I especially like the primitive trails along and up and down the river bluff though the main loop is nice too (and great for trail running as indicated). Bikes aren't allowed, and contrary to what Gabriel indicated, there is plenty of fauna - in fact there is a quite large buck (I counted 11 points this fall) who I like to track around the park in the fall/winter. Last weekend we saw a couple of snakes, 3 frogs, more squirrels and birds than you can shake a stick at, and a turkey. 
Reviewed by Gabriel Elais on 4/11/2006 Honestly this hike is not worth doing more than twice. The trails are not marked, the flora is nice but the fauna ain't there!, the waterfall is a bum deal compared to Great Falls and its magestic rapids farther down the road. Perhaps for kids it is nice but I was not impressed. STILL, check it out... Maybe I just had some bad hike days there. Follow the direction posted by the first guy! Gabriel Elias 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||