Security Presence At Scott's Run To Begin Memorial Day

MCLEAN, VA — To protect one of the Fairfax park system's few nature preserves, the Fairfax County Park Authority will step up enforcement of park rules at Scott's Run Nature Preserve in McLean starting Memorial Day.

Beginning on Monday, May 31, security will be present seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Since alcohol or glass bottles are not permitted in the park, bags and coolers will be checked at trailheads in the parking lot.

Enforcement will also be ramped up at the waterfall area for safety reasons. Visitors are reminded that swimming or wading are not allowed, as the area has dangerous currents and submerged rocks that can be deadly for swimmers. Anyone who enters the Scotts Run stream or the Potomac River is subject to fine, arrest or removal from the park, according to the park authority website.

According to the park authority, Scott's Run has seen visitors engage in activities that pose safety risks and a threat to the rare plant species at the nature preserve in recent years. In June 2019, Fairfax County Police charged six people with drunk in public and cited nine for swimming in a posted no-swim area. One was cited for having an open alcohol container.

Visitors are also asked to stay in the designated parking areas and not park along the roadway leading to the park. The parking areas at the two entrances are limited to 50 cars.

If the nature preserve is too busy to handle additional visitors, the park authority suggests other Fairfax County parks that can handle larger crowds, such as Burke Lake Park, Lake Accotink Park and Lake Fairfax Park. Another option is Riverbend Park, which has trails along the Potomac River.