Windy Run Park and Nature Trail is a 14-acre park in Arlington County predominantly surrounded by a forest and a small stream.
PHT sign at Windy Run Park
Known simply as "The Falls" by many locals, the Windy Run Park and Nature trails offer great hiking trails with excellent views of the river, a rock jumble, and a small waterfall on a segment of the Potomac Heritage Trail(PHT) near Washington DC.
This hidden gem is situated a little over two miles from Rosslyn Metro Station at 2420 N Kenmore St. The hike starts at the Windy Run park and passes under the George Washington Parkway before descending into a very steep section with metal rails to the Potomac. You can end your hike here or extend it by crossing the stream and continuing on the PHT towards Donaldson Run.
Alternatively, you can start the trail from Theodore Roosevelt Parking where they offer free parking. But if you are hiking on a weekend, I recommend that you arrive early as the lot fills up fast. The PHT trail is at the northern end of the parking lot near the paved Mount Vernon Trail. This portion of the trail follows the banks of the Potomac on a mostly shaded dirt path with frequent views of the river and Georgetown on the opposite bank. It then passes under the Key Bridge and exits the woods on the side of George Washington Parkway. The trail soon dips into the wooded riverbank, goes through a short bridge over the end of Spout Run where you can enjoy some nice views of Georgetown University and some boats on the river. The trail emerges at Windy Run near a large rock that creates beautiful waterfall and cascade.
Charity W. is a professional and skilled writer with a diploma in Mass Communication. When she is not glued to her computer screen, Charity spends her time reading, traveling, and watching movies. She is an expert on Arlington Virginia and keeps current with local events and occurrences.
