Riverbend Park

Description

This park consists of a mature deciduous forest bordering the Potomac River. This stretch of the river is an interesting counterpoint to the drama of Great Falls. Rock islands interspersed in the river provide beautiful contrast to the placid flow of the river.

An extensive trail system and a visitor center provide excellent facilities to enhance wildlife viewing. This site provides excellent opportunities for viewing eastern deciduous bird species in the fall and spring, and waterfowl along the Potomac River in winter. A 14-acre tall grass meadow provides viewing opportunities for songbirds and butterflies. Bald eagle and osprey are two of the typical birds found here. Extensive butterfly gardens around the visitor center provide good viewing opportunities as well.

For wildlife viewing by water, canoe and kayak rentals are available seasonally (May – October).

Directions

From Previous Site on the Great Falls Loop of VBWT:

From Great Falls National Park, return on Old Dominion Rd to Georgetown Pike/SR 193. Go north (right) on SR 193 for 0.3 miles and turn right on River Bend Rd. Travel 2.2 miles and turn right on Jeffrey Rd. The entrance is 0.8 miles from the turn, on the right, and the nature center is another 0.6 miles from the entrance.