Difficult Run is a tributary stream of the Potomac River in Northern Virginia in the United States. The area has had many historical uses dating back to the early 1800s. Today, the area is used recreationally by visitors interested in the watershed's variety of options including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, climbing, and bird watching. The wildlife at Difficult Run is vast as 163 different species can be seen depending on the season. There are 41 different soil types found on the trail and alongside the stream. The stream is part of the greater 57.7- square-mile Drainage basin, or watershed, located in the north-central portion of Fairfax County and drains directly to the Potomac River.
Difficult Run flows through Fairfax County to Great Falls Park, on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. The portion of the run through the park has been characterized as "a miniature Mather Gorge and Great Falls." The stream picks up speed as it narrows into a steep gorge with waterfalls and quickly reaches the same level as the Potomac. At the mouth of Difficult Run, one can see a panoramic view of the Potomac River.
Historical and cultural usage
The Difficult Run is a tributary stream of the Potomac River that resides in Northern Virginia. The tributary stream is about 15.9 miles long. The stream is located in Fairfax County and drains right into the Potomac River. It is named not for the nature of the stream's rapids themselves; rather, long-boatmen in the time of the Patowmack Company found the two sharp bends of the Potomac near Difficult Run's mouth treacherous.
Historical usage
Mills
One of the Mills that is along the trail is Tolston's Mill. This mill was located on the east side of the trail. The Madeira School currently owns this specific mill now. Leigh Mill was once located on the west side of the trail and was once used to grind and produce corn in flour during the late 1800s. Colvin's Mill, which is currently a part of Colvin Run Mill Park, used to be managed by Fairfax County Park Authority. Brown's Mill was located on a tributary of the trail. Brown's Mill was right across from Beulah Road.
Pikes and roads
Old Georgetown Pike developed into a state highway in June 1974. The pike was a route followed by colonists and Indians where commerce was brought from Loudoun County and the Shenandoah Valley to Georgetown. Another road that went along the trail is the Old Leesburg Pike. This pike initially went through the Difficult Run on the northern side of the current bridge. General Braddock utilized the old highway during the French and Indian Wars where he marched his troops throughout the road on their way to Fort Duquesne. The old access to the bridge is still visible, but not currently in use.
Houses and taverns
The Thomas Peacock house is still currently located on the eastern part of the Difficult Run. This land was once owned by George Washington. After Washington owned it the Sheppards bought it from him and built the house on this land in the early 19th century. The 18th Century Miller's house stands on the Difficult Run and was built by the miller of the mill on Hunter Mill Road. Wiley's Tavern is located on the south side of current Leesburg Pike.
Other sites
There are various other sites along the trail, which include Drover's Rest, Old Quarry, Old Dominion Drive Bridge, Colvin Run Village, and Day Family Cemetery.
Modern usage
Today the trail is used for hiking, biking, sightseeing, etc. The stream also is known for its various rapids that flow down it. The different rapids are all classified differently as one goes farther down the stream. The seven rapids that occur in the stream all have classifications that range from Class III to V. The Difficult Run is also famously known for its views of the Potomac and Mather Gorge cliffs.
Recreation
Recreational activities at Difficult Run include hiking, biking, climbing, boating, fishing, and sightseeing. The watershed itself encompasses a few parks and trails originating in Reston and reaching all the way to the Potomac River, at the end of the Difficult Run trail in Great Falls. Additionally, Difficult Run offers access to Great Falls National Park from certain areas of the trail, adding to the options for recreational activity.
