Scott's Run Nature Preserve falls

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Scott's Run Nature Preserve falls

Photo: Ken_Mayer · CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

🥾 Hike · McLean

1.5 hours · Free · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 1.0
1–3 yrs
★ 3.0
3–5 yrs
★ 3.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 25 min drive
    From Rockville · Parking: Two small lots on Georgetown Pike (the east one is closer to the falls), free but full after 10am on weekends, no roadside parking
  • 🎒
    Carrier recommended
    Terrain isn't stroller-friendly; a carrier is easier
  • 🌳
    Lots of shade
    Good on cool days · Handles heat · Great on sunny days
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 1.5 hours
    Best seasons: Spring · Summer · Fall

Under 1 mile along the creek from the east lot brings you to a small waterfall that drops straight into the Potomac, with big rocks at the water's edge that make a natural climbing gym. You rock-hop across the creek twice on the way, which kids 3 and up find hugely fun.

💡 Tips
The creek rises after rain and the crossings get hard, so pick a dry day; no swimming in the river. No restrooms, bring wipes. Lots of mosquitoes in summer, so use repellent.

What this place offers

✓waterfall
✓creek
✓rock hopping
✓woods
✓carrier
✓no restrooms

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This weekend's weather in McLean

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

🌦️
Sat 10/17
Drizzle · 44–61°F · 58% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 40–60°F · 8% rain

Location

McLean, Virginia

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