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    Scott's Run Nature Preserve

    4.1 (137 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Scott's Run Nature Preserve Photos

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    Waterfall at the bottom of the big downhill of the blue trail
    Wade C.

    Great little park with some good views and scenery. The trails are well marked with blazes, as well as maps posted around major intersections. Great for learning how to read trails and maps.

    Roy A.

    Yes it's true, parking is the only issue. There is a road path that runs along the creek instead of going up the stairs. This is a gravel road that leads to the waterfall. If you go up the stairs it's more of a nature hike which is long and very enjoyable.

    Victoria N.

    Parking - atrocious if you go in the late morning! There are a few parking lots but the parking lot is small. We had about 4 cars, and we waited ~45 minutes to find parking for all of us at 10:30 am. If you go at 6:00 am, the parking situation is great! I haven't had any issues with going that early. Trail - Scott's Run Nature Preserve. This is a moderate trail, about 3.1 miles. On the trail, you will also see a waterfall. The hike involves both uphill and downhill portions. Dog-friendly but they have to be on a leash. I ended up bringing two dogs here from a local animal shelter. There are also trail blazes (markers), so you won't get lost if you follow them.

    Mike R.

    It's a really nice hike. You can get close to the Potomac River. You'll see people swimming in here, despite signs warning not to. The signs are correct, as this part of the river is deep, fast moving, and potentially deadly. Yet as long as you stick to the trail, you're good to go. The trail is full of people. This popularity and the parking situation, drop it a star. Also humans prove again, to not necessarily be the best animals. Trash here and there is frustrating. You can get some good views. Also the tree cover protects you on sunny days. If you want to go here, I wish you luck finding a parking spot.

    Laura W.

    We came here on a Wednesday afternoon and managed to grab one of the last parking spots in the second lot. I was surprised at how crowded it was, particularly with groups of teenagers......and then I saw why. This park is known for its waterfall, and it is a pretty good hike to get there. It was sweltering the day we went, and we appreciated all of the water opportunities just to get our feet wet. My toddler walked most of the way there himself, so it took us quite some time to get to the falls. At this point, it was super crowded so we took a look for about 10 minutes and then moved to a location further upstream. This location is not monitored which could be why it's so popular amongst some groups. There is no entrance fee (unlike nearby Great Falls) and who doesn't love a waterfall so, yeah, it is going to be at capacity often. There are lots of places to stop and have a picnic or a snack-but only if you take your trash with you. As others mentioned there are no wading and no swimming signs everywhere-can't miss them. Lots of people were still swimming and wading though. I'd return to hike here again in the future.

    Stairs
    Shani L.

    This is one of the best places to go for a hike in the area. No picnic areas or playgrounds, just lovely woodland trails that take you to the Potomac and a pretty waterfall. Loads of people on the weekends, but quiet on weekdays. To avoid the crowds, try the interior trails, trails on the east side, and the (sometimes treacherous) trail along the river. To address the misanthrope, I'm assuming the complaints about trash in August 2020 are a direct correlation with the pandemic and resource shortage. I assure you this problem is fixed. Please be warned, patrol cars are there giving out tickets. Pay attention to parking signs and guidelines. Con- Very limited parking spaces during peak hours. I work from so my visit are always peaceful without incident.

    Austin G.

    Scott's Run is a large nature preserve on land once owned by a prominent D.C. lawyer. Located in McLean, Virginia, it's a popular place for families during the day and partyers in the evenings. My toddler and I went before 10am on a Monday. We parked in the second parking lot closest to the actual waterfall and grabbed the last open parking spot. We then hiked 1.5 miles along the creek down a big hill to the actual waterfall along the Potomac River. It's beautiful and an easy hike for kids to do. There are signs everywhere saying swimming is not allowed. You can wade in the creek, though. Sadly, we saw tons of trash on the trail from partyers. If you go, bring a trash bag and help pick up the litter.

    Trees are marked with the color of the trail
    Annie S.

    Great spot for a light hike, some areas have a steeper incline, but it is safe and there were people of all ages. The trails are incredibly easy to follow, with maps all over and the trees are marked with paint so you know which trail you are on. I suggest taking a picture of the trail so you have it with you at all times. At some points you are in the woods and at others along the water. If you have a dog, they may want to jump into the water and can easily get in and get out. The trail also has a really nice waterfall. Bring a book or a meal because there are benches everywhere that you can sit on. TLDR - No bathroom - Easy hike - Dog friendly

    Ford
    John B.

    [Coronavirus review] Some of the limited parking was closed, and some still is, but people seem to end up lining the streets regardless to pile into this little stretch of forest. Some paths are narrow enough that you have to think about social distancing, but most likely you'll have no trouble. Despite being small in square milage, the park packs quite a diverse landscape, with huge changes in elevation. You can look out over the river from a cliff a couple of stories high, and then walk down to where a waterfall from a small stream feeds into the same river. It's not Great Falls, but it's more accessible and less dangerous. There was quite a lot of broken glass near the falls. There are spots that have more sights, but this park is free and close to the Beltway, and has something to offer from those who just want a quick outdoor jaunt of an hour or two.

    Potomac River

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    9 months ago

    Trails were easy and quick! There could be better/more parking options for busier days.

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    2 years ago

    It was a beautiful scene during the hike and at the falls. Lovely views and nice paths.

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    Ask the Community - Scott's Run Nature Preserve

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes dogs are allowed

    Is the waterfall on to swim in thanks?

    You can swim in the water but you have to be careful not to get hurt.

    Are dogs allowed off lease in this preserve if well trained?Trying to find somewhere I can take my pups and they can explore without annoying other hikers.

    No. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, 6 foot max length.

    Is there a price for residence/non-residence?

    No there is no admission

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Scott's Run Nature Preserve

    Yup, that's right, there's a nice waterfall towards the back of the trail which opens the stream up to the Potomac River.

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

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    Carderock Recreational Area - Potomac River from Carderock Maryland side

    Carderock Recreational Area

    4.8(16 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    I love the Canal Tow Path. I have run along it a couple dozen times. I usually enter in Georgetown…read moreor at Fletcher's Cove. But I also start at Carderock for a change or if that is how the race is set up. I don't do much in the park itself. But I see it is a lovely, underused facility (which I don't want to ruin). There is, as people have mentioned, a military facility nearby. I wonder as I drive around, if they are conducting surveillance or if you'd get in trouble for doing something such as taking photographs. I've never had an issue though, if you were wondering. I have gotten lost, however, because it's not quite clear (and GPS is not precise) how you get to where you want to go once you take the exit. I recommend Carderock highly for a hike. I believe it also is a nice place to hang out, even if you don't get to the trail (but why would you go here and not at least take a gander at the water).

    On Sunday during Tony's Birthday Trip, We stopped at CarderRock Recreation Area which is part of…read moreThe Great Falls National Park. It can be seen on both sides of the Potomac River Gorges, Virginia and Maryland. The fee is $20 per car. Once you pay, your receipt is good for 7 days at any park entry points, including both sides, either states. At this location there is plenty of Parking but no Visitors Center. There is a nice bathroom facility though and plenty of picnic sites. Several trails along the gorge walls with slippery rocks so wear correct footwear.

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    Carderock Recreational Area
    Carderock Recreational Area
    Carderock Recreational Area - Signs in disrepair.

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    Signs in disrepair.

    Scott's Run Nature Preserve - parks - Updated May 2026

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