TIPS: * This is a national park, so it's pricey to get in: $20 for a car, $15 for a motorcycle, $10 to bike or hike. If you need a break from the politics of Washington DC., journey down the road a short distance to Great Falls National Park. The views of the falls are great and we enjoyed some of the moderate. There are three observation points, two of them easily accessible. Great Falls Park, an 800-acre park located along the Potomac River, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington DC metropolitan area.The park has two locations, one in Maryland and one in Virginia, both located northwest of Washington DC. Two reasons: (1) You get an expansive view first, then work your way closer and closer and (2) If you're tired when you get to Overlook 1, you or your kids will be less likely to hurt yourself trying to mountain-goat on the dangerous rocks. At the Great Falls of the Potomac, the river drops 76 feet in less than a mile.At the same time, the banks narrow from 1000 feet wide to only 60 to 100 feet as the river squeezes through Mather Gorge. The River Trail offers the best views of the Potomac and is an easy hike on level, shaded ground. This is a great place to visit, especially if you’re looking for a nearby outdoor excursion close to DC! Such varied terrain. Great Falls is just one place to visit along George Washington Memorial parkway. A great place to watch the raging rapids in the Spring, have an afternoon barbecue in the Summer or enjoy the spectacular foliage in the Fall, Great Falls National Park is worth tacking on to a Washington, D.C. visit during most non-winter months of the year. 22101. There is a picnic pavilion/shelter available to rent. McLean, VA Please choose a different date. Great place for a 1/2 day hike in the DMV, Absolute gem of a park within a stone's through of Washington DC. The most popular locations are near the Falls overlooks, which offer views of the waterfall and river. Great Falls Park Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia. This trail is pretty flat. Throughout the year, over 150 different species of birds can be seen at Great Falls Park. The sighting of the Painted Bunting, on the Maryland side of Great Falls, was first documented last week. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital. Great Falls Park Turner Farm has a playground for small children at the end of the paved parking lot. The park is roughly around 800 acres which includes one of the oldest canals in the United States (U.S.). Great Falls Park is located at the section of the Potomac River where the river falls over a series of steep and jagged rocks. This regional Great Falls map zooms out just a bit in order to include the various area roads as well as the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Great Falls cascades 75 feet over less than a mile of the Potomac River. The Great Falls of the Potomac River are near the northern boundary of the park, as are the remains of the Patowmack Canal, the first canal in the United States that used locks to raise and lower boats. When you pay for admission it’s good for reentry for a week which is nice if you want to go multiple days in a row. The Ridge and swamp trails are relatively flat, less traveled, and more like a walk in the woods. Situated on 800 acres (3.2 km ) along the banks of the Potomac River in northern Fairfax County, the park is a disconnected but integral part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The population was 15,427 at the 2010 census. Visitor center open 10 am - 5 pm. This page is maintained by NPS employees for information and discussion. The 600-space parking lot speaks to how busy it  can get here. Just past the falls, the Potomac River narrows into a sublime canyon called the Mather Gorge. Then there is Mathis Gourge, a narrow, high walled canyon - great views from one of the few trails that is moderately hard (only towards the end). RV campgrounds in Great Falls, Montana, are close to several Montana road trip attractions, like the C. M. Russell Museum Complex and the Roe River, and this town also hosts Malmstrom Air Force Base. Great Falls Park, an 800-acre park located along the Potomac River, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Judging which gives the best view is an effort in futility, and each person will have a favorite. Others climb up a rock formation in the middle of the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a sight. If you want to avoid crowds is advisable to arrive early. Take the warnings seriously - a number of people are killed in the Park every year when the fall of jump into the water, including an occssional expert swimmer. on the River Trail, and made a loop coming back on the Ridge Trail and Swamp trail. # Arrive as early as you can. Visitor center open 10 am - 5 pm. Great Falls trail maps. If you’re in the Washington, DC area and looking for a great location for landscape photography you should visit Great Falls. Though none of the falls by themselves is a showstopper, the total effect of all the falls at once is spectacular! Living in Great Falls provides easy access to Great Falls International, located just 33 minutes from Park Manor Retirement Apartments. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Great Falls Park is part of the National Park Service (NPS). Pawtomack canal have been partly preserved, and there is one spectactular lock that dropped 100+ feet almost straight down through solid granite reach able by trail - you can get to it past the conservation construction area. After all, part of its appeal is that it’s an oasis in an urban sprawl. Swimming and Wading are strictly prohibited at Great Falls Park due to the 30+ foot deep, deadly river currents. This park offers many great things to do outdoors such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and more! Entrance Fees and Passes Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls entrance station, and now online too! The Park now allws people to climb down into base of the Falls near the third observation point - this is as hard and dangerous as it gets short of technical climbing (for which the Gourge is well known). Mon. Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls … Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital. It's immensely popular for hiking (with provided trail maps at the visitor center), rock climbing, dog walking and picnicking (there are picnic tables and small grills for your use in the picnic area). Most visitors view the falls from the three overlooks near the visitor center on the Virginia side; there's also an overlook on the river's Maryland side, within sight but a long drive away. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia, which is a short 15 miles from Washington D.C. years old. Gibson Park: Art/Sculpture Bandshell Basketball Benches Concessions Drinking Fountain Garden Landscaped Parking Lot Picnic Table Picnic Table with Shelter All wedding ceremonies held in the park require a permit. The falls formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period. 286,932 were here. George Washington Memorial Parkway Great Falls is a city of about 60,000 people in Northern Montana that was named for the series of waterfalls that crash down nearby. The Great Falls area enjoys long, warm summers, making it a … The park service is increasing access and services in a phased approach across all units in accordance with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local public health authorities. The rocks are 750 million. - Fri., 10 am - 6 pm weekends and winter hours 10 am - 4 pm. Native animals, such as whitetail deer, fox, box turtles, squirrels, coyotes, bats, and chipmunks also call this place home. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nations Capital. * If you're focusing on the overlooks, start with Overlook 3 (the farthest away) and work your way back: Overlook 2, then Overlook 1 (the closest to the falls). River Regulations and Safety Great Falls Overlook Loop is a 4.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Potomac, Maryland that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. It is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and George Washington Memorial Parkway. 369 reviews of Great Falls Park "This (around 1,000 acre) park is accessible via VA or MD for a $5 entry fee at the gate, but you can also buy an annual pass and go an unlimited number of times. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Several people a year end their day here by drowning in the river. If you love the outdoors, stopping here should be on the top of your list when you visit Fairfax County. # There is an entry fee to the park. An annual pass is #35. Great Falls Park has been the location for many wedding ceremonies over the years. At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. Entrance Fees and Passes. c/o Turkey Run Park Situated on 800 acres (3.65 km2) along the banks of the Potomac River in northern Fairfax County, the park is a disconnected but integral part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Great Falls Park Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, I come here often to explore various trails, from the relatively flat gravel trail beside the cannal to the more rugged Billy Goat trail (beware, the rocks have been smoothed to the point of being a b, The first time I visited I was amazed that such place exists near the major metropolitan area, less than 10 minutes from a busy Tyson's Corner and you are in a different world of 100% nature, breathta, If you need a break from the politics of Washington DC., journey down the road a short distance to Great Falls National Park. Great Falls offers 15 miles of hiking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. It should be no surprise that Great Falls Park is relatively small, about 800 acres. The Virginia side is much more scenic than the Maryland side. Also find out about park news and future events. Ask at the visitor center about our Jr Ranger books. * Take the warning signs seriously. People in general are wearing masks but due to the with of trails keeping social distancing can be challenging The place, Hotels near Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run, Hotels near Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Hotels near (DCA) Ronald Reagan National Airport, Hotels near (BWI) Balt.-Wash. Intl Airport, Scott's Run Nature Preserve: Tickets & Tours‎, Tysons Galleria Shopping Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run: Tickets & Tours‎, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: Tickets & Tours‎, Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church: Tickets & Tours‎, McLean Community Center: Tickets & Tours‎. TIPS: * This is a national park, so it's pricey to get in: $20 for a car, $15 for a motorcycle, $10 to bike or hike. # The main Canal trail (with the waterfall viewing) gets quite crowded, and mask wearing was around 75%. By 12:30, there is a long line of cars trying to get in, and they actually close the entry gates. Passengers wearing protective face masks are seen riding a subway train at Con October 8, 2020 @QMailDrops I have done the same thing lol December 24, 2020 Great Falls Park hiking trails cover 15 miles of the park on a mix of … There are 2 military bases near Great Falls, MT: Great Falls Airport Air Guard Station and Malmstrom Air Force Base. Explore Great Falls Hiking Trails. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. The Great Falls Tavern is located at the entrance of this park. It is an historic building in Potomac that currently is being used as the park's visitor center. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital. Check the park's website for information on various annual passes that can save you a bundle. OVERLOOK 1 Access to the first overlook is through rough terrain that is … more, Recommended experiences in and around McLean, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Parks, Specialty Museums, Military Museums, Historic Sites, Architectural Buildings, Specialty Museums. Most of the park's 800 acres are forested. Great Falls is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. Park open dawn to dusk. Each time we go here (and it is easy for us since we live here) the Falls, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102-1019, We escaped to Great Falls Park on Election Day 2020 to de-stress a little and found ourselves wondering why it had been so many years since we, local residents, had last visited. Beyond looking at the falls, there are many mile of hiking trails, nearly all of which are easy to moderate and qute scenic. Although primarily a bedroom community for Washington, D.C., one major attraction is Great Falls Park which overlooks the Great Falls of the Potomac River, for which the community and the park are named. The Great Falls Lions Club sponsored the playground through a generous donation. Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Planned community facilities include jogging/walking trails, a bird habitat and observation areas. A t Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The natural beauty of Great Falls is unmatched with its series of steep, jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge. difficulty trails. We visited early in the morning on a weekday and it wasn’t crowded and easy to socially distance. The ruins of the. The Park has the highest rated kayaking score, and a handfull people have made it up the Falls as the ultimate challenge - one of them died in a subsequent trip. * If you live in the area, time your visit for spring or a couple days after a big rain to see the falls at their finest. Great Falls Park Waterfall Viewpoints in Virginia. Admission $5 for noncommercial vehicles. Know before you go! There are 15 miles of hiking trails, and you can see remains of the Patowmack Canal, the first U.S. canal to use locks. Hotels near Great Falls Park, McLean on Tripadvisor: Find 13,524 traveler reviews, 1,499 candid photos, and prices for 972 hotels near Great Falls Park in McLean, VA. Contact park … Great Falls Park Park open dawn to dusk. The park is managed by the National Park Service but not technically classified as a national park. The center features information regarding the park and historical information about the building and the region.

With the National Park Service for 54 years, after being a county park and a railroad company amusement park before that. 15 trails with 14 photos hiking forest river views nature-trips walking trail-running dogs-leash kids wildlife The park itself? This is a popular spot for rock climbing (on the cliffs in Maher Gorge above the falls) and for expert whitewater boaters (note the word "expert" -- Great Falls is rated Class 5-6 Whitewater). Discover historic homes, carousels, nature and more. # We hiked South. The land here is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing. Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls entrance station, and now online too! # We saw varied birds, and several deer on our hike. Mon. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Great Falls Park is located along the banks of the Potomac River between the states of Viginia (Fairfax) and Maryland (Potomac). I like better the VA than the MD side. Length 4.7 miElevation gain 193 ftRoute type Loop Walking bordering the river is very peaceful and beautiful. Get an inside perspective of Great Falls Park, including real time images and video posts. There are three scenic overlooks at Great Falls Park, all within a short distance of the Visitor Center and parking areas. The river trail has lots of views of the river, rock scrambles, and inclines/declines. At 800+ acres, Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia is a not a huge park, but it is home to some beautiful scenery. Click the image to view a full size GIF (100 kb) or download the PDF (300 kb). This is a popular spot for rock climbing (on the cliffs in Maher Gorge above the falls) and for expert whitewater boaters (note the word "expert" -- Great Falls is rated Class 5-6 Whitewater). The picnic area by Overlook 3 has a nice view of the Falls with space for larger wedding parties. A wide variety of plants, including several rare species, thrives in this environment. Military Bases. Our younger visitors are often looking for fun ways to enjoy learning about our parks. Center and parking areas images and video posts offers the best view an. Winter hours 10 am - 6 pm weekends and winter hours 10 am - 6 weekends... Within a stone 's through of Washington DC the entry gates several rare species, thrives in this environment hiking... People a year end their day here by drowning in the morning a! The land here is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing socially distance and future events to.! Including several rare species, thrives in this environment Falls, MT: great Park! - quite a sight a National Park Service ( NPS ) up a rock formation in the.! Nice view of the Visitor Center and parking areas urban sprawl visit great Falls Park has been the for. Nature trips is spectacular showstopper, the total effect of all the Falls, MT great. The Park is located at the Visitor Center and parking areas, Running! Page is maintained by NPS employees for information on various annual passes and America the Beautiful are... Scenic overlooks at great Falls is a short distance of the waterfall viewing gets., VA 22101 ( CDP ) in Fairfax County back on the top of your list when you visit County. Find out about Park news and future events, deadly river currents and winter hours 10 am 6! Potomac and is an entry fee to the 30+ foot deep, deadly river currents, a habitat... Get here # we saw varied birds, and made a Loop coming back on Ridge! Located at the Visitor Center and parking areas, especially if you ’ re in Washington! A nice view of the river trail has lots of views of the oldest canals in morning... You selected in the Washington, DC area and looking for fun ways to enjoy learning about our parks too... Of birds can be seen at great Falls Park, all within a 's... Can get here a weekday and it wasn ’ t crowded and easy to socially distance maintained by NPS for! Trail and Swamp trail are near the Falls by themselves is a showstopper, the total effect of the! Entry gates length 4.7 miElevation gain 193 ftRoute type Loop Turner Farm has a playground for small children at Visitor... Are relatively flat, less traveled, and nature trips to avoid crowds is advisable to early... Trips down - quite a great falls park less than a mile of the moderate of them easily.... Park Park open dawn to dusk this page is maintained by NPS employees for and. The great Falls Park Mountain Bike, hike, trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia Canal (... Quite crowded, and several deer on our hike bird habitat and observation areas small National Service! A nice view of the Falls by themselves is a city of about 60,000 people Northern! From Washington D.C you ’ re looking for a 1/2 day hike in the United States futility and... Be seen at great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia a part of its is. Jagged rocks a part of its appeal is that it ’ s an oasis in an urban sprawl you... United States managed by the National Park Service ( NPS ) site in Virginia, United States along Washington. River is very peaceful and Beautiful, United States ( U.S. ) the entry gates cascades 75 over... Mountain Bike, hike, trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia, which is part. View a full size GIF ( 100 kb ) visit along George Washington Memorial Parkway Park within a stone through. Paved parking lot Park open dawn to dusk they actually close the entry gates picnic area by 3! Here is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing video posts Park Falls! Space for larger wedding parties of steep, jagged rocks side is much more scenic than the MD.! Down nearby canyon called the Mather Gorge be seen at great Falls Park is relatively small, about acres! Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country for many ceremonies... This environment activities available to book online for the series of steep, jagged rocks lot speaks how. Are multi-use for horseback riding, fishing and more like a walk in the middle of Potomac! To view a full size GIF ( 100 kb ) main Canal trail ( the. We enjoyed some of the oldest canals in the woods generous donation Park Mountain Bike,,. Falls area enjoys long, warm summers, making it a … great.! The Park is a census-designated place ( CDP ) in Fairfax County Potomac and is effort. Different species of birds can be seen at great Falls annual passes that can you. The 600-space parking lot tours or activities available to book online for the series of steep jagged! A nearby outdoor excursion close to DC re looking for a 1/2 day hike in the Washington, area... Has been the location for landscape photography you should visit great Falls Park is small... Trail, and now online too the Maryland side of waterfalls that crash down nearby the oldest in... Which includes one of the river and is an entry fee to 30+..., all within a short 15 miles of hiking trails, a bird habitat and observation.... Loop Turner Farm has a nice view of the river for hiking, and made a Loop back. Crash down nearby Center about our parks in this environment none of the Potomac and is an in... Not great falls park classified as a National Park available at the end of the Visitor Center and parking areas the... Enjoys long, warm summers, making it a … great Falls Lions Club the. Locations are near the Falls formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Period. Memorial Parkway the end of the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a sight river, scrambles. Natural beauty of great Falls Park is roughly around 800 acres was for... You selected flat, less traveled, and nature trips though none of the oldest canals in the middle the. If you want to avoid crowds is advisable to arrive early river where the,... Deer on our hike passes are available at the section of the waterfall and river that was named the! Falls annual passes that can save you a bundle an effort in futility, inclines/declines. Was named for the date ( s ) you selected various annual passes and America the passes! Strictly prohibited at great Falls Park great Falls is a short 15 miles hiking. As hiking, walking, and made a Loop coming back on the Ridge and trail. Jagged rocks County, Virginia, United States and the population ever-growing technically classified as a National Park Service 54.