Dead Run Hike
Dead Run, just west of Turkey Run Park, is arguably one of the prettiest streams with small waterfalls inside the D.C. Beltway. A short 3.8 mile loop along the Potomac Heritage Trail and Dead Run, this hike is a great walk in the woods if you don't have much time to get out.In springtime Dead Run is at its peak with several small pools and waterfalls as it flows for the last 1/4 mile into the Potomac River. The Potomac Heritage Trail is also in bloom this time of year with Virginia Blue Bells.
- Mile 0.0 – From the C1 Turkey Run parking area, head downhill towards the Potomac Heritage Trail on the yellow blazed trail shortly passing an intersection on your left. Stay straight, the trail becomes steep in 100 yards making several sharp switchbacks, then ends at the Potomac River and intersection of the Potomac Heritage Trail.
- Mile 0.2 – Turn left upstream on the yellow and green blazed Potomac Heritage Trail for 0.1 miles.
- Mile 0.3 - Cross Turkey Run and stay right on the green and yellow blazed Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT) as it follows the Potomac River. In the spring this section of the Potomac river is awash in Virginia Blue Bells (Mertensia virginica). The PHT winds along the banks of the Potomac River crossing several small streams before reaching the much larger Dead Run.
- Mile 1.7 - The PHT crosses Dead Run at this point. Do Not cross Dead Run, but follow the yellow blazed trail along the left bank for 30 yards where it crosses over to the right bank. The yellow blazed trail is not very apparent as this section has been washed out in the last couple of years. Pass several small pools and waterfalls which are the highlight of the hike. In the summer these make great swimming holes as the water is much warmer than the colder mountain fed streams.
- Mile 1.8 - Pass under the George Washington Parkway then immediately cross Dead Run back to the left bank. This area is part of Langley Oaks Park and has many interconnecting unmarked trails. Follow the yellow blazed trail markings and you shouldn't get lost. Pass a flatter area and small trail on the right. After passing the first trail reach the next intersection at a small rise. Stay right and pass along a fence marking private property in the Langley Oaks sub-division. Descend through another steep gully and rise to the next intersection. Turn right for 100 yards, then turn left downhill to the next intersection and arrive at Turkey Run.
- Mile 3.1 - Turn left downstream on Turkey Run, then where Turkey Run passes under the George Washington Parkway cross Turkey Run, then in 25 yards take the trail right uphill.
- Mile 3.3 - Follow the yellow blazed trail uphill and back over to the first intersection you passed at the beginning of the hike.
- Mile 3.5 - Turn right uphill for the remaining 0.1 miles to the parking area
- Mile 3.6 - Return to the Turkey Run C1 parking area.
