Riverbend Park Visitor's Center — Attraction in Potomac

I really like kayak fishing that area of the Potomac, but I have to say that I'm rather disappointed in the park in general. First of all, it costs $5 to launch a kayak there because they make you use their boat ramp. So not only are you spending $5, but the concrete boat ramp is also scratching up your kayak hull. Kayaks don't need a boat ramp to launch. They can simply be launched from the shore, and there's a nice spot to do this just 50 feet north of the ramp, but you'll get yelled at by the park staff if you try to launch your kayak there. Second, the trails are in really bad shape and the signage is also in bad shape or simply non-existent. When the river was a little on the high and fast side, I decided to just shore fish instead of fishing out of my kayak. I hiked down closer to the dam (near Great Falls Park), and the trails were abysmal. The riverside trails were very muddy and treacherously slippery (like ankle deep mud), and in many places virtually unusable. When I switched to the more inland trails on the way back, they were in a little better condition (but not much), but the real problem was the signage. I actually got lost and ended up on two semi-paved paths that simply dead-ended. A 25 min hike to the waterfall took me over an hour to return purely because of bad signage. Also, you really shouldn't pave down/uphill path with loose gravel. That's an injury just waiting to happen. I really enjoy the location of the park and access to some great kayak fishing areas, but they really need to allow kayaks (and other non-trailered craft) to shore launch, and they really need to clean up their trails and improve...

One of my favourite parks to bike to and walk around through. Though the Potomac Heritage Trail follows the river up to that point, the trail is very poorly maintained. Going through to Great Falls Park along the trail is very rewarding as you evade the entrance fees by walking around 1.5 miles to the park. It follows the river again, and you pass many neat rock formations, the dam, massive trees, and other trails to turn off.

In Riverbend Park in the summer, there are kayak and small boat rentals which I have never personally used, but they are super popular. There is a small nature and interpretive centre which is worth a visit. Attached is the convenience shoppe and nature store (I purchased a small piece of petrified wood) with snacks (crisps, granola bars, bottled juices and water) and across the way are the restrooms and water fountain. Beautiful scenery from pristine forest to river and hills all around. Open most days of the year from sunrise to sunset, just 15 miles or so from D.C. Picnic tables and benches are everywhere, along with a designated grilling area, so the park is perfect for cookouts and whatever else you might like to do. Fishing is encouraged, but a valid license is required, and occasionally VDGIF officers will...

A beautiful place to walk through. Virginia bluebells we're starting to bloom everywhere. It's generally a flat, compact path but there are spots that are rocky and a bit troublesome to get through if you're not careful. There is ample parking most of the time and you won't likely be by yourself during your whole walk, but it is peaceful and people are pretty respectful since they're also there to enjoy the nature.

From Riverbend, if you are so inclined, you can walk right into the Great Falls park (no admission fees) and to the visitor center. It didn't seem to be open, but I was able to buy a candy bar from a vending machine and walk a little bit to the first overlook point (~2 miles from Riverbend to there). Be aware that between the two parks there are larger, somewhat awkward patches of rocks to navigate through before you get to the easier to traverse packed dirt trails. I found poles helpful for these areas. When wet, they can be quite slippery. Wear good sneakers or better yet, a nice pair of hiking shoes/boots and you will be fine. I've walked this path around 3-4 times now and find it's becoming a regular. Beautiful water views, ample shade, and wildlife to watch along the...