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Top Nature preserves in McLean, United States
Top Rated Nature preserves in McLean
Top Reviewed Nature preserves in McLean
Reviews
This place had several trails. I read other review before going and stuck to a know easier trail and really enjoyed the visit! Just beautiful!
Beautiful spot - free parking. Easy walk that will still get your heart pumping. You’re not supposed to go in the water but plenty do and jump off the rocks by the waterfall. It’s a short one but plenty of other things to do nearby.
This place is so beautiful and is a great hiking spot if you want tree covered trails, however some of the trails are really steep and would not be good for elderly or younger children. Also it’s so sad that people litter beautiful places so kept an eye out for glass. Overall great hiking trail.
Amazing views and hikes
Decided to go here on Memorial day weekend. Great Falls was just to packed and crowded. You can probably finish this trail within an hour or shorter. Its short but has a variety of everything. High steep incline and decline. You can take your time and finish since the distance is very short. There's a small cliff/waterfall that's not bad. Some ppl came early and sat at the top having a picnic. If you want a quick getaway into nature, its not a bad pick me upper to gather your thoughts and get away.
Such a great place to take a nature hike and see the Potomac River. The trails are nicely cleared. The paths are straightforward to follow. Lots of trees. Lots of nature. All free of charge!
The park itself is extremely beautiful, and the hiking trails are extremely pleasant to walk or run. You can easily spend a few hours exploring all the different paths, flowers, and views of the Potomac River.
One gripe I have about this park is parking. The small parking lot near the expressway is tiny and fits only a few cars. The larger one at the corner of the preserve is much larger, but it's extremely narrow.
If you come very early in the morning, you'll have no problem finding parking. But the lots will be full by the time you finish your hike. Come later in the morning and you'll have trouble even coming into the parking lot. If you manage to drive in and find a parking spot, you'll have trouble driving out. I had to sit and wait about 30 mins for the cars to clear out because there was one driver who just couldn't maneuver their car in the narrow space between the parked cars and traffic, so everyone was held up the entire time until someone stepped up and pulled the car out for them.
One gripe I have about this park is parking. The small parking lot near the expressway is tiny and fits only a few cars. The larger one at the corner of the preserve is much larger, but it's extremely narrow.
If you come very early in the morning, you'll have no problem finding parking. But the lots will be full by the time you finish your hike. Come later in the morning and you'll have trouble even coming into the parking lot. If you manage to drive in and find a parking spot, you'll have trouble driving out. I had to sit and wait about 30 mins for the cars to clear out because there was one driver who just couldn't maneuver their car in the narrow space between the parked cars and traffic, so everyone was held up the entire time until someone stepped up and pulled the car out for them.
Our dogs loved it here! So many interesting smells, fun spots to splash in the water, and the trail itself is awesome for them - many different textures (rocks, sand, dirt, etc) and hills & bends to trek through. They were thoroughly happy and tired after an hour of sniffing and exploring! We missed the turn for the first parking lot and ended up at a different lot than we had planned so definitely keep your eyes peeled for the entrance.
Also - if you’re bringing your dogs, there weren’t any pet waste stations or trash bins along the trail that we were on (to the falls) so we ended up carrying their waste bags with us the entire time.
Also - if you’re bringing your dogs, there weren’t any pet waste stations or trash bins along the trail that we were on (to the falls) so we ended up carrying their waste bags with us the entire time.
Scott's Run Nature Preserve is a real treasure in Northern Virginia, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature. The hiking trails are in great condition and offer stunning views of the Potomac River and surrounding forest. However, it's important to note that this preserve is not suitable for picnics, swimming, or any kind of partying. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and alcohol beverages are strictly prohibited.
That being said, the hiking trails at Scott's Run Nature Preserve are a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature. The trails are well-marked and offer a variety of difficulty levels, ensuring that there's something for everyone. The waterfall is definitely a must-see and provides a picturesque backdrop for photos.
It's worth mentioning that visitors are expected to carry out any trash they bring in. So please remember to pack out what you pack in to help keep the preserve clean and pristine for future visitors.
Overall, I highly recommend checking out Scott's Run Nature Preserve. It's a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature.
That being said, the hiking trails at Scott's Run Nature Preserve are a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature. The trails are well-marked and offer a variety of difficulty levels, ensuring that there's something for everyone. The waterfall is definitely a must-see and provides a picturesque backdrop for photos.
It's worth mentioning that visitors are expected to carry out any trash they bring in. So please remember to pack out what you pack in to help keep the preserve clean and pristine for future visitors.
Overall, I highly recommend checking out Scott's Run Nature Preserve. It's a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Wonderful place, but trashed by low-lives. Often filled with various types of smoke. Very nice trail.
It’s always beautiful here. All season. Many trails all over the park. Water fall was not too hard to find. Go to second lot by the river. Take that trail all the way to the end. You will see it. Also have the view of Potomac River. Hike along a little. It’s beautiful
After 24 hours rainfall yesterday. The river has much more water volume。We decide to park next to the river , was 7:45 am. Only few spots left. Came here many times and always hard to find parking spots. Weekend is worse. Hiking trails are wet. Bc the rain. If you prepare the right shoes, were you should not any problem. Saw some trash and cans on the blue trail. Please don’t be a jerk. Leaving nothing behind. Respect to yourself and others. We picked up what we saw. Along the way out.Bag full!
Absolutely love this place! Great for a walk or run, all cool trails with things to look at. One tree has a lot of names carved in it, one tree has an enormous knot. You can get to the outlook for here, or to the falls as well as other trail systems. Parking lot is tiny. Great for dogs and families too!
Perfect hike for a slightly rainy day, just bring good shoes for the mud! Almost no one around and such a gorgeous waterfall!
Trails are easy to navigate but parking can be an issue if you don't get there early enough. No street parking, as indicated by many signs, so there is usually a line of cars waiting to park. I got there before 9am on a Saturday in January and found ample parking, but it quickly filled up in the time I went out on the trails.
Skip the first lot (its small), there a larger lot just down the road. Itll be on the right if youre coming from 495.
So far its the best combination of: ease of access, trail difficulties, distance, clear trail markings and maps. Theyre not perfect (the maps are confusing af till you figure out where exactly theyre facing) but better then everywhere else ive hiked/ran so far :)
So far its the best combination of: ease of access, trail difficulties, distance, clear trail markings and maps. Theyre not perfect (the maps are confusing af till you figure out where exactly theyre facing) but better then everywhere else ive hiked/ran so far :)