Scott’s Run Nature Preserve

7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22102, USA

Related:	half day forest preserve
Address:	7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22102, USA
Phone:	+1 703-759-9018
Site:	fairfaxcounty.gov
Rating:	4.5
Working:	8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Alice Wang

Ive had Scotts Run bookmarked for months now, but Im so glad I waited until today to go for a hike. It was the most perfect, gorgeous day; the weather was fall-like and just got me all stoked for when fall actually arrives. Anyways, I persuaded the boyfriend to go hiking with me to Scotts Run. Parking was crowded but there were still a few spots left. Definitely come a bit earlier to snatch up a legit parking spot. We hiked the Potomac Heritage Trail, which was a fairly easy hike down to the Potomac River and the waterfall. Theres one slightly steep incline followed by one fairly steep downhill but otherwise the unpaved path is not bad at all. We saw tons of people - couples, families with small kids, dogs - hike this path without much difficulty. There are several other trails too. One of the reasons why I like Scotts Run is that you can make it as easy or as difficult of a hike as you want it to be. The view as you approach the waterfall and the river is picturesque. Even though there are signs stating a strict no swimming policy, it doesnt seem like anyone was paying heed to these signs. I saw lots of folks and their canine friends dipping in the river and in the waterfall. The water is calmer and shallower here, allowing folks to easily wade around. Just be careful of the rocks in the water, which can be very slippery. Also be careful if youre trying to climb around and to the top of the waterfall, as the rocks are very slippery and uneven. Very scenic and idyllic, a sharp contrast to the bustling suburban crawl just minutes away from this natural preserve.

Wil Lei

Hard to find parking in the two lots. Google mapping takes you to the Langley Pool. The trails are nice and natural, running downhill to the stream and then the waterfall. So that means a good steep, but short uphill hike back to the lots. Unfortunately, our group got sidetracked several times as the trails are not clearly marked (not even a well worn path to tell where everyone goes) except for the one paved, gravel trail that goes directly to the falls. The falls are actually small (note that Ive been to falls in Hawaii and Niagara) but still nice end to the hike. Dont expect lush flowers or a pool to wade in. It empties into the Potomac right there. What is good is taking a stroll through the forest, along the stream, and hanging out on the rocks in the stream. The dogs sure loved it (so if youre afraid of dogs... lots of people bring their dogs here)

Lisa Dunick

Was a nice enough walk, I guess. Parts of the trail run along a sewer line, so thats fun... and be sure if you go, you dont do the ORANGE trail. There is nothing on any of the signage to tell you about the trails, and orange looked like a good way to get from the ruins back to the run, so my kids could hop across the stepping stones again. Fifteen minutes in, I thought we were going to be lost in the woods--its poorly marked and clearly not taken care of (large trees have fallen over parts of it, obscuring it). But then you get to the end. Holy cow. Its basically a ravine you have to try to scuttle down without killing yourself. Maybe if we had hiking sticks or I wasnt with 2 kids that would be ok, but its definitely NOT a beginners trail at all.

Carl T

Overrun by people with a total disregard for the Fairfax County leash law, rules against alcohol and the ordinance against swimming. Falls are covered in trash and clothing, beer bottles fill the limited trash cans as well as the areas around them, and there is litter all along the trail including dog waste. If you have a dog on a leash or small children expect unwanted interactions with untrained off-leash dogs and their negligent owners. There is absolutely no enforcement of any kind at this park, and the parks department employees based at Riverbend are too overwhelmed by the chaos at that park to manage Scotts Run. A shame because this used to be a great park.

A Private User

The trails are very nice, although many of them dont have enough traffic to make them very obvious, so you can sometimes get lost. The Potomac Heritage Trail that runs along the Potomac is nice, but is pretty treacherous in places. If you have a phone with a GPS, I highly recommend using an app that can track your movement so you can figure out where you are more easily (I use Backcountry Navigator Pro on my Android). The fire road on the west side of the park that leads to the waterfalls is horrible (but I hate fire roads in general), but if thats where you want to go, thats the most direct route.

Brenda Duong

I got here at 9am on a Saturday. I know they have 2 parking lots, but I think I parked at the small one. It is really close to the Georgetown Pike from 495 exit on the right side. At that time, half the lot was full. We came here for "hiking". I say that in quotes because it felt more like a leisurely walk through the forest. The trail is basically a loop and there was a little bit of rocks but for the most part it was pretty flat and easy to walk. Its a nice place to go if you just want to enjoy being in nature and see some wildlife (we saw deer and a salamander!)

Charles Ellis

great place connect with nature. would be noteworthy to glimpse at a map of the trail(s) before possibly getting lost. hugh park. great trails, even a few waterfalls and picturesque sights. read prior reviews. those who complained wrote about the park as though its supposed to be a resort. reminder: its a park not a resort. for a hike, this is the best local spot. it offers the peace of mind that living in the DC area tends to take away. highly recommended. history of the park is pretty fascinate, too, if youve got a little extra time to read a few lines.

Stefany Dorado

Quick and easy hike from the parking lot to the waterfall. I was really excited to get to the waterfall and enjoy nature, simply because the park is so close to the city. However, I was extremely disappointed at the conditions of the waterfall. It is a shame! People are so careless and leave their trash behind like it is nobodys business. I noticed trash on the parking lot and I was shocked when I found more of it at the waterfall. Broken beer bottles everywhere, including the water, plastic bags floating and also clothes sitting on the rocks.

Nate Flames

I have been hiking in this preserve for more than forty years. Needless-to-say, it has special meaning to me and my family. Thus I was horrified to see signs posted throughout the area stating that deer are being subject to bow hunting in this PRESERVE. Preservationists united to save this land back when it was the Burling Tract, but why arent people rallying to protect deer from being stalked by bow hunters in this haven? If deer numbers are that high, why werent/arent alternatives being considered/used?

Timothy Nichols

Great area to get away from the city. I imagine it gets very busy during the spring and early summer/early fall months, but during the winter months you can pretty much have the place to yourself. There are a few different trails that you can take and they all link together so that you can combine them if you really want to. Theres plenty of fantastic hiking in the D.C. area within a reasonable drive, but if you dont have the time then this place will do.