I spent the last day of nice weather out hiking.

Great Falls. The best waterfall-ish feature northern Virginia has to offer.
At least it was a nice hike with good company!

I can see Maryland!
We went down the riverside trail first. It had many rocks to scramble over, and went right along the river at points, giving a great view. Someone had attempted to take their baby carriage down it, but turned back – A wise decision. We also saw someone wearing a suit with sneakers. He takes his hiking very seriously.
Other than going off the trail briefly, it was very straightforward, inclines and declines, built up steps, and lots of rocks.
When we headed back, we took the carriage trail, which was super easy. It got a bit crowded there – I have never seen so many people out on one trail.

Observing the locals. Apparently the main thing Great Falls is good for is instagram posts.
I suppose it is a nice spot for the city folk to get out and about. I’m not a hiking expert, but my judgement is that it was a relatively easy hike. The majority of it was literally a wide path built through the woods. Lots of other people thought it was challenging though, and there were people equipped with those hiking sticks.
Once we got past the north dam, the people thinned out a bit. I guess they didn’t want to go too far. We walked all the way up to the visitor’s center for the adjoining park.
In total, it was probably 6 miles. It was very nice, but I ended up getting home too late to ride. With daylight savings time now in effect, I don’t have much riding time. And then it started raining! I think I used up my last nice day of fall… I won’t be able to ride again until next spring. Waaaaaahhh.
(Although we are looking into lights for the arena now. Just when I think I have everything I need, suddenly there’s way more things that I need. It always happens that way.)
DIY Horse Ownership
Why can’t you ride until spring?
Courtney
DIY Horse OwnershipI don’t get home until after it gets dark now, and I have no lights :'(
Moritz
Absolutely beautiful pictures. This hike mus have been totally amazing 🙂
emma
that looks like a really nice hike! maybe next year….
Courtney
emmaaww, you’re so sad! You need that leg to heal for so many reasons!
CallyJumps
The harder Great Falls hiking in on the MD side, on the Billy Goat Trail. It’s s great dog-walk hike on the VA side though, we pretty regularly take our dog up into Riverbend park, which also has some nice trails.
Courtney
CallyJumpsI’m going to have to try the Maryland trail then! or just bring my dog, I bet he’d love it.
CallyJumps
CourtneyThe MD side is fun; there’s one part of it at Carderock, which is less crowded but also less difficult (the dog has done it with me) and then the main part of it actually involves a small bit of real climbing, and is up at the MD-side Great Falls park and is usually pretty busy. I always see a ton of folks there with dogs, I think it’s a pretty popular spot for that.
the clueless but curious rider
Love this trail! Also come hang out with hellomylivia and I in Leesburg if you need some horse time this winter! 🙂
Courtney
the clueless but curious riderYou’ve talked me into it! I’m open to anytime!
the clueless but curious rider
CourtneyYessssss let me sync up with her and I’ll ping you!
the clueless but curious rider
CourtneyWhat do Sundays look like for you typically?
Courtney
the clueless but curious riderSundays usually look good for me!
the clueless but curious rider
CourtneyKk! I think hellomylivia is out of town in ny for the holidays but after that I think we’re free! How does dec 13 look?
Courtney
the clueless but curious riderThat’s perfect! I’m marking it down!
the clueless but curious rider
CourtneyYayyyy!! So excited! I’ll let hellomylivia know ASAP
the clueless but curious rider
CourtneyHey! Are we still on for Sunday? I’m thinking around 2p? (my email is steinedm@gmail.com if that’s easier)
Courtney
the clueless but curious riderSunday at 2 sounds good! I’m going to email you, I was trying to figure out the best way to connect haha