Turkey Run Park Hike Along the Potomac

Updated on May 9, 2023 by Julie McCool

When the weather forecast shows a run of warm fall days, it's the perfect time to explore Turkey Run Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. Turkey Run Park is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and it offers nice hiking through woodlands and along the river, including a segment of the Potomac Heritage Trail.

Potomac pano Turkey Run
Potomac pano from Turkey Run Park

 

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Enter the park from the George Washington Memorial Parkway and head to parking area C-1. This lot is a good starting point for the 2 to 2.5 mile loop hike we describe here.

You might want to bring a printed copy of the trail map along, as the sign at the park is extremely faded. Sections of the trail are steep and rocky, so wear good hiking boots and use extra caution where leaves are covering the path.

From the C-1 parking area, head down the path to the left of the trail sign until you reach a fork. The left path takes you on the half-mile Turkey Run Trail, through upland forests and along a stretch of Turkey Run. This trail is a longer, but less steep option.

The right path follows a steep series of switchbacks down to the river, and this is the route we followed. The switchbacks are a mix of dirt path and rugged steps which can be difficult if the trail is wet or covered in leaves. Take your time and choose your footing carefully.

Turkey Run Park trailhead
Turkey Run Park trailhead
Steep trail Turkey Run Park
Steep trail in Turkey Run Park

 

At the bottom of the hill you'll reach the Potomac Heritage Trail, which follows the Potomac for many miles in either direction (including 10 miles within the GW Memorial Parkway lands). To make a loop back to your car, turn right on the PHT, heading southeast along the river.

otomac Heritage Trail  sign Turkey Run Park
Potomac Heritage Trail sign Turkey Run Park
Potomac River view from Turkey Run Park
Potomac River view from Turkey Run Park

 

The trail along the river is narrow and somewhat rugged, but mostly level. You'll enjoy continuous views of the Potomac River and the birds that frequent it. We watched sunning cormorants, great blue herons, turkey vultures and hawks on the hunt, and many songbirds in flight.

We also spied many paw paws on the ground and in the trees along the river, but we didn't put a paw paw in our pocket.

Paw paw Turkey Run Park
Paw paw on the trail Turkey Run Park

 

In a little less than a mile, you'll see the concrete River Flood Gauge and a trail entrance on your right. This is the return trail back up the hill and through the park to your car. The climb is more open and less steep than the one you followed down to the river.

Woods Trail to parking Turkey Run Park
Woods Trail back to parking Turkey Run Park

 

Follow the Woods Trail past the GW Parkway headquarters, picnic areas A, B, and C, and back to your car. You'll pass restrooms near the picnic areas, but they may be closed out of season.

Picnic area Turkey Run Park
Picnic area Turkey Run Park

 

We enjoyed this hike a lot and were happy to see several couples and families on the trails. We also crossed paths with several off-leash dogs. We had seen some old reviews (from 2010) that complained of cruising men, but we didn't encounter anything like that during our visit.

If you're looking for an all-day adventure, you could combine this hike with a visit to nearby Claude Moore Colonial Farm.

Location Tip: Turkey Run Park is east of the American Legion Bridge (495) and is accessed from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. If you are northbound on the GW Parkway, you'll find a well-marked entrance just past the CIA turn-off. If you're heading southbound you'll need to take the CIA exit to reverse direction.

Turkey Run website

George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters
McLean, VA 22101
703-289-2500
Map

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3 thoughts on “Turkey Run Park Hike Along the Potomac”

  1. I’m always looking for new green places to get away in our urban area. Thanks for suggesting a new one!

  2. That’s what I love about our area, you can always find some pretty place. I have been to the park, but only walk along the road, but this path looks tempting. I think I just might return this weekend. Thank you for sharing!

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