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).
Wildlife Sightings
214 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Riverbend Park:
- Wood Duck
- Gadwall
- American Wigeon
- American Black Duck
- Ring-necked Duck
- Bufflehead
- Hooded Merganser
- Common Merganser
- Ring-billed Gull
- American Herring Gull
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Mar 2026 | 24 | Casey Pittrizzi |
| 2 Mar 2026 | 11 | Casey Pittrizzi |
| 1 Mar 2026 | 22 | Ulrich Baxa |
| 28 Feb 2026 | 4 | Violet Ayers |
| 27 Feb 2026 | 22 | Kim Hewitt |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & 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.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily, check website for hours
Contact Information:
- Fairfax County Park Authority: 703-759-9018
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.