10 Thoughts to “Need to Decompress? Try Great Falls”

  1. Posting As Pinko
    January 13, 2010 at 8:14 am

    Great Falls is amazing! Would love to be up to visiting it in the cold.

    There’s actually nothing like hiking in the snow and winter–completely different mood than walking in “nice” weather. You see and experience things most people don’t get to. It’s worth the triple layers!

  2. Poor Richard
    January 13, 2010 at 8:50 am

    Indeed, the Great Falls of the Potomac are amazing, but use
    caution near the cliffs and river due to slippery rocks and the rapids,
    especially if you are with younger children.

    PW Forest Park is also good for winter walks as is Manassas Battlefield
    Park.

  3. IVAN
    January 13, 2010 at 9:03 am

    Too cold for fishing. I’ll wait ’till spring.

  4. GainesvilleResident
    January 13, 2010 at 9:22 am

    As nice as Great Falls is – you wouldn’t get me there in this weather!!!! However, I agree, it’s a great place. Hiking in snow and cold is not my thing though.

  5. GainesvilleResident
    January 13, 2010 at 9:24 am

    Agree with PR – the Battlefield is really great – and has been pretty the past few weeks while it was snow covered. PR has a point about lots of dangerous areas of Great Falls. Many people have underestimated the current of the river there and met with bad consequences as a result.

  6. Moon-howler
    January 13, 2010 at 9:35 am

    I was suggesting the observation deck. Nothing more strenuous.

    If I go, I will do the observation deck and then get back in the car.

  7. Posting As Pinko
    January 13, 2010 at 9:58 am

    Yeah, Great Falls does have a warning with a sign tallying the number of deaths per year. Stick to the main trails and you’re okay.

    The Battlefield is awesome in the winter, especially when there is snow on the ground. The solitude provides an excellent environment for meditation.

    If you don’t want to treck snowy trails, Bristoe Station is an excellent experience. The trail is blue stone and rarely muddy. Good history there–they have recently added a kiosk.

    Brentsville Courthouse has an excellent nature trail, too, but it has some inclines that rather scare me in the icy months.

  8. GainesvilleResident
    January 13, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Moon-howler :
    I was suggesting the observation deck. Nothing more strenuous.
    If I go, I will do the observation deck and then get back in the car.

    OK, that sounds more in line with what would be reasonable for this kind of weather. Right now, the past few weeks – it was enough for me to take 20 minute walks with the dog outside around the neighborhood – which I usually find relaxing, but in this weather found that I couldn’t wait to get indoors toward the end.

  9. Moon-howler
    January 13, 2010 at 7:13 pm

    This winter has been particularly miserable, hasn’t it?

  10. Rick Bentley
    January 13, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    Nice place to spend some time.

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