Maryland
Nature|Waterfalls

This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Washington DC

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve near Washington DC offers clear water, scenic hiking trails, and a beautiful waterfall.

Published Aug 17, 2016

Written by 

Maura

Washington DC is known for many things. Gorgeous water is not really one of them. The Potomac is often brown and even our lakes can be a bit dark. But there is one hidden gem that is the exception to that dark, murky water rule. It's hidden right outside of the city and you won't believe how gorgeous it is. This swimming spot has the clearest water near Washington DC.

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is in McLean Virginia, not far outside of Washington DC and is a favorite hiking and swimming spots for locals.

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Yelp/Daniel B. M.

There are several different trails throughout the park and all hikes are easy for beginner hikers.

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Yelp/ Sahar R.

Even though its right off of 495, Scott’s Run is extremely quiet and peaceful natural oasis.

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Yelp/Alice W.

The water sparkles and you can see straight down to the rocky bottom along the river.

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Yelp/Alice W.

The main attraction is some of the prettiest water in the area.

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Yelp/Jesse T.

While swimming is technically illegal at Scott’s Run, that doesn’t stop too many people.

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Flickr/Joseph Bylund

Especially around the gorgeous waterfall which is a perfect spot to cool off during a hot day.

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Yelp/Jesse T.

Scott’s Run is an amazing place to escape on a hot day, splash around in beautiful clear water and take in the gorgeous waterfall.

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Yelp/Crystal X.

For even more summer fun, be sure not to miss this epic swimming hole near Washington DC.

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Nature|Waterfalls

These 7 Breathtaking Waterfalls Are Hiding Near Washington DC

Discover seven hidden waterfalls near Washington DC for a peaceful escape into nature.

Updated Jan 23, 2023

Written by 

Maura

City living is great, but sometimes you need to take a break from the crowds and get out into nature for a little peace, quiet, and natural beauty. These seven beautiful hidden waterfalls near Washington DC will give you a beautiful escape from the city when you need it. If you got here by typing something like waterfalls near me into your browser, look no further: these gems are where it's at!

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1. Great Falls

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Flickr/Stan Mouser

Great Falls in Virginia does its name justice, this gorgeous cascading waterfall is within 20 miles of the district. After your hike, you can kayak or canoe the area. Learn more about Great Falls in this article.

2. Kilgore Falls

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Flickr/Mark S

Kilgore is Maryland’s second highest free-falling waterfall. This is a short hike and you can swim at the bottom of the falls. Check this article out to learn more about Kilgore Falls.

3. Whiteoak Canyon

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Karen Blaha/Flickr

Located inside Shenandoah National Park, Whiteoak Canyon offers stunning views of the lower and upper falls. Parts of the hike are steep and not great for beginning hikers but those who are up to the task will be rewarded. Check this article out for more details Whiteoak Canyon.

4. Dark Hollow Falls

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Flickr/Shenandoah National Park

Also in Shenandoah National Park, Dark Hollow Falls is a quicker and easier hike than White Oak Canyon. One of the more iconic and popular hikes in the area. Learn more in this previous article about Dark Hollow Falls!

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5. South River Falls

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Tyler/Flickr

South River Falls is one of the most picturesque falls in Shenandoah. South River Falls has lots of smaller falls and cascades that add up to a gorgeous view. Check this article out for more information on South River Falls.

6. Cunningham Falls

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Flickr/Walt Stoneburner

Cunningham Falls is a 78-foot cascading waterfall in Catoctin Mountains just an hour outside of DC. For longer trips, there is a campground, playgrounds, picnic areas and a lake for swimming not far from the falls. Get all the important details in this article about Cunningham Falls.

7. Cascade Falls

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Courtesy of Wikimedia/Ben Myers

Cascade Falls in Patapasco Valley State Park in Maryland is an easy hike that leads to several smaller waterfalls almost as soon as you get onto the trail. On hot days, you can splash and wade in the pools on the trail for a refreshing stop. Learn more about this breathtaking natural wonder in this article about Cascade Falls.

Which waterfall near Washington DC will you be scoping out ASAP? Don’t miss even more amazing hikes around DC!

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Nature|Waterfalls

Everyone In Washington DC Must Visit This Epic Waterfall As Soon As Possible

Kilgore Falls in Rocks State Park, Maryland, offers a stunning and lesser-known waterfall experience near Washington DC.

Published Oct 18, 2016

Written by 

Maura

Almost everyone in Washington DC knows about Great Falls, the incredible waterfall just outside of the District. But if you travel up a few hours north to Rocks State Park near Pylesville Maryland, you will find another epic waterfall. Not many Washingtonians make it up to Kilgore Falls but once you’ve seen how beautiful it is, you’ll want to make a trip immediately!

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After making the drive to Pylesville, about two hours north of the city, you will head towards Rocks State Park.

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You can take the Falling Branch Trail to Kilgore Falls. The entire area of Falling Branch Trail was once a meeting place for Susequhannock Indians. The land was relatively unknown until the state purchased it in 1993.

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Flickr/ars5017

The Falling Branch Trail is a moderate 1.3 mile loop that leads past Kilgore Falls before looping back down around.

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Flickr/Adam

The trail is not difficult and it takes about half a mile to hike to the falls.

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Yelp/Amy B.

Even though the hike is short, it is worth spending some time at the falls because they are spectacular.

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Flickr/HdG Photography

At 19 feet high, Kilgore Falls is Maryland’s second highest free falling waterfall.

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Flickr/Mark S.

Not only is Kilgore Falls beautiful but it’s also famous. They were featured in the 2002 Disney movie, Tuck Everlasting.

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Flickr/Dave Buchhofer

The falls are gorgeous any time of year but many people believe they are most picturesque in the winter when the water crashes through the snow.

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Flickr/Fred Brundick

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Kilgore Falls, you will never forget the breathtaking beauty of nature there. The address for directions to the parking lot is: 1026 Falling Branch Rd, Pylesville, MD 21132.

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Flickr/Bart

After visiting this epic waterfall near Washington DC, visit these six other beautiful falls near the district.

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