Big Bend campground is located on the South Fork of the Potomac River in Smoke Hole Canyon. The river carves the land making cliffs on both sides of the river banks 1,000 feet high. The campground sits on a little piece of flat land at a sharp curve in the river, almost bordering the campground on all sides. The best activities are swimming, fishing, and canoeing or kayaking the river (has small rapids). Hiking is near by but you have to get in your car. The campground is neat and clean with bathroom facilities (old but clean) and water spigots. Each campsite has a fire pit, picnic table, lantern post, and some sites have a tent pad. I gave this campground four stars because the campsites are close together with little privacy but the increadible natural scenery is well worth the trip.

This my favorite trail to take my children because there is great rock scrambling and climbing, fantastic views of the waterfall, river, and kayakers, and a big open old quarry to have a picnic and run around. This circuit hike is 3 miles long. There is also a small nature center inside the visitors center.

This beautiful trails runs along side Rock Creek with high ridges on both sides. A 4 mile circuit trail starts at the Nature Center and continues past a horse ring, along the top ridge and then down to the valley floor along the Creek. This hikes is best for elementary children who can hike 4 miles and hike a little bit of elevation.

This is a 5 mile circuit hike that is great for children 8+ years old. This hike provides some great views of the Potomac River and hiking along the rapid Difficult Run stream. There is a great hang out spot where Difficult Run enters the Potomac River.

This a beautiful county nature preserve with old growth trees on the Potomac River. This hike is jogging stroller friendly and great for preschoolers and elementary school children. The trail crosses Scotts Run twice on fun cement pilings. The trail leads to the Potomac River where Scotts Run ends as a waterfall. For a full review, read www.hikingalongtrails.blogspot.com - October 2009.