Skip to content
Fun in Fairfax VA
Fun in Fairfax VA
  • Home
  • Explore
    • Towns and Cities
    • Parks and Nature
    • Hike and Bike
    • History and Museums
  • Events / Seasonal
    • Holiday Season
  • Dine/Drink
  • Getaways
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Press + Collaborations
    • Disclosures + Usage
  • Home
  • Explore
    • Towns and Cities
    • Parks and Nature
    • Hike and Bike
    • History and Museums
  • Events / Seasonal
    • Holiday Season
  • Dine/Drink
  • Getaways
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Press + Collaborations
    • Disclosures + Usage

Potomac River

8 Great Summer Hikes in Northern Virginia

View of Mather Gorge from Great Falls Ridge Trail in Northern Virginia

These 8 great summer hikes in Northern Virginia have shady trails, cooling water, and relaxing stops nearby, and they are all a short drive from Washington DC. Summer in the … Read more

Northern Virginia Boating and Fun on the Water

Kayaking on the Potomac River at Riverbend Park, a Fun Spot for Northern Virginia Boating and one of the Best Outdoor Activities in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia boating and paddling spots offer a range of experiences on the beautiful lakes, rivers, and bays of the Washington DC region. Whether you want a casual float, an active paddle, or … Read more

Beautiful Scotts Run Loop Hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail

Scotts Run Waterfall Hike Surrounded by Colorful Fall Foliage

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 … Read more

Windy Run Hike: Fun Easy Waterfall Hike Near DC

Exploring Windy Run rock jumble

The Windy Run hike offers nice river views and the payoff of a rock jumble and a small waterfall, on a segment of the Potomac Heritage Trail close to Washington … Read more

Difficult Run and Great Falls Loop Hike to Beautiful River Views

View of Mather Gorge from Great Falls Ridge Trail in Northern Virginia

The Difficult Run and Great Falls loop hike includes shady riverside trails, a dramatic ridge, and gorgeous views of the Potomac River and Mather Gorge. This hike is a wonderful … Read more

Potomac Heritage Trail Hikes in Northern Virginia

Potomac Heritage Trail at Riverbend Park in Northern Virginia

These Potomac Heritage Trail hikes in Northern Virginia offer shady trails with varied terrain, frequently following the banks of the Potomac River through land explored by George Washington. There are … Read more

Potomac Hike: Bluebells and Sycamores at Riverbend Park

Bluebells in full bloom at Riverbend Park, Great Falls Virginia

Virginia bluebells cover the ground and sycamores stand out against a clear, blue sky on a spring hike by the Potomac River at Riverbend Park. This hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail in Great … Read more

Hike Riverbend Park to Great Falls Park on an Easy Riverside Trail

Hike Riverbend Park to Great Falls Park and enjoy an easy 3-mile trip with beautiful Potomac River and waterfall views. This is one of our favorite family hikes in Northern … Read more

10 Great Falls Park Alternatives When Entry Lines Are Long

View of the Potomac, Riverbend Park, Great Falls VA

Here are 10 Great Falls Park alternatives worth visiting when park entry lines back up with crowds clamoring for scenery, picnic spots, and time with friends and family. You will not enjoy the same … Read more

Dead Run Waterfall Hike on Virginia’s Potomac Heritage Trail

Dead Run waterfall hike and swimming hole in McLean Virginia

The Dead Run waterfall hike is a shady, 3 to 4 mile, out-and-back. Most of the route follows a Virginia segment of the Potomac Heritage Trail, very close to Washington … Read more

River Farm Garden a Hidden Gem in Alexandria Virginia

Peaceful River Farm Alexandria Virginia

Soothing Potomac River views, colorful gardens, and family-friendly spaces welcome visitors to peaceful River Farm, a hidden gem in Alexandria Virginia. Once part of George Washington’s original farmland in Alexandria Virginia, … Read more

Saturday Postcard: Seneca Regional Park in Northern Virginia

Entry to Seneca Regional Park in Great Falls Virginia postcard

An entryway of woven branches in our Saturday Postcard welcomes hikers, birders, and equestrians to the beautiful woodland trails of Seneca Regional Park in Northern Virginia, providing access to a historic section of the Potomac River. … Read more

Older posts
Page1 Page2 Next →
Julie McCool is a travel writer and the creator of Fun in Fairfax VA a Northern Virginia travel blog.

Join me, Julie McCool, and explore the best of Northern Virginia parks, hikes, historic sites, restaurants, breweries, wineries, seasonal events, and more. I'm a Northern Virginia local, so you get first-hand tips and accurate information.

My Virginia travel guides are a resource for residents and visitors alike. Go beyond the standard tourist spots and discover fun things to do in Virginia, the Washington DC region, and beyond.

Amazon Affiliate Program Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Join us on Social Media

  • About Us
  • Press and Media
  • Disclosures / Privacy Policy
  • Contact Fun in Fairfax VA

Find Your Fun

  • Blog
  • Towns + Cities
  • Parks + Nature
  • Hike + Bike
  • Events + Seasonal
  • Dine + Drink
  • Getaways

Disclosure

Some of the links in articles may be affiliate links where we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only link to products/services we recommend.

About Us

Join me, Julie McCool, and discover fun things to do in Virginia, the Washington DC region, and beyond. I'm a Northern Virginia local, so you get first-hand tips and accurate information.

©2025 Fun in Fairfax VA