Trail Run Project Logo

A nice and easy loop around the nature preserve.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.2

KM

95%

Runnable

315' 96 m

High

66' 20 m

Low

348' 106 m

Up

319' 97 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall

Overview

Tucked in a corner between 495 and Georgetown Pike is Scott's Run Nature Preserve. It has many trails and many more (and confusing) connector trails. This run takes you from the main parking lot up to the Scott's Run Waterfall, along the Potomac River and past the secondary parking lot before returning to your car.

Need to Know

The named trails all have colored blazed while the connectors (of which there are many) do not. Fortunately the are numerous trail maps which can help you get your bearings. Or just bring your phone and the Trail Run Project mobile app.

Description

Beginning at the main parking area follow the Potomac Heritage Trail - Scott's Run north. This is a wide, easy path with two creek crossings. Both have stepping stones as the water is almost always high enough to require them.

After finding the Scott's Run Waterfall, you'll turn east along the Potomac River. This trail is has a lot more roots and rocks so watch your footing. Slowing down may be required in some areas.

Before the Potomac Heritage Trail - Scott's Run dumps you out into a neighborhood; you'll need to take a connector trail to the right which bring you to the Oak Trail. There will be a trail map at the intersection if you're confused. Follow the Oak Trail until turning right on the Stubblefield Falls Overlook Trail. This trail brings you down to the smaller parking lot where you'll turn right again and follow the Parking Lot Connector Trail back to your car.

The interior of the Preserve has some nice views and nicely maintained trails. Bring the Trail Run Project mobile app and explore it.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Kroehler

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 22 votes

#1972

Overall
  3.8 from 22 votes
5 Star
18%
4 Star
64%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
9%
Recommended Route Rankings

#59

in Virginia

#1,972

Overall
24 Views Last Month
10,863 Since Sep 1, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

10%
19%
71%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

sunrise
Mar 9, 2020 near McLean, VA
Scott's Run waterfall.
Jan 23, 2017 near McLean, VA
Looking northwest across the Potomac!
Jan 6, 2019 near McLean, VA
Very steep
Jun 16, 2020 near McLean, VA
Stubblefield Falls Overlook provides a nice view of both the falls and the Potomac.
Feb 27, 2017 near McLean, VA
The east parking lot provides ample space to park.
Feb 27, 2017 near McLean, VA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.