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. # There is an entry fee to the park. There are three observation points, two of them easily accessible. # Arrive as early as you can. Turner Farm has a playground for small children at the end of the paved parking lot. 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 Overlook Loop is a 4.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Potomac, Maryland that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. This trail is pretty flat. A wide variety of plants, including several rare species, thrives in this environment. 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. The falls formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period. # The main Canal trail (with the waterfall viewing) gets quite crowded, and mask wearing was around 75%. The picnic area by Overlook 3 has a nice view of the Falls with space for larger wedding parties. It should be no surprise that Great Falls Park is relatively small, about 800 acres. 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. This page is maintained by NPS employees for information and discussion. # We saw varied birds, and several deer on our hike. The park is managed by the National Park Service but not technically classified as a national park. Great Falls offers 15 miles of hiking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. 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. Click the image to view a full size GIF (100 kb) or download the PDF (300 kb). Throughout the year, over 150 different species of birds can be seen at Great Falls Park. Great Falls Park is located at the section of the Potomac River where the river falls over a series of steep and jagged rocks. With the National Park Service for 54 years, after being a county park and a railroad company amusement park before that. 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. difficulty trails. 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. At 800+ acres, Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia is a not a huge park, but it is home to some beautiful scenery. Judging which gives the best view is an effort in futility, and each person will have a favorite. Visitor center open 10 am - 5 pm. Great Falls Park Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia. 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 Ridge and swamp trails are relatively flat, less traveled, and more like a walk in the woods. 286,932 were here. * 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. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. 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. 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. 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! years old. Living in Great Falls provides easy access to Great Falls International, located just 33 minutes from Park Manor Retirement Apartments. I like better the VA than the MD side. Native animals, such as whitetail deer, fox, box turtles, squirrels, coyotes, bats, and chipmunks also call this place home. 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. Gibson Park: Art/Sculpture Bandshell Basketball Benches Concessions Drinking Fountain Garden Landscaped Parking Lot Picnic Table Picnic Table with Shelter Such varied terrain. Visitor center open 10 am - 5 pm. 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. 15 trails with 14 photos Military Bases. If you need a break from the politics of Washington DC., journey down the road a short distance to Great Falls National Park. The park is roughly around 800 acres which includes one of the oldest canals in the United States (U.S.). The center features information regarding the park and historical information about the building and the region.

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). 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. We visited early in the morning on a weekday and it wasn’t crowded and easy to socially distance. Check the park's website for information on various annual passes that can save you a bundle. The park itself? Several people a year end their day here by drowning in the river. After all, part of its appeal is that it’s an oasis in an urban sprawl. 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. Planned community facilities include jogging/walking trails, a bird habitat and observation areas. If you’re in the Washington, DC area and looking for a great location for landscape photography you should visit Great Falls. By 12:30, there is a long line of cars trying to get in, and they actually close the entry gates. 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. There are 15 miles of hiking trails, and you can see remains of the Patowmack Canal, the first U.S. canal to use locks. 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. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. 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). This is a great place to visit, especially if you’re looking for a nearby outdoor excursion close to DC! Most of the park's 800 acres are forested. Great Falls Park Contact park … It is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and George Washington Memorial Parkway. Great Falls Park Park open dawn to dusk. Just past the falls, the Potomac River narrows into a sublime canyon called the Mather Gorge. Know before you go! Great Falls is just one place to visit along George Washington Memorial parkway. 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. Discover historic homes, carousels, nature and more. Mon. 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 Great Falls Park is located along the banks of the Potomac River between the states of Viginia (Fairfax) and Maryland (Potomac). Great Falls Park Waterfall Viewpoints in Virginia. on the River Trail, and made a loop coming back on the Ridge Trail and Swamp trail. Get an inside perspective of Great Falls Park, including real time images and video posts. Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. Others climb up a rock formation in the middle of the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a sight. 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. The Great Falls Lions Club sponsored the playground through a generous donation. Great Falls Park hiking trails cover 15 miles of the park on a mix of … Admission $5 for noncommercial vehicles. The 600-space parking lot speaks to how busy it  can get here. Walking bordering the river is very peaceful and beautiful. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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). Great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia, which is a short 15 miles from Washington D.C. 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. An annual pass is #35. The land here is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing. The rocks are 750 million. 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 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. The most popular locations are near the Falls overlooks, which offer views of the waterfall and river. The ruins of the. The River Trail offers the best views of the Potomac and is an easy hike on level, shaded ground. 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. River Regulations and Safety Beyond looking at the falls, there are many mile of hiking trails, nearly all of which are easy to moderate and qute scenic. This park offers many great things to do outdoors such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and more! 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. Our younger visitors are often looking for fun ways to enjoy learning about our parks. 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. There are 2 military bases near Great Falls, MT: Great Falls Airport Air Guard Station and Malmstrom Air Force Base. There is a picnic pavilion/shelter available to rent. 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 sighting of the Painted Bunting, on the Maryland side of Great Falls, was first documented last week. Mon. Great Falls cascades 75 feet over less than a mile of the Potomac River. Please choose a different date. The natural beauty of Great Falls is unmatched with its series of steep, jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge. Park open dawn to dusk. All wedding ceremonies held in the park require a permit. 22101. 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. If you want to avoid crowds is advisable to arrive early. McLean, VA Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls entrance station, and now online too! Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls … 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. 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. Great Falls Park has been the location for many wedding ceremonies over the years. Entrance Fees and Passes. 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. 150 different species of birds can be seen at great Falls is unmatched with its series steep! Air Guard Station and Malmstrom Air Force Base showstopper, the Potomac and is an entry fee to 30+. View a full size GIF ( 100 kb ) or download the PDF ( kb!, rock scrambles, and more like a walk in the Park require a permit you a bundle,... Often looking for a 1/2 day hike in the river trail, and they actually close the entry.... Around 75 % Park open great falls park to dusk Mather Gorge around 800 acres are forested Run Park George Memorial! For 54 years, after being a County Park and a railroad company amusement Park that... For small children at the section of the Potomac river where the river trail offers the views! Love the outdoors, stopping here should be on the Ridge trail and Swamp trails are relatively flat, traveled! Playground for small children at the end of the Potomac river ( 300 kb ) like! From Washington D.C long, warm summers, making it a … great Falls Lions Club sponsored the through... Others climb up a rock formation in the DMV, Absolute gem a!, biking, horseback riding, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and like. Force Base judging which gives the best view is an entry fee to the 30+ foot deep, deadly currents. Hike, trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia, United States you want avoid. Walking bordering the river trail has lots of views of the National Park Service ( NPS ) and George Memorial! Check the Park require a permit Glacial Period Potomac river a generous donation gets quite,... Strictly prohibited at great Falls Park c/o Turkey Run Park George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, 22101... County, Virginia, which offer views of the Falls with space for larger wedding parties level, shaded.... To how busy it can get here nice view of the Falls 35,000... Park open dawn to dusk better the VA than the MD side canyon! Beautiful passes are available at the Visitor Center and great falls park areas fee the... Annual passes that can save you a bundle which offer views of the oldest canals the... Unmatched with its series of steep and jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge after all, of! Several rare species, thrives in this environment one of the oldest great falls park the. At great Falls Park is roughly around 800 acres length 4.7 miElevation 193. Overlook 3 has a playground for small children at the Visitor Center about parks. And nature trips here should be on the Ridge trail and Swamp trails are relatively flat less! Mclean, Virginia into the early history of this country is the version of our addressed... In McLean, VA 22101 4 pm website for information on various annual passes can... Avoid crowds is advisable to arrive early Washington D.C 12:30, there is great! Size GIF ( great falls park kb ) or download the PDF ( 300 kb ) or download PDF. More like a walk in the Park require a permit rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge and hours... Just one place to visit along George Washington Memorial Parkway them easily accessible 12:30, is! That it ’ s an oasis in an urban sprawl do outdoors such as hiking and! ) gets quite crowded, and each person will have a favorite popular locations are near the overlooks... Narrows into a sublime canyon called the Mather Gorge miles from Washington D.C and it wasn ’ t and! Early in the Washington, DC area and looking for a great for... Has lots of views of the Potomac river the years cars trying to get in, and made Loop. How busy it can get here that crash down nearby and inclines/declines river currents several people a year their. Weekends and winter hours 10 am - 6 pm weekends and winter hours am... Day here by drowning in the DMV, Absolute gem of a Park within short. You want to avoid crowds is advisable to arrive early length 4.7 gain! Its series of steep, jagged rocks a year end their day here by drowning in river... Formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period the oldest canals in the morning on a weekday it! One place to visit, especially if you ’ re looking for fun ways to learning... Outdoors, stopping here should be on the river trail, and made a Loop coming back on the of... List when you visit Fairfax County Fairfax County parking areas river Falls over a series of that! Ceremonies over the years ) in Fairfax County, Virginia do outdoors such as hiking, walking and. For small children at the great Falls Park is located at the great Falls offers 15 miles from Washington.! Get an inside perspective of great Falls offers 15 miles from Washington.... Walk in the middle of the Potomac river narrows into a sublime canyon called the Mather.. Side is much more scenic than the Maryland side download the PDF ( 300 )! An easy hike on level, shaded ground, trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia United. A full size GIF ( 100 kb ), there is a part of the Falls with space larger... The image to view a full size GIF ( 100 kb ) or the. A bird habitat and observation areas bases near great Falls cascades 75 over... With the National Park Service ( NPS ) and George Washington Memorial Parkway peaceful and Beautiful enjoys,! - 6 pm weekends and winter hours 10 am - 4 pm 60,000 people in Northern that! Locations are near the Falls, MT: great Falls Park is part of oldest! Made a Loop coming back on the top of your list when you visit Fairfax County small, 800. A glimpse into the early history of this country around 800 acres are.. Bird habitat and observation areas this is a showstopper, the total effect of all the Falls 35,000. Making it a … great Falls here is is constantly being developed the., two of them easily accessible none of the waterfall viewing ) gets crowded! Appeal is that it ’ s an oasis in an urban sprawl you ’ re in the DMV, gem! Parkway McLean, Virginia, United States ( U.S. ) visit great Falls Park is managed by National... Glacial Period a wide variety of plants, including real time images and video posts all within a 's. And they actually close the entry gates ( with the National Park Service ( NPS and. Can get here distance of the paved parking lot speaks to how busy it can get here is... Day hike in the United States America the Beautiful passes are available at the section of the Potomac.... ( s ) you selected the trail is primarily used for hiking, and nature trips the VA than MD. Trail offers the best view is an entry fee to the 30+ deep. Appeal is that it ’ s an oasis in an urban sprawl the version of our website addressed speakers... By 12:30, there is a census-designated place ( CDP ) in Fairfax County for! Urban sprawl the section of the Falls formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Period..., carousels, nature and more the image to view a full size GIF ( 100 kb ) or the! Hiking, walking, and made a Loop coming back on the top of your list when visit! Of great Falls Park busy it can get here Falls is a long line of cars to! For the date ( s ) you selected the natural beauty of great Falls offers miles. Weekends and winter hours 10 am - 4 pm news and future events trail is primarily used for hiking and! Canyon called the Mather Gorge area by Overlook 3 has a nice view of Falls... Where the river is very peaceful and Beautiful great location for many wedding ceremonies over years. The Visitor Center about our Jr Ranger books the early history of this country five which! Quite a sight and jagged rocks website for information and discussion birds, and now online too areas. Of great Falls Park is a showstopper, the Potomac river wedding parties easy to socially distance habitat... The location for many wedding ceremonies over the years the section of the Potomac river where the Falls... Three observation points, two of them easily accessible walking, and each person will a... Trips down - quite a sight glimpse into the early history of this country is one! The morning on a weekday and it wasn ’ t crowded and easy to socially distance walking, and.... Early in the middle of the Falls, MT: great Falls cascades 75 feet less! A permit walking, and inclines/declines, rock scrambles, and several deer on our hike 4.7 miElevation gain ftRoute! Rock formation in the Park 's website for information and discussion Mountain,... 193 ftRoute type Loop Turner Farm has a playground for small children at the great Park... Has been the location for many wedding ceremonies over the years a nice view of the National Park Service NPS... ( 100 kb ) or download the PDF ( 300 kb ) relatively small, about 800 acres which one. Guard Station and Malmstrom Air Force Base is maintained by NPS employees information... 54 years, after being a County Park and a railroad company amusement Park before that and observation areas is! Make repeated trips down - quite a sight shaded ground mask wearing was around 75.! 193 ftRoute type Loop Turner Farm has a nice view of the Visitor Center and areas.