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Turkey Run Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 446 Google reviews · Running trail in McLean, Virginia · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Turkey Run Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceLoopScenicHillyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

What runners say about Turkey Run Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (446 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“Downside of this trail is that it isn’t well maintained and there are some big time grassy and thorny areas.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“If you’re looking for a calm, beautiful place for hiking, walking, or just spending time in nature, Turkey Run Park is absolutely worth a visit.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, with lots of shade perfect on warmer days.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“It’s peaceful, green, and has a great mix of wooded trails and river views that make it feel like a real escape without going far.”

👟 good for all levels 3 mentions

“Easy trail to reach the Potomac Heritage trail except for a spot where you have the cross a river walking on rocks.”

Take a U turn instead of taking left towards park head quarters & head towards the exit after Turkey Run park board. Park at C1 or C2. Restrooms are available near parking. The trails start near C1 . American Legion trail is a quick loop with stairs . Theodre roosevelt trail is in the way of this trail.

★★★★☆ — Sai , Aug 2021

This was an awesome hike for our family to take. Beautifil scenery throughout the whole area. Hard to believe this is where it is. We look forward to going back here soon. I would really like to see it in the fall and winter months.

★★★★★ — John , Aug 2020

Great little hiking spots with a few steep climbs. It has a few trails - Heritage Trail, Dead Run, American Legion Bridge - all along the Potomac. Park at C1 and head down hill to access the trails. The American Legion Bridge trail is rocky in a spot with a little waterfall.

★★★★★ — Ace , Aug 2020

It has great easy to medium trails. It also has lots of small wildlife like toads and can be quiet peaceful. After rainy days, be prepared for fallen trees, muddy trails, and an overflowing river.

★★★★☆ — Eli , May 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 446 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“It’s peaceful, green, and has a great mix of wooded trails and river views that make it feel like a real escape without going far.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 6 mentions

“Fairly easy, but there is a steep decline, with stairs, so for some it's a bit more challenging.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 4 mentions

“After rainy days, be prepared for fallen trees, muddy trails, and an overflowing river.”

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🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“Not five stars due to dirty bathrooms and insufficient trail signage (some of the fallen trees had trail markers) Overall, would come and hike again before heading to Scott's Run.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It’s peaceful, green, and has a great mix of wooded trails and river views that make it feel like a real escape without going far.”

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🔁 Loop trail 3 mentions

“The loop was more challenging than expected with fallen trees and slippery rocks but the view of the small water falls is great.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“The parking lot was not full when we went last Saturday, 11/15/2025.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“Not five stars due to dirty bathrooms and insufficient trail signage (some of the fallen trees had trail markers) Overall, would come and hike again before heading to Scott's Run.”

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Turkey Run Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • Websitenps.gov
  • Phone(703) 289-2500
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–10 PM
Thursday 6 AM–10 PM
Friday 6 AM–10 PM
Saturday 6 AM–10 PM
Sunday 6 AM–10 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Turkey Run Park

Turkey Run Loop Rd, McLean, VA 22101

Get directions

Running trails near McLean

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Little Falls Stream Valley Park

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Scenic, 160-acre woodlands featuring a play area, picnic facilities & trails for hiking & biking.

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Scott’s Run Hiking Trail

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Battery Kemble Park

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This 1861 park has remnants of a Civil War battery that held a parapet & 100-pound Parrott rifles.

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Haycock Longfellow Park

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4.1 miles away

Wesley Heights Trail

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Pimmit View Park

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0.5 miDog-friendly

4.3 miles away

All running trails in McLean, VA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.