Scotts Run Nature Preserve
Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a public kayak and canoe launch on the Potomac River near McLean, Virginia.
Harmful algal blooms reported on Potomac River 310 m from this launch (state reports compiled by U.S. EPA): 2019.
state reports compiled by U.S. EPA · checked October 20, 2026
Status not reported No closure has been posted for this launch, but its agency does not publish open or closed status. Check with the managing agency before you tow.
At the launch
- Type
- Carry-in (canoe and kayak)
- Car parking
- Medium lot
- Restrooms
- No
- Coordinates
- 38.96776, -77.20275
Conditions
- Weather forecast for this launch · National Weather Service
On the river
Low-head dams drown people every year: the current below the drop circles back and holds a swimmer or a boat at the face. Portage around them; stay well clear above and below.
- Rapids, 0.1 mi downstream: Stubblefield Falls. · USGS GNIS falls and rapids (The National Map Gazetteer)
- Rapids, 0.5 mi upstream: Calico Rapids. · USGS GNIS falls and rapids (The National Map Gazetteer)
- Low-head dam, 4.6 mi downstream: Little Falls Dam. · Virginia DCR run-of-river and low-head dams
- Falls, 5.8 mi downstream: Little Falls. · USGS GNIS falls and rapids (The National Map Gazetteer)
Up to 10 river miles each way, from the agencies' inventories; not every hazard is listed and rivers change. Scout before you go.
Sources: USGS GNIS falls and rapids (The National Map Gazetteer), Virginia DCR run-of-river and low-head dams.
On Potomac River
River in Virginia. All launches on Potomac River.
Community
Where people who use Potomac River talk about it.
Nearby launches
- Anglers Inn - River · 1.6 mi · Potomac River
- Anglers Inn - Canal · 1.7 mi · Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
- Great Falls Park · 3.3 mi · Potomac River
- Aqueduct Lock 20 - Canal · 3.4 mi · Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
- Aqueduct Lock 20 - River · 3.4 mi · Potomac River
- Lock 7 Boat Ramp · 3.4 mi · Lock 7
Sources
- Virginia DCR Water Access Points (statewide public access inventory, Virginia Outdoors Plan) record -77.2028,38.9678 · Public data (Virginia DCR), 'for planning purposes only'; credit Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Recreation Planning and Recreational Resources
Why it is listed as public: listed by Virginia DCR Water Access Points (statewide public access inventory, Virginia Outdoors Plan). Something wrong, or is this launch private? Send a correction; it goes to a person.