Windy Run Park

One of the best little hidden gems for a hike in the Arlington area. The trail entrance is at the end of a cul de sac so most days there’s plenty of parking.

The trail is really nicely developed for being so close to DC. There’s a stream that runs through the wooded area with footbridges and railings for more difficult spots. The trail takes you under the George Washington Parkway and then to a beautiful ~35 ft. Waterfall that leads down to the banks of the Potomac.

At the bottom you can split off in either direction to walk along the river. To the right you’ll have great views of Georgetown and the Key Bridge.

Awesome place for a quick afternoon hike without having to go to Great Falls or Shenandoah.

If you take the wooden bridge to the right, you could technically do a loop as the top of the falls as the half way point. Just be careful as it’s steep and rocky if you go that route compared to crossing the river.

A short yet sufficiently challenging trail (maybe mentally more than physically) leading to a waterfall. There are lots of places where you’ll need to climb on rocks to get across the creek. There’s a very steep rock staircase but there’s a study railing the entire way down. Everyone was very respectful and wearing masks. Lots of families with small children! Even if you don’t go far into the trail, there is a lot of beauty to take in.

Fantastic hike down a rocky creek, under the GW Parkway to a large waterfall and the Potomac Heritage Trail at the River. It is a bit of traffic noise from the parkway, but the solitude makes up for it

Great hike, just the right amount for our young family of four. About 2 miles from Roosevelt Island parking, great picnic spot under the waterfall.

One of my favorite parks in arlington! If you take the trail all the way down there is beautiful little waterfall and the Potomac! It is very much a 'natural' hike so be careful where you step!

Beautiful and serene, Windy Run is tucked away in a quiet corner of Arlington. It's a 10 minute hike to the river, where the views are amazing.

Beautiful, local hike! A lot more scrambling and climbing than I expected, but fun. Took an hour for 2 miles with stops to admire the glory.

Really nice little hike down to the Potomac. Cool waterfall and great views of the Key Bridge and Washington Monument when you get down to the water and walk a bit north. Steep steps

Love this place, quick ten minutes from the concrete jungle. Reminds me of home. The bridge needs some serious warning signage and non slip floor grips, when wet it's extremely slippery.

Great trail and waterfall that connects with Potomac Heritage Trail! The handrail down the stone steps just got replaced and is now sturdy enough to use.

The park is nice, although is in itself not overly impressive. However, it is a nice break from the urban environment, and once you reach windy run waterfall on the bank of the Potomac, it's well worth the visit! Do continue along the Potomac heritage trail running alongside the river. It is a very nice walk (or run), and will take you to additional smaller water falls (in the western direction). Paw paw fruit, in season in early August, grow wild on this trail.

Great wooded park in the middle of Arlington! Generally not very crowded on weekdays. Parking is somewhat limited but you can usually find a spot in the neighborhood. There is sort of a loop trail, and if you go down the poorly maintained steps, you can access the river and Potomac Heritage Trail. Great for a short hike, running, fishing, picnic!

Loved this little hidden gem! There are some modestly difficult rock scrambles and some steep stairs but the little oasis at the end is worth it. Perfect if you are looking for a short yet fun hike.

Nicely redone as of August 2018. Great access to the water and to the Potomac Heritage Trail.

Nice place for a morning walk or run. Calm and quiet. There are no provisions around so carry some water if you do go here.

A great trail to walk along the Potomac with views of a waterfall. Be aware that it's not a simple walking trail, but has crossings via rocks in the creek, no railings in places, and stepping bewteen or on large rocks, etc.

Perfect place when you want hiking but are also lazy😝

A little too rough for a person in a cast! Trail weaves back and forth across the creek. Ends with the most amazing cliff and little waterfall at the Patomac. We saw crew boats up close. Never realized how fast they move!

Trail is closed for renovations and stream restoration. The sign says work was started 9/17, estimated completion date 3/18. Try Potomac Overlook or Chain Bridge until then. We went to Gulf Branch, which is beautiful and convenient, but the descent to the Potomac is practically vertical.