Scott's Run Nature Preserve Hike
You won't find a closer waterfall hike to the Metro DC area. One mile from the beltway on Georgetown Pike, the Scott's Run Nature Preserve is a little piece of wilderness saved from urban sprawl. Originally the Burling Tract, it avoided development in the 1970's and was renamed the Dranesville District Park. Today it is known as the Scott's Run Nature Preserve.We have outlined a loop of 2.2 miles here, however the preserve has many interconnecting trails on its 384 acres. The Fairfax County Park Authority doesn't blaze or name any of the trails, but there is little chance of getting lost. You can't go any further north than the Potomac, and Georgetown Pike borders the property to the south. This hike has trails that range from the very easy to quite difficult.
Start down the path, and shortly cross a ford over Scott's Run then in 0.3 miles turn right crossing Scott's Run over the concrete posts. The path that leads straight, and didn't cross the run, takes the direct route down to the falls and becomes very difficult requiring boulder hopping. DO NOT take this route with children or when the trail is wet.
After crossing Scott's Run head uphill for 0.1 miles and junction of the wooden stairs that lead up to the Burling House Ruins. Turn left downhill for 0.1 miles to the Potomac River bank and falls where Scott's Run meets the river.
Turn right following the trail along the river bank and in 0.2 miles pass a small trail that leads uphill to the Burling House Ruins. In another 0.1 miles pass another trail that leads uphill. Continue along the riverbank where the trail goes around a small point. The point jetties out into the river here for about sixty feet and is a great spot for lunch. Twenty feet past the point take the trail as it heads directly uphill between two small ridges. As you pass the steepest section come to a minor trail junction.
Turn right, then immediately left along the top of the ridge spur and in 0.1 miles pass an old flag pole. Continue straight for another 0.2 miles an arrive at the next major trail junction (the trail to the right passes the Burling House Ruins then descends the wooden stairs and goes down to Scott's Run falls in the earlier part of this loop). Turn left and pass a four way junction in 0.1 miles.
In another 0.2 miles turn right at the next trail junction (if you arrive at the upper parking area and Georgetown Pike you've gone too far). Continue down the trail passing a trail on your right in 0.3 miles, then arriving back at the main parking area in another 0.2 miles.
