Diffficult Run Stream Valley Park
"Big Muddy," the Midwest's pet name for the Missouri River, may just as well refer to the perpetually waterlogged Difficult Run trail system that winds through Fairfax, Virginia. Never have I run a path so muddy; so thoroughly foot soaking. It's probably to be expected, since the trail follows along one of the Potomac River's largest tributaries, but the endless pools and numerous stream crossings make for a sloppy workout, despite the lovely setting and remote feel of the place. Water notwithstanding, I've found the park to be an outstanding place to run.

Connecting Reston and the Potomac River--via the Rails to Trails system in western Fairfax-Difficult Run Stream Valley Park offers 11.5 miles of well-maintained but refreshingly remote multiuse (hiking, biking, horseback) trails nestled among the three million residents of northern Virginia. While the main trail is often a ten-foot-wide superhighway of dog walkers, baby strollers, and occasional horseback riders (it's one of the few horse trails in the Washington area), especially on the Potomac River loop, there are extensive side trails to be explored and nearly a dozen miles upstream that don't see nearly as much traffic as they should. The main entrance in Great Falls is easy to find and drops you off a few miles from the Potomac confluence at Mather Gorge.

From the parking lot on Georgetown Pike you've got a few options: follow the creek about a mile downstream to the river and loop back along the Ridge Trail (about four miles), or avoid the crowds and head up into the hills toward the source (more than ten miles). There's well worn trail in both directions, so you really can't go wrong; it's just a matter of how long you want to be out there and how many people you want to see along the way. The crowds tend to stay close to the parking lot and rarely venture upstream, where the trail is a little rougher around the edges.

It is worth noting that, in order to get to the southbound trailhead from the parking lot, you need to cross the creek itself. Sure, there are stepping stones when the water is not too high, but it can get hairy after heavy rains, so be prepared to pitch your southbound plans due to high water (especially considering that there are half a dozen similar crossings between the parking lot and Reston). Summer drought season or the dead of winter, I never seem to come home from Difficult Run dry.

I visited Difficult Run in late November and, as usual, found the steam too high to cross, so I ended up on the bustling Potomac-Ridge Trail loop. First and foremost, the scenery along the Run was drop dead stunning: gurgling whitewater, sweeping late-fall foliage, and well-maintained trails throughout the route. It was more than obvious where the main trail was, but I learned the hard way to explore the side paths at my own risk, as I got turned around on more than one occasion (less than obvious route markings are also a problem on the lesser-used southbound trail). The route has several nice hill climbs and some rocky spots that call for careful footing, but overall it is a nice beginner trail and not the most challenging run in the area. It has length, though, and offers a fun workout anyway.

The park is easy to get to from anywhere in the Washington area. Just take exit 13 off the Capital Beltway and turn west onto Georgetown Pike (Route 193) at the light. Twist and turn your way about five miles through Great Falls until you see the sign for Difficult Run Park on the left. The small gravel lot can only accommodate about 25 cars, and there are few alternatives if it is full, so get there early. Follow the stepping stones across the water for the longer trail, or head to the end of the parking lot for the northbound trailhead. The Ridge Trail loop series ends up across the street from the lot, so you can head up into the hills that way, too.

I enjoyed my time along Difficult Run and was excited to find such a scenic and expansive trail so close to the city. It is long, accessible, and it is reasonably "remote," so I give it a rare five Muddy Shoes out of five. Put this one on your list for the spring; it's a keeper.