Riverbend Park, Great Falls

A beautiful place to walk through. Virginia bluebells we're starting to bloom everywhere. It's generally a flat, compact path but there are spots that are rocky and a bit troublesome to get through if you're not careful. There is ample parking most of the time and you won't likely be by yourself during your whole walk, but it is peaceful and people are pretty respectful since they're also there to enjoy the nature. From Riverbend, if you are so inclined, you can walk right into the Great Falls park (no admission fees) and to the visitor center. It didn't seem to be open, but I was able to buy a candy bar from a vending machine and walk a little bit to the first overlook point (~2 miles from Riverbend to there). Be aware that between the two parks there are larger, somewhat awkward patches of rocks to navigate through before you get to the easier to traverse packed dirt trails. I found poles helpful for these areas. When wet, they can be quite slippery. Wear good sneakers or better yet, a nice pair of hiking shoes/boots and you will be fine. I've walked this path around 3-4 times now and find it's becoming a regular. Beautiful water views, ample shade, and wildlife to watch along the whole trail.

Best price for Kayaking in the area! The view is stunning and the instructors/staff were very friendly and helpful. They seem to love what they do, and with this being my first time kayaking, I appreciate that they took the time to make sure I knew what I was doing and felt safe while doing it. I definitely recommend kayaking here and cannot wait to go back!

Super nice. One of the best trails I've ever been to. It's amazing. But be aware... since it's close to water, there are very many bugs and snakes... I almost fainted after looking at this snake size of my arm.... good luck hikers...

The Virginia Bluebells are in full bloom this week on the Potomac Heritage Trail near Riverbend Park. If you walk the trail between Great Falls to Riverbend Park this week, you won’t be disappointed. The Virginia Bluebells carpet the ground in multiple spots all along the way. This trail that runs thru Riverbend Park is a peaceful and pleasant walk that follows the river. There is one spot that is fairly rocky. But, for the most part it’s a very easy hiking trail.

202208 I came to explore a different park of the park. Didn't go as planned, ended up hiking the blue trail all the way to Great Falls instead of hopping in the orange trail back to the visitors center. The visitors center has 2 parking area. If you want to hike toward the nature center, park in the lot on the left of the visitor center. If you want to head to great falls, park in the lot on the right. To the right if the visitors center is the boat ramp. Donations are accepted. Please bring cash $2 per day/car and $20 per year - honor system. The blue trail is pretty flat with some muddy spots. Once crossed into Great Falls, some parts of the trail is very narrow and rocky. Recommend wearing hiking shoes!! If you have walking stability concerns, please be careful. Hang onto someone. Most of the trail is shady, which is nice, including both parking areas. It is unfortunate that only some spots of the trail offer a view of the river. Once you reach the Fall, a little over a mile from the parking lot, it's very pretty. I didn't go passed the little falls but imagine it to be even prettier. There were a lot more people on this part of the trail than the part that goes toward the Nature Center. You can rent canoe by the boat ramp. The restrooms were not in operation today, but portable bathrooms are available. I love that many people took their dogs hiking today. Too many dogs are stuck at home and dint get to go anywhere.... sad. I plan on coming back many more times to explore the other trails. 202204 My first time here... not sure why I wanted so long! The trails are so well marked. Have a copy of the trail map so you will know which turn to make. There was a lot of bugs and I even sprayed myself down. I walked the paved trail behind the nature center then heading to the visitor center, hiked along the Potomac River headed north on the blue trail and took the orange trail back to the nature center. Total of 1.67 mile. I'm going to come back in the fall, less bugs. Also, the bushes, scrubs, and trees could be trimmed back some on the trail. There were all kind of rocks on the trails. Not sure what they are, maybe just all sort of river rocks. They look naturely placed there.