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Difficult Run

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Difficult Run

Things to Do around Difficult Run

Difficult Run is a region in Northern Virginia, encompassing a 57.7-square-mile watershed in Fairfax County that drains into the Potomac River and flows through parts of Great Falls Park. This area features diverse landscapes, including forested areas, rocky crags, and a narrow, cliff-lined valley leading to the Potomac River. The varied topography and extensive trail system make it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, jogging, and more. It offers a significant natural escape with a mix…

75

Routes

4.5

(70)

Average rating

967

People visited

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Hiking in Difficult RunSee all
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5.0

(3)

26

hikers

Red Loop Trail

4.57km

01:12

30m

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy
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6

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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1

hikers

3.86km

01:01

30m

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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1

hikers

3.23km

00:49

10m

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5.0

(1)

35

riders

7.38km

00:38

60m

60m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5.0

(2)

39

runners

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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13

runners

12.0km

01:15

100m

100m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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3.0

(2)

10

riders

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Explore the region

Easy hikes around Difficult Run

Most popular attractions in Difficult Run

Places to see

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Fair Oaks

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in Difficult Run?

The Difficult Run region offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, jogging, touring cycling, and gravel biking. The area features a diverse trail system with both dirt and paved sections. More than 10,000 visitors have explored routes in Difficult Run.

What are the main hiking opportunities in Difficult Run?

Difficult Run provides scenic hiking options, including a 4.9-mile (7.9 km) roundtrip trail that offers views of the Potomac River and Great Falls. Hikers can also access trails within Great Falls Park from Difficult Run. For more details, refer to Hiking around Difficult Run.

Are there easy hiking trails in Difficult Run?

The Difficult Run area includes options suitable for various skill levels. Some trails are considered easy, providing accessible outdoor experiences. Information on less strenuous routes can be found in the Easy hikes around Difficult Run guide.

Where can I find road cycling routes in Difficult Run?

The Difficult Run region is popular for road cycling, with routes connecting to the broader Fairfax Cross County Trail. Specific options are highlighted in the Road Cycling Routes around Difficult Run guide. The area offers varied terrain for cyclists.

Are there mountain biking trails in Difficult Run?

Mountain biking is a popular activity in Difficult Run, with a secluded 12-mile (19 km) trail along Difficult Run from Reston to Great Falls Park. This trail offers both fast, smooth rides and sections requiring technical skills. Details are available in the MTB Trails around Difficult Run guide.

What are the best jogging routes in Difficult Run?

The extensive network of trails in Difficult Run makes it suitable for jogging and running. The 4.9-mile (7.9 km) Difficult Run loop is a notable option for runners. More routes can be explored through the Running Trails around Difficult Run guide.

What natural features can be seen in Difficult Run?

Difficult Run offers spectacular views of the Potomac River and the dramatic Mather Gorge cliffs. The region features varied topography, including forested areas, rocky crags, and a narrow, cliff-lined valley. It also contains four man-made lakes: Lake Anne, Lake Fairfax, Lake Thoreau, and Lake Audubon.

How does Difficult Run connect to Great Falls Park?

Difficult Run is a tributary of the Potomac River and flows through parts of Great Falls Park. The Difficult Run trail provides direct access to Great Falls National Park, allowing visitors to explore additional trails within the park.

What is the average rating for routes in Difficult Run on komoot?

Routes in Difficult Run have an average rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 700 users who have shared their experiences in the region.

Are there komoot guides available for Difficult Run?

Yes, komoot offers several guides for Difficult Run, covering various sports. These include guides for Hiking, Road Cycling, Mountain Biking, and Running.

What is the official contact information for Difficult Run?

As Difficult Run is primarily a natural region, there is no single official website. For information related to the Difficult Run watershed, contact Fairfax County Public Works and Environmental Services at 703-324-5500. For Great Falls Park, which the Difficult Run trail enters, refer to the National Park Service website.

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