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The Cross County Trail: Colvin Run Mill to Potomac River: an Easy Side of Moderate 8.7 Miles!
The northernmost section of the Cross County Trail (CCT) in Fairfax County follows a lovely and leafy stream valley through upscale suburbia from a historic mill to the Potomac River
Come out and hike along a scenic stream to Great Falls, VA! This hike meanders along a little used portion of the Cross-County Connector Trail in Fairfax County along Difficult Run Stream - starting at a historic working water-powered mill at Colvin Run Mill, which is owned and operated by the park service.
We'll see special sites along the way such as the operational mill and miller buildings, an old style general store, mill race, a trestle for the old train tracks, and beautiful trails along the streams leading up to the Potomac River. We'll continue along Difficult Run til it empties into the Potomac River, then head back.
Click here for more information on the Mill!
Trail Information
Nearby City: Great Falls, VA
Length: 8.7 Miles
Scenery: River views, stream valley, woodlands
Skill Level: Easy Side of Moderate
Trail Surface: Dirt or dirt and gravel, with some muddy stretches after recent rain; short stretch of pavement near the mill; gravelly old road north of pike
Time to Hike: Estimate is between 3.5-4.5 hours but depends on group pace.
Trail Type: Out and Back
Season: Year-round
Facilities: Toilets, water, phone at mmill; toilet at Georgetown Pike parking lot.
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead
Carpool Information
Click here for carpool locations that are frequently used by members, complete with detailed directions for several carpool locations scattered all around so thee should be something convenient for everyone.
Directions to the Trailhead
Click here for directions to where we meet.
Hike Meetup Time is 9:30 a.m. to shuttle to the start of hike.
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Fido is Welcome on This Hike!
Let's have good times and see you on the trail! PLEASE take a leaders phone number with you in case you have any difficulty locating our group!
Catherine: [masked]
Yes, it would be lovely and appreciated if we could be back at the lot by 3...
It's four miles out and four back. If we do about 2.5 miles per hour, that's 3.2 hours, or around 12:45. This is straight hiking, not a wlk or stroll. so we will be back by 1:30. That give us a little time to take a drink or two.
Refunds offered if:
Additional notes: Refund if you change your RSVP to a "NO" PRIOR to 48 hours of hike time with no questions asked.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
I am interested in this hike, but would need to leave by 3 pm. If the hike has been done before, generally what time has the group finished?
Merry