Hike 40:Great Falls Park, Virginia

Hike 40 was my first hike in Virginia, not only for the 52 Hike Challenge, but my first Virginia hike ever. There is certainly a lot more to explore in the state, but I was glad to spend the day with my wife, sister, brother in law, and my newest nephew in such a beautiful place.

great-falls-park-vaHike 40 stats:
Date: September 27, 2016
Weather: 75°F, clear
Distance:  2 miles
Time: 1:48
Total Ascent: 138′
Highest Elevation: ′
Highlights: Waterfalls, potholes, nephew’s first hike!

We parked at the visitor’s center, picked up some patches, and chatted with the rangers for a few minutes before heading out to see the falls.Great Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAAfter checking out the overlooks of the falls we continued on the River Trail along Mather Gorge. Much of the area was once under water and the current formed what were described as pot holes – the swirling of water carved huge holes in the rock that now sits along the trail.Great Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAWe followed the River trail for a bit , then took a connector over to the Matildaville Trail and checked out some ruins and the old canal holding area.Great Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park, VADespite the waterfalls, the river and the cool ruins – I was most excited to be part of my newest nephew’s first hike, and his first visit to a National Park. We also took him to his first Irish pub afterwards to celebrate.