The Potomac River Gorge Trail: A Globally Rare Environment. Enjoy a self-guided, two-mile hike along the Potomac River. Fourteen trail stops reveal secrets of the Potomac River Gorge. Begins in the Riverbend picnic area, near 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls, and ends at Great Falls Park. Daily and free of charge. Offered from 7 a.m.-dusk. Ages 8 and up. Call 703-759-9018.
Evening Walking Group. An evening walking group for adults meets each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., S.E. The walk is three miles long, along local trails and scenic paths. The program is free, and registration is not required. Call 703-255-6360.
Birthdays on the wild side at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls. Choose to explore the world of reptiles and amphibians, uncover clues about forest animals, dig into dinosaurs, take an archeology adventure or go on an insect safari. Call 703-759-9018. For ages 3-11. Reservations required.
Duff and stuff trail guide: Families can take the bag and hike a quarter-mile trail and use the clues to investigate the habitat at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls. From noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. Free. Donations appreciated. Call 703-759-9018.
Nature Escapes: Take part in self-guided activities from noon-5 p.m. at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls, Wednesday-Monday. Free. Call 703-759-9018.
Scavenger hunt is available for all ages at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls, from noon-4 p.m. on Wednesdays-Mondays. No reservations needed. Recommended for families and scout groups. Free. Call 703-759-9018.
Falls Walk. Take a 30-minute walk with a ranger to Overlook 2 at Great Falls Park, exploring the park's natural and cultural aspects. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Visitor Center desk. Saturdays and Sundays from 1-1:30 p.m. Call 703-285-2965.
Ranger Talks. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. during the weekends; see the daily program schedule for weekday times. Join a ranger at Overlook 2 to learn more about Great Falls Park and the Potomac River at Great Falls Park. Check daily program schedule for times during the weekdays. Call 703-285-2965 for more information. Free.
Bird-Watching. Rain or shine on Sundays from 8-10 a.m. Join an informal group of bird-watchers to catch a glimpse of resident and migratory birds in Great Falls Park. Meet in the Visitor Center courtyard dressed for the weather. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.