riverbend park

JohnBGreatFallsVa

This is a great park; we can just walk to it. It is not as thrilling as its neighbor, Great Falls Park, but it is wonderful. The scenery is fantastic during every season. Inhaling that sweet fresh air is reason enough to go all by itself.

leahkc17

Great trails and gorgeous views of the river. I had a great run there! I definitely recommend trying it if you are in the area. It connects to Great Falls park.

SeatOfMyPntsTravelr

The traffic back-up for the National Park was ridiculous so we parked here instead. You can catch the trail to the Falls from this location and get there in about 40 minutes of walking. Very nice facility with picnic and decks filled with adirondack chairs.

kukula

We love spending time at Riverbend. You can rent boats and canoe the potomac. If you hike the trails, they will lead you into Great Falls Park (virginia side). We have taken our son fishing there and hiking trails are great. There are some nice picnic tables, some with grills.

jeffl499

Hidden along the Potomac River, Riverbend Park is a challenge to find; but once there, it is difficult to leave. The Potomac approaches from the north through a gorge, falling rapidly over 130 feet through a series of falls to the south. This is the tranquil entrance to the gorge with considerable space to kayak, fish or simply relax. For a moderate price, kayaks and fishing poles are available to help enjoy a delightful spring, summer or fall day. Bring a picnic and a blanket to stretch out. There is an adjoining nature center (separate entrance) that can be rented for small groups to observe the surrounding wildlife in internal and external cages. You will return to Riverbend!

L-Bolek

This is a lesser-known park than its neighbor Great Falls Park. The hike along the river from Riverbend to the Falls will take about 35-40 minutes, and pass by the dam. The park has a small visitor's center (sells fishing gear, too, and has a small native/nature exhibit), boat launch, and hosts special events like Native American festivals, Virginia Bluebell festival, with themed crafts, or animal presentation, puppet show, and other activities available. My kids love it.

RestonVoyager

I met some friends at Riverbed so we could walk our dogs in a different area. I was impressed by Riverbend Park. I liked that there are different trails, so I could choose one that was a little easier to navigate. Humans and canines enjoyed the trip. The worst thing about the place is that it is hard to get there and signage is somewhat hit or miss.

dcshoe

A little further up river than Great Falls on the VA side, much quieter. Room for the kids to run around, a short hike along the river to GF park. OK for kid fishing.

realbigbear

Riverbend Park is a Fairfax County Park. It is supposed to charge a fee to all non-Fairfax county residents, but I have never seen the entrance station occupied, except for "special events." This park abuts Great Falls Park, and it is easy to walk between the two (about 1.5 miles along the Potomac River between the Visitor Centers. There are easy hikes in the park, including some going upstream along the river that extend well beyond the Park's boundaries. As others have noted, there is a boat ramp at the Park, and, in the spring and summer, canoes and kayaks can be rented. The Park is well worth a visit. Be sure to check the directions to the Park.

599robs

Riverbend Park offers views of the Potomac River, and there's also a boat launch ramp. There are hiking trails that go to the North ans the South (the southern one connects to nearby Great Falls National Park). There's a small visitor's center with a few exhibits on Native Americans and local flora and fauna. There is an "honor system", with a pay box asking for $2 per car.This park is much less crowded than Great Falls National Park. While it doesn't have any waterfalls to view, there's still great views of the river and good hiking. It's definitely worth a visit.

MirzaA163

With its sibling within walking distance (The Great Falls National Park), Riverbend does not draw as much a crowd as Great Falls, still it is a nice park with boat launch and fishing possibilities plus many trails. The environment is somewhat similar to Great Falls but it is not so popular since access longer (a bit longer drive for outsider - non locals). The river view are however better for those who wish to get closer to water. Being less crowded professors and brainiacs may like it better

theleesons

A great picnic in the park. The restrooms were nice, the views of the river were pretty good. They were offering hay rides with a tractor whenever there was a group that was willing to pay for it. Great spots for out door activites, hiking and whatnot. Plan to go again sometime