Riverbend Park Visitor's Center

Calm place to walk/run/enjoy. Visitor center restrooms work despite everything still in winter mode. Flowers will begin to bloom in a week or so. Parking and park itself - free. Gates close at 6:30 sharp - don't get stuck.

This park is a hidden gem that's off the beaten path and offers wonderful river views, walking trails, picnic areas, boat rental and direct river access, and a visitor center. I've found that it's quite peaceful here.

It's free to enter (except when they have special events) and there is ample parking onsite. BONUS: From this park, you can access neighboring Great Falls Park for free by walking mostly flat 1.2 miles via Potomac Heritage Trail to the northernmost parking lot of Great Falls Park, then another .7 miles to Overlook 3, the southernmost (and furthest) overlook of the park's three overlooks.

The "Potomac Heritage Trail" towards Great Falls down south is rocky in a few places, not stroller friendly, elderly may find it difficult. Views of the Potomac river is very nice. Best time to visit is both spring and fall.

This is a beautiful park just above Great Falls Park. There’s no entry fee, it has some nice picnic areas, and you can walk the trail along the river down to Great Falls. At a leisurely pace, I think it only took about 45min or so. About halfway down the trail, there’s a place to stop and enjoy the view of the river and maybe even have some snacks.

The trail also continues north of the parking lot if you prefer to explore away from Great Falls.

This is our go to place for riverside walks on good terrain. There are some steep sections on the inland detour but most folks can handle it; I use hiking poles to avoid slipping.
Or you can turn around and go back past the Visitors Center and walk downstream too.
The bluebells are predominantly on the riverside path going upstream from the Visitor's Center.
You can see the "Abe and Abby" eagle nest across the river. There will be people photographing it so it's hard to miss near where the trail from the Nature Center comes down.

I almost feel bad about grading this place so high because I would love for it to keep that low crowd and great vibes going for them. Originally, the plan was the Great Falls park, but I didn't want to be dealing with a bunch of people all over the place, especially during the weekend. Please make a small donation to keep that place afloat.

Had a great day exploring and kayaking in this area. The boat launch is nice and large with plenty of parking. Fun for the whole family. One of my favorite State Parks

It was the first time my friend and I went to this beautiful park and it was nice! First they do have a couple of parking lots and if you get there before 12 PM EST you might actually get a parking spot on a weekend. Then they have restrooms, visitor center with this cool outdoor lounge chairs, and a spot to rent a kayak as well. There are several picnic tables for a nice gathering with friends and family. I noticed three trails at this park but there could be more either way hiking the one close to the river was peaceful but busy on a sunny weekend. There are several benches along the paths to sit and enjoy the beautiful river views. I would definitely recommend you hike here because it has plenty of views, parking and well maintained trails!

A beautiful place to walk through. Virginia bluebells we're starting to bloom everywhere. It's generally a flat, compact path but there are spots that are rocky and a bit troublesome to get through if you're not careful. There is ample parking most of the time and you won't likely be by yourself during your whole walk, but it is peaceful and people are pretty respectful since they're also there to enjoy the nature.

From Riverbend, if you are so inclined, you can walk right into the Great Falls park (no admission fees) and to the visitor center. It didn't seem to be open, but I was able to buy a candy bar from a vending machine and walk a little bit to the first overlook point (~2 miles from Riverbend to there). Be aware that between the two parks there are larger, somewhat awkward patches of rocks to navigate through before you get to the easier to traverse packed dirt trails. I found poles helpful for these areas. When wet, they can be quite slippery. Wear good sneakers or better yet, a nice pair of hiking shoes/boots and you will be fine. I've walked this path around 3-4 times now and find it's becoming a regular. Beautiful water views, ample shade, and wildlife to watch along the whole trail.

Good place to spend your evening. River side trails has beautiful river view. Park benches are available to sit and enjoy the view. Kayak rentals are available during day time. Trail takes you to great falls. Only Limited parking and gate closes at dark or 8:30.

Super nice. One of the best trails I've ever been to. It's amazing. But be aware... since it's close to water, there are very many bugs and snakes... I almost fainted after looking at this snake size of my arm.... good luck hikers...

When we don't park at Great Falls Park we come here and take the walk to Riverbend. Definitely a great hike and trails gets Cesar's nose to hunt out new scents

I enjoyed the hike very much started from riverbend park to lead to great falls park a little Dusty but about good 3.5 miles hike not too steep!!

It was my first time at this park. Went there to check it out. From what I saw the park is very nice. Was told it has 5 walking trails. The place is absolutely nice. I hear the trails are more than 2 miles some go around the lake. You can rent life jackets and kayaking boats. Parking fills up fast and security is at the entrance to control the amount of cars that enters the park.
Will be back later after the sun has gone down.

One of my favourite parks to bike to and walk around through. Though the Potomac Heritage Trail follows the river up to that point, the trail is very poorly maintained. Going through to Great Falls Park along the trail is very rewarding as you evade the entrance fees by walking around 1.5 miles to the park. It follows the river again, and you pass many neat rock formations, the dam, massive trees, and other trails to turn off.

In Riverbend Park in the summer, there are kayak and small boat rentals which I have never personally used, but they are super popular. There is a small nature and interpretive centre which is worth a visit. Attached is the convenience shoppe and nature store (I purchased a small piece of petrified wood) with snacks (crisps, granola bars, bottled juices and water) and across the way are the restrooms and water fountain. Beautiful scenery from pristine forest to river and hills all around. Open most days of the year from sunrise to sunset, just 15 miles or so from D.C. Picnic tables and benches are everywhere, along with a designated grilling area, so the park is perfect for cookouts and whatever else you might like to do. Fishing is encouraged, but a valid license is required, and occasionally VDGIF officers will roam but rarely.

Beautiful park along the Potomac. This is a great way to park for free and avoid the traffic accessing Great Falls-it's a short hike downstream along the Potomac Heritage Trail to the falls. It has chairs for relaxing and watching the river, a fully-stocked store, flush toilets, and a dog dish at the water fountain.

Best price for Kayaking in the area! The view is stunning and the instructors/staff were very friendly and helpful. They seem to love what they do, and with this being my first time kayaking, I appreciate that they took the time to make sure I knew what I was doing and felt safe while doing it. I definitely recommend kayaking here and cannot wait to go back!

We recently visited this park, it's a nice area with view of Potomac river, it do have a nice hike from there to great falls park, it's kids and pet friendly hike.

Hiked the trail today. It was very nice. A big loop through woods along the Potomac and through fields where folk were bird watching. Varied terrain and elevations. Connectors/trails between Great Falls Park. Some folk were riding horses along the trails. There was one area that the red markers were harder to see where the bootleggers trail crosses over the connector trail. But we were able to reroute.

At the parking area, there was a patio, bathrooms, areas to sit and eat.

Such a fun park with plenty of parking, picnic benches and barbecues. It sits right on the river and the trails are very well-maintained. There’s a wonderful little spot just off the end of the left hand parking lot that leads down to a natural area put together by the local Girl Scout troop! See the pictures