Beautiful Scotts Run Loop Hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail

Updated on May 28, 2024 by Julie McCool

This Scotts Run loop hike includes rocky cliffs, a scenic waterfall, and a nice, somewhat challenging stretch of the Potomac Heritage Trail, close to Washington DC. It's a beautiful hike year-round though it can be muddy and slippery after heavy rains and melting snow.

Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a popular spot for joggers, hikers, dog walkers, and families looking for a pretty waterfall not far from DC. The park is accessible from two parking lots along Georgetown Pike. Both lots are just west of the 495 beltway, on the Virginia side of the American Legion Bridge.

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Scotts Run is one of our favorite fall hikes in Virginia, with beautiful foliage views in the woods and by the river. But it's also a great spring hike and is very popular in summer when it can get overcrowded. To avoid summer crowds hike early on a weekday.

Scotts Run Nature Preserve sign

Scotts Run Loop Trail Route

Most people park in the larger parking lot and hike directly to the waterfall on the River Trail for 2-mile out-and-back hike (more info below). This is a nice route but it misses the quieter, scenic trail and views along the Potomac River.

If you have the time, we highly recommend a roughly 3-mile loop that starts at the eastern parking lot (SN3 on the map below) The Scotts Run loop hike follows a segment of the Potomac Heritage Trail (light blue trail), then returns to the starting point via the Parking Lot Connector Trail (purple trail). The trails are fairly well marked but take a copy of this Fairfax County Park Authority map to track the connecting points.

Scotts Run trail map, credit: Fairfax County Gov
Scotts Run trail map, credit: Fairfax County Park Authority

For this loop, we prefer to start from the smaller, eastern parking lot, but you can start from the larger lot if you prefer. From the eastern lot, head north on the wide, yellow-blazed Stubblefield Falls Overlook Trail. Turn right on the blue trail when they intersect and follow it until you are almost out of the park. Turn left on a short connector to join the Potomac Heritage Trail.

Stubblefield Falls Trail Scotts Run loop hike
Stubblefield Falls Trail Scotts Run loop hike

Since the park is near busy 495, you'll likely hear steady road noise as you walk, reminding you that the city is not far away. The wooded trails are nice though, and the noise of the river eventually replaces the road noise.

The PHT turns left, climbing a bluff above the river, but you can head down to the water for a look at the American Legion Bridge before continuing up the trail.

American Legion Bridge from PHT Scotts Run
American Legion Bridge from PHT Scotts Run

From here to the overlook you'll follow an often steep, rocky, and narrow trail that can be tricky to navigate, especially when the rocks are slippery. We wouldn't recommend this segment for young children or people with a fear of heights, but the challenging terrain is what makes this a fun and less used trail

Rock outcropping PHT Scotts Run loop hike
Rock outcropping PHT Scotts Run loop hike

After climbing along the bluff you'll reach a rocky outcropping called the Stubblefield Falls Overlook. The Stubblefield Falls stretch across the Potomac, a class III rapid rather than a traditional waterfall.

Stubblefield Falls Scotts Run loop hike
Stubblefield Falls Scotts Run loop hike

From the overlook, you'll have an excellent view up and down the Potomac, though portions are blocked with foliage except in winter. This is a nice spot for a picnic lunch or snack stop before continuing on the PHT.

Potomac panorama Stubblefield Falls Overlook Scotts Run
Potomac from Stubblefield Falls Overlook Scotts Run

The Scotts Run Preserve protects part of the Potomac Gorge and the floodplains surrounding it. From the overlook, you have an excellent view of one of the Mid-Atlantic's rarest biological ecosystems. Imagine how the narrow valleys and rocky cliffs have been molded by the river over time.

Looking down from Stubblefield Overlook Scotts Run
Looking Down from Stubblefield Overlook

Scotts Run Waterfall in Northern Virginia

Another half mile on the PHT and you'll reach the popular Scotts Run waterfall. This is another great spot to have lunch or just spend time relaxing by the falls.

Fall foliage and waterfall at Scotts Run hike in Northern Virginia
Fall at Scotts Run waterfall

What you should not do, though, is enter the water. Though people love to cool off in the stream and the river on a hot summer day, the water is unfortunately polluted and not safe for human contact.

Surprisingly, Scotts Run originates under Tysons Corner Center mall. From there, the stream passes through busy populated areas, collecting waste and polluted runoff as it goes. Swimming is never allowed in the Potomac due to its dangerous currents. And pollution makes wading or bathing in Scotts Run equally hazardous. You can still have fun climbing around on the rocks that surround the falls.

Rocks surround the waterfall at Scotts Run in Northern VA
Rocks at Scotts Run waterfall

Complete the Scotts Run Loop Hike

When you're done admiring the waterfall, head up the steep hill, continuing on the PHT away from the river. Past the hill the trail stays close to Scott's Run, offering pretty stream views to your return hike.

Pretty view of Scotts Run next to the trail.
Scotts Run and trail

There are three stream crossings on this stretch of trail, one over a bridge, and two that use cement pillars as stepping stones. The pillars are occasionally covered by water after heavy rains.

Concrete pillars are used for Stream crossings on the Scotts Run loop hike in Virginia
Stream crossing Scotts Run hike

When you reach the larger parking lot, find and climb the steps up to the Parking Lot Connector (purple) trail for the return hike to your car.

Stairs to Parking Lot Connector Scotts Run
Stairs to Parking Lot Connector Scotts Run

Shorter Scott's Run Waterfall Hike

If you prefer a shorter hike, park at the larger Scott's Run Preserve parking area and follow the blue trail directly to the waterfall. Hike 1 mile from the parking lot and then return the way you came for a 2-mile out-and-back hike.

While this hike is shorter it still offers a little challenge. You will cross the stream twice on concrete pillars (each way) and there is a very steep hill to climb and descend. Fortunately, you'll have great views of the stream and woods as you walk. And the payoff is that beautiful Scott's Run waterfall.

Throughout the park, keep watch for native birds like the giant pileated woodpecker. In spring, the woods come alive with Virginia wildflowers. Depending on when you hike, common wildflower sightings include Virginia bluebells, phlox, bloodroot, and trillium.

Pileated woodpecker Scotts Run
Pileated woodpecker Scotts Run

Scotts Run almost became a cluster of 309 homes after a developer purchased the land in 1966. Fortunately, the community and government officials successfully lobbied to preserve the area and the U.S. Department of the Interior eventually purchased the land.

Today, Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a gem in the Fairfax County Park Authority collection. The Scotts Run hike offers a beautiful outing in nature close to busy roads and cities, but visually miles away. If you live in the city, Scotts Run makes a great day trip from Washington DC.

Scotts Run Nature Preserve is located at 7400 Georgetown Pike in McLean, Va. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs are allowed on all Scotts Run trails.

Explore more of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Northern Virginia on these nice hikes close to DC. Happy hiking!

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Scotts Run loop hike includes a cliffside view, scenic waterfall, and a nice, somewhat challenging stretch of the Potomac Heritage Trail in Virginia, close to DC.
Scotts Run Waterfall Hike