29 Sep Scott’s Run Falls: Hike Along Scott’s Run River Trail

Scott’s Run River Trail is a 1.4 mile (~2.3 kilometer) out and back trail that leads to Scott’s Run Falls. It is a fairly easy route located not far outside of Washington, DC. The end of the trail rewards hikers with a view of the waterfall as well as a view of the Potomac River. However, please note swimming is prohibited in the area. Furthermore, all those found swimming are subject to a $250 fine.

Looking for another idea in the area, possibly for date night? Check out the lantern festival outside of DC or my list of unique date nights in Arlington, VA.

Contents:

1) Location of Scott’s Run Falls

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Nature Preserve Information

6) Scott’s Run Falls Trail Information

7) Note: Swimming is Prohibited

8) Recommended Items to Bring 

1) Location of Scott’s Run Falls

Scott’s Run Falls is a waterfall hike located within Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean, Virginia. For reference, it is approximately 20 minutes northwest of Arlington and 25 minutes northwest of downtown DC.

Looking for another hike just outside of or within DC? Then check out the Billy Goat Trail in Maryland or the Hains Point Loop Trail in East Potomac. 

Parking for Scott’s Run Falls

There is plenty of parking available at the Scott’s Run Nature Preserve parking lot. Google Maps shows another parking lot titled “Scott Run Second Parking”, but this lot is a continuation of the nature preserve lot mentioned above. The second parking lot is located just a little bit further from the trailhead. The further you drive back into the parking lot, the closer you will be to the trailhead.

However, do note the lot can fill up on weekends. Get there early to make sure you can grab a spot. We visited on a weekday evening and had no trouble finding a parking spot.

Nearby Lodging

While there are not a lot of options in McLean specifically, there are a ton of hotels in Arlington as well as in downtown DC.

Nearby Airports

There are two major airports within close proximity to Scott’s Run Falls. First, the Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport is 20 minutes east. However, traffic is fairly common on this route so plan for 25 to 30 minutes. If you are looking for a spot where you can watch the planes fly overhead, then head to Gravelly Point. It is located right next to the airport, and thus it sometimes feels as though you can jump up and touch the planes since they are so close to the ground. Second, the Dulles International Airport is 15 minutes south.

There are public transportation options available from each of the airports to the nature preserve. However, be aware that they will take around an hour and a half from Dulles and two hours from Ronald Reagan. You can also choose to rent a car from the airport or utilize a ride share service such as Uber. 

Trail leading to Scott’s Run Falls

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

First, the general hours for Scott’s Run Nature Preserve are sunrise to sunset. However, you can also call Riverbend Park at 703-759-9018 to confirm the hours for when you plan to visit. 

Second, there is no entrance fee for the nature preserve or for the trail specifically. Yay for beautiful, free attractions! However, let us each do our part to respect this natural attraction and leave no trace. For example, pick up after yourself and leave no trash behind. 

3) The Best Time to Visit

First, plan to visit in the morning if you want to hike Scott’s Run River Trail on the weekend. The parking lot for the trail is not too large, and thus you might have trouble finding a spot if you arrive around midday or in the early afternoon. Furthermore, the best seasons to hike the trail are spring and autumn, for you will enjoy much milder temperatures. Washington, DC is a swamp after all, and thus with summer comes high humidity. 

Second, schedule around an hour in your itinerary to hike the trail to the falls and back. The trail itself is 1.4 miles (~2.3 kilometers) round trip and takes an average hiker 40 minutes to complete. However, I always suggest adding in a bit of buffer time in case you struggle to find parking, hike a bit slower than average, want to explore around the waterfall, etc. 

Creek running alongside the Scott’s Run Falls Trail

4) Quick Facts

1. Scott’s Run River Trail is located in McLean, Virginia, which is just 25 minutes northwest of downtown DC.

2. The trail leads to Scott’s Run Falls, which flows into the Potomac River.

3. Scott’s Run River Trail is 1.4 miles (~2.3 kilometers) round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 150 feet (~46 meters). 

4. There are two stream crossings along the trail, though there are concrete circles on which you can step to avoid getting wet.

Sun starting to set beside Scott’s Run Falls

5) Nature Preserve Information

Scott’s Run River Trail, which leads to Scott’s Run Falls, falls within the borders of Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. Within the preserve, there are a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. First, the preserve holds multiple hiking trails. After checking out the waterfall, consider going for a walk on another hiking trail to continue the adventure.

Second, the park authority for the nature preserve holds nature programs every now and then. For example, they have previously held spring wildflower walks as well as week-long summer camps.

6) Scott’s Run Falls Trail Information

Scott’s Run River Trail is a 1.4 mile (~2.3 kilometer) out and back trail that leads to Scott’s Run Falls within Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. It is considered to be a fairly easy route with only one main hill. Additionally, the overall elevation gain is around 150 feet (~46 meters), and an average hiker can complete the trail in 40 minutes. 

Description of Trail

The trail is mainly a dirt path, though there are two sections where you must cross the river/stream. At these two points, there are concrete circles along the width of the stream. You can thus step on them in order to get across the stream without getting wet. The majority of the trail, however, runs parallel to the stream.

Additionally, there is one main hill along the trail. While the elevation gain is not too much for the overall trail, just around 150 feet (~46 meters), the hill is somewhat steep. Power up the hill for a couple of minutes and you will be at the top before you know it.

Concrete circles to assist with crossing the stream

Arriving at Scott’s Run Falls

Our reward at the end of the trail was a view of Scott’s Run Falls as well as views of the Potomac River. We did see a few people swimming in the river and waterfall. Please remember that swimming in this area is prohibited and those found swimming are subject to a $250 fine.

That being said, you can still explore on the rocks around the waterfall.

Another water-based activity in the area is paddle boating at the Tidal Basin. My recommendation? Book a paddle boat during cherry blossoms so you can escape the crowds and view the blossoms from the water. On the other hand, check out things to do in Pentagon City for additional nearby attractions.

People taking a dip at Scott’s Run Falls

7) Note: Swimming is Prohibited

At the trailhead, there is a sign stating no swimming. Those who are found to be swimming in the water are subject to a $250 fine. One of the main reasons for this restriction is that the water can be unsanitary due to sewage or chemical leaks. 

Unfortunately this sign does not deter everyone. We saw around 10 to 20 people wading or swimming in the water along the trail as well as at the waterfall at the end.

View of the river from Scott’s Run Falls Trail

8) Recommended Items to Bring 

1. Water bottle: Please please please be sure to bring water with you while hiking to the falls. I do not mean bring water and leave it in your car. Nope. Carry your water around with you as you hike along the trail. Water is even more important if you are visiting in the summer, for the heat can make you become dehydrated real quick. For example, I always carry around my Yeti water bottle.

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet.

Hiking Items for Scott’s Run Falls

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful as you hike along the dirt trail and power up the one short hill. Additionally, the traction provided by hiking shoes will come in handy if you decide to scramble around on the rocks surrounding the waterfall. 

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity for this trail since it is fairly short with little elevation gain. However, bring them along if you want a bit of extra support.

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

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Next time you drive a couple of hours down to VA beach: Kayaking with Dolphins in Virginia Beach.

Enjoy some hikes in the neighboring state: Endless Wall Trail near New River Gorge, WV.