Scott’s Run Nature Preserve — Attraction in McLean

I've had Scott's Run bookmarked for months now, but I'm 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 Scott's 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. There's 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 Scott's 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 doesn't 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 you're 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...

Parking is not very good and recently they closed one of the existing parking lots due to some construction project. Alot of people are parking along Georgetown pike and that road is horrible with little to no shoulder to walk on. It's very dangerous given the poor visibility and curvy roadway. I also saw alot of Police ticketing cars which were illegally parked.

Now for the park itself. This is a cool spot tucked far back into the woods but the walk is not fun to say the least. It is about a 1.3 mile hike up and down some pretty steep hills just to get to the water falls/River. Once there, there is alot of garbage everywhere. The park authority has garbage cans out but they are over flowing with trash. There are also signs everywhere saying no swimming or wading into the water and I saw that being enforced by the Police. Several officers hiked the long trek to the water falls and they were ticketing people for various littering, alcohol and swimming violations. In the evening hours (after 5pm) there were some pretty shady people hanging out there. I would not let my kids go here after dark. There are better parks that are much cleaner and easier to get to than this one in my opinion. BEWARE...The hike can be brutal and if you are not following the rules you risk getting ticketed (I overheard the cops telling people it was a misdemeanor and they had to...

The parking lot is extremely small and this was my third attempt to go because every time I go there are never any parking spots. I went on a very cloudy / rainy day so I guess that’s why there was one spot open for me. When you first walk on the path you will smell the most disgusting rancid smell ever but it only lasts a few min . I had to walk a lot of incline to get to a very teeny tiny water fall ( if that’s what you want to call it ). There were a ton of people hanging out near it and having a picnic etc so I didn’t get as close as I wanted. Then to walk toward another trail is a ton of inclines and you walk on gravel the entire time so it’s not the easiest or most pleasant trails. Some of the trail is pretty nice and I didn’t notice all the garbage other reviews talked about so I’m guessing it has been cleaned up. Make sure you wear bug spray. I didn’t wear any and got ate up.

There are little odd tree stump steps or whatever you have to walk across to get to the other side so if you find that difficult be prepared for very wet feet/ shoes. Overall , I don’t think I will ever go back. If you want a really nice hike visit Great Falls. You have to pay 10.00 parking fee at Great Falls but it’s a two day pass , Little more crowded but plenty of parking , no stinky trails and...