Enforcement Of Scott's Run Nature Preserve Rules To Begin For Summer Season

MCLEAN, VA — As more visitors head out to hiking trails this summer, enforcement of park rules will begin at Scott's Run Nature Preserve in McLean.

Each year, the Fairfax County Park Authority reminds visitors of the rules for the 336-acre nature preserve, which is located between Georgetown Pike and the Potomac River. In particular, visitors are reminded that swimming, wading, and alcohol are not allowed.

There have been reports of rule violations in the past, including a 2019 incident with public drunkenness and swimming violations.

The park authority staff and Fairfax County Police will enforce the park's rules starting Memorial Day weekend. That includes bag checks at parking lot trailheads to ensure coolers, alcohol or glass bottles are not brought into the park.

Enforcement will be ramped up at the waterfall area, which the park authority said has dangerous currents. Swimming, wading and boating are not allowed at Scott's Run. The park authority says submerged rocks and currents can make entering the water dangerous, and rain coming from upstream can make water levels rise quickly. Crowding in the water can also threaten invertebrates and rare plant species at the nature preserve, according to the park authority.

Visitors are also asked to stay in designated parking areas, which are limited to 50 cars. Parking is not permitted along the roadway on Georgetown Pike or adjacent neighborhoods. Visitors must also keep dogs leashed in the park.

Visitors who violate the rules may be removed from the park and restricted from future use, according to the park authority. A full list of rules for Scott's Run Nature Preserve is available online.