McLean's Best Parks: Scott's Run Nature Preserve

It's summertime, which means it's time for outdoor fun. But where are the best places to go in McLean for your summer fun needs? We're highlighting the best McLean has to offer when it comes to public parks.

Located at 7400 Georgetown Pike, Scott's Run Nature Preserve is an excellent showcase of the area's natural beauty.

From the spring wildflowers that blanket the forest floor to the rare and fragile plants that grow along cliffs to the beautiful stream cutting through the park, the nature preserve attracts visitors from miles around.

The park is located next to the Potomac River almost in the shadow of the American Legion Memorial Bridge. There's plenty of hiking for nature enthusiasts, with some trails gently winding through the forest, while others create a stiffer challenge going up steep hills and cliffs.

"Hiking the trails of Scott’s Run can be challenging, requiring a hardier constitution than possibly any other park in Fairfax County," according to the website. "In many places the trails descend sheer bluffs, and visitors must carefully pick their way down rocky cliffs. The rugged terrain is part of the charm of Scott’s Run. Austere, rocky crags and bluffs are covered by delicate wildflowers and sit beside soft gurgling streams. It is a dichotomy that entices hikers to explore the hollows and ridgelines in order to experience firsthand one of Fairfax County’s most diverse natural landscapes."

Visitors to the park are banned from entering the Scott's Run stream itself, as it is much too dangerous to swim.

The park offers a number of programs, including bird watching walks and watershed programs for children.

The park is open from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset every day.

Image via Fairfax County