a 20-foot wooden bridge with a handrail over a small creek
3-6 Hours

Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run

Great Falls Park

This hike is mostly wooded; some parts are rocky and some can be rocky. But you will see, in some places, exceptional displays of bluebells in spring and colors in autumn. Management partners include Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services; Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority; The Nature Conservancy; Fairfax County Park Authority; and National Park Service, all are aided by volunteers with the Potomac Heritage Trail Association and others.

Beginning at the Algonkian Regional Park boat launch/landing area, this 10-mile hike is part of the developing network or trails along the Potomac in Northern Vriginia. For those stitching together a non-motorized traverse of the PHT, one can reserve a cabin at Algonkian (two-night minimum) and visit the snack bar at the clubhouse. On the way to the Difficult Run trailhead--an intersection with the Fairfax Cross-County Trail--you pass through a golf course; alongside the Seneca Bypass Canal; Riverbend Park, which includes a visitor center; and Great Falls Park, which includes the remnants of the Powtomack Canal, a visitor center, overlooks, and snack bar (in season).

Tags

Front-Country HikingBirdsTortoises and TurtlesDeciduous ForestsGeologyRiver and RiparianScenic ViewsTrailsCanalsPotomac Heritage National Scenic TrailPiedmonthikingWater FallsPotomac GorgePotomac RiverNorthern Virginia

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Details

Duration

3-6 Hours

Duration Details

Depending on abilitiy, interests and time spent at points of interest.

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility

The trail switches from paved, to gravel, to dirt and may include tripping hazards.

Pets

Yes — On a leash.

Reservations

No

Location

Algonkian Regional Park - Difficult Run VA

View on NPS.govBack to Great Falls

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