Riverbend Park Hike
With Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Difficult Run, Riverbend Park along the banks of the Potomac River and just outside the beltway, is the least well known of the three. With only a small amount total elevation gain, the interconnecting trails are suitable for just about any skill and fitness level.The hiking trails at Riverbend Park can be done in a number of different combinations to suit the abilities of any hiker. Here we have marked out the longest possible circuit route of 4.5 miles.
From the parking area, directly behind the main visitors center, walk through the picnic area, and head upstream on the Potomac Heritage Trail that follows the banks of the Potomac River.
In 0.5 miles pass the Follow The Hollows Trail, and in another 0.2 miles cross another small footbridge then arrive at the intersection of the Bootleger Trail.
The Bootlegger Trail will head uphill on a wider gravel path for a short distance before passing a pond on the right.
Continue uphill for 0.2 miles where the Bootlegger Trail passes a connector trail that heads over to the Duff N Stuff loop trail.
Continue on the Bootlegger Trail for another 0.2 miles where the trail passes through the Conn's Farm Meadow area. From this point the trail runs along the western edge of the park.
1.4 miles after passing through the Conn's Meadow Farm area on the Bootlegger Trail, the Bootlegger Trail will turn left downhill at the intersection of the Great Falls Park connector trail.
Turn left downhill for 0.2 miles passing the Artillery Bluff overlook and arrive at the Potomac Heritage Trail and Potomac River.
At the banks of the Potomac River turn left upstream on the Potomac Heritage Trail. In 0.6 miles pass the Follow The Hollows Trail, then pass through a picnic area in 0.2 miles.
From this point the Potomac Heritage Trail will become wider, and arriving back at the Riverbend Park Center, and lower parking area, in another 0.7 miles.
