Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group
Great Falls National Park!
An Easier Side of Moderate 3 - 5 Mile Hike
See Potomac River, Mather Gorge, and Great Falls With Optional Post Hike Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups Fifth Year Anniversary Cookout (RSVP Separately for Cookout)
If you have never been to the Virginia side, or either side of Great Falls for that matter, it is a MUST see experience. If you have been there, then come back for another visit. The hike is not too much effort in turn for fantastic views! Do NOT forget your cameras for this one people! If you are not convinced yet, be sure to click on the links provided in the listing which has some great pics of the views.
Click Here to see photos from a previous years pre-cookout hike!
The falls consist of cascading rapids and several 20 foot waterfalls, with a total 76 foot drop in elevation over a distance of less than a mile.
The Potomac River narrows from nearly 1000 feet, just above the falls, to between 60 and 100 feet wide as it rushes through Mather Gorge, a short distance below the falls. The Great Falls of the Potomac display the steepest and most spectacular fall line rapids of any eastern river.
Optional Post Hike Free Anniversary Cookout (RSVP Separately)
If you would like to attend our free post hike anniversary and member appreciation cookout, you MUST RSVP separately to that event or I will not know to buy and prepare food for you!
Click here to RSVP for the Cookout which is a seperate event and is free, but at the same location if you will be joining us for our cookout. I hope to see you at both events, yay!
The Hike
"Enjoy great views of Difficult Run Rapids, the Potomac River, a nd Great Falls. Forget how close you are to civilization while traversing this stream valley trail that is reminiscent of Virginia's mountains. With fifty percent of the Difficult Run following the Potomac River at one of its most scenic spots, it's easy to see why so many people make Great Falls Park one of their favorites.
This hike is along Difficult Run stream to where it flows into the Potomac and then along the blue blazed River Trail with breathtaking views of the falls and Mather Gorge which is rocky in parts and has a couple of hills. Note that we offer newbie paces, moderate paces, in addition to crazy fast paces, so this special hike is appropriate hike for you because you can hike whatever pace is comfortable for you and you won't feel slowed down or rushed.
Pace Options
We break down into groups no larger than 15 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment as well. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience. This also allows us to offer a variety of hike paces and for this particular hike you have 3 to choose from which allows you to be put together with those of a similar pace. so you will not rushed or slowed down and can hike what is comfy for you. Paces should be not only based on your preference but your ability needs to be taken into consideration.
Pace Option 1: A "walk in the woods" or "social" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and will be a just little faster than a walk pace. Rest stops anytime they are needed. Do not sign up for this pace if you have any time constraints as this is a no worries pace.
Pace Option 2:A moderate pace of about 2.0-2.5mph which is the speed of the average hiker! This is the most popular pace so we will have multiple groups at this pace so the pace will vary down to "slower side of moderate" to "faster side of moderate" pace divided up into groups of 15 per leader.
Pace Option 3: A fast pace of about 3.0 mph for those who want to move a little faster and get a real workout of the hike!
Pace Option 4: A VERY vigorous paced group of 4mph of more group so no complaints about this pace being too fast because you know what you are getting into ahead of time-ha ha.
PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly as we will have 11 leaders for this special occasion hike! No matter your speed, there WILL be a pace for you, even first timers as there are multiple trails to take, but we all head back on the River Trail!
Trail Information
Nearby City: McLean, VA
Time to Trek: 3-4 hours for the average group including time at visitor center for pics and or refreshments
Length: About 3-5 Miles but depends on options people take with the various groups
Trail Surface: Dirt footpaths, riverside trails, hardwood forests, and very minor rock scramble that is newbie friendly.
Elev. Gain: 400 feet
Skill Level: Easy Side of Moderate
Trail Notes for Leaders
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for up to the minute trailhead weather
Carpool Information
To carpool from the Baltimore area, there will be a carpool at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations complete with directions. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike
Hike Meetup Time is at 8:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time from Savage is 7:15 a.m.
Gear Information
Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which helps ensure that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Fido is Welcome on This Hike!
Let's have good times and see you on the trail and please take one or more of our hike leaders numbers with you just in case!
Kellie Carlisle: 240.393.7640
Justin C.: 240.393.7641
Steve C: 443.996.5157
Additional Members of the Mid-Atlantic Leadership Team!
McLean, VA - USA
Sunday, June 15 at 8:00 AM
Attending: 41
Fee: Price: USD 2.00 per person
Details: http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/events/175318042/