Others climb up a rock formation in the middle of the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a sight. Great Falls cascades 75 feet over less than a mile of the Potomac River. The ruins of the. A wide variety of plants, including several rare species, thrives in this environment. An annual pass is #35. difficulty trails. Turner Farm has a playground for small children at the end of the paved parking lot. The population was 15,427 at the 2010 census. Visitor center open 10 am - 5 pm. 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. 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. 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. 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 The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great place for a 1/2 day hike in the DMV, Absolute gem of a park within a stone's through of Washington DC. Great Falls Park is part of the National Park Service (NPS). Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls entrance station, and now online too! 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 is an entry fee to the park. This is a great place to visit, especially if you’re looking for a nearby outdoor excursion close to DC! I like better the VA than the MD side. River Regulations and Safety The picnic area by Overlook 3 has a nice view of the Falls with space for larger wedding parties. Great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia, which is a short 15 miles from Washington D.C. 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. Great Falls offers 15 miles of hiking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. 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. Judging which gives the best view is an effort in futility, and each person will have a favorite. * 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). All wedding ceremonies held in the park require a permit. 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. By 12:30, there is a long line of cars trying to get in, and they actually close the entry gates. Great Falls Park Park open dawn to dusk. The river trail has lots of views of the river, rock scrambles, and inclines/declines. 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. Most of the park's 800 acres are forested. on the River Trail, and made a loop coming back on the Ridge Trail and Swamp trail. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. * Take the warning signs seriously. Throughout the year, over 150 different species of birds can be seen at Great Falls Park. With the National Park Service for 54 years, after being a county park and a railroad company amusement park before that. This page is maintained by NPS employees for information and discussion. Get an inside perspective of Great Falls Park, including real time images and video posts. 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. Also find out about park news and future events. Please choose a different date. Walking bordering the river is very peaceful and beautiful. Several people a year end their day here by drowning in the river. 22101. If you want to avoid crowds is advisable to arrive early. 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. Admission $5 for noncommercial vehicles. c/o Turkey Run Park There are three scenic overlooks at Great Falls Park, all within a short distance of the Visitor Center and parking areas. 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. Discover historic homes, carousels, nature and more. 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. The Great Falls Lions Club sponsored the playground through a generous donation. Entrance Fees and Passes. Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. Great Falls is just one place to visit along George Washington Memorial parkway. 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’re in the Washington, DC area and looking for a great location for landscape photography you should visit Great Falls. 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. There are 15 miles of hiking trails, and you can see remains of the Patowmack Canal, the first U.S. canal to use locks. Length 4.7 miElevation gain 193 ftRoute type Loop 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 land here is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing. The most popular locations are near the Falls overlooks, which offer views of the waterfall and river. 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). We visited early in the morning on a weekday and it wasn’t crowded and easy to socially distance. Great Falls is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. 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 trail is pretty flat. 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 Great Falls area enjoys long, warm summers, making it a … 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. The park is roughly around 800 acres which includes one of the oldest canals in the United States (U.S.). Check the park's website for information on various annual passes that can save you a bundle. 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). It should be no surprise that Great Falls Park is relatively small, about 800 acres. Our younger visitors are often looking for fun ways to enjoy learning about our parks. The falls formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period. Great Falls Park Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. 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. Gibson Park: Art/Sculpture Bandshell Basketball Benches Concessions Drinking Fountain Garden Landscaped Parking Lot Picnic Table Picnic Table with Shelter Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. The center features information regarding the park and historical information about the building and the region.

Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls … Visitor center open 10 am - 5 pm. Living in Great Falls provides easy access to Great Falls International, located just 33 minutes from Park Manor Retirement Apartments. 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. The Virginia side is much more scenic than the Maryland side. Such varied terrain. - Fri., 10 am - 6 pm weekends and winter hours 10 am - 4 pm. Click the image to view a full size GIF (100 kb) or download the PDF (300 kb). At 800+ acres, Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia is a not a huge park, but it is home to some beautiful scenery. Though none of the falls by themselves is a showstopper, the total effect of all the falls at once is spectacular! The Ridge and swamp trails are relatively flat, less traveled, and more like a walk in the woods. hiking forest river views nature-trips walking trail-running dogs-leash kids wildlife 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 trail maps. Just past the falls, the Potomac River narrows into a sublime canyon called the Mather Gorge. 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 is a city of about 60,000 people in Northern Montana that was named for the series of waterfalls that crash down nearby. There are 2 military bases near Great Falls, MT: Great Falls Airport Air Guard Station and Malmstrom Air Force Base. This park offers many great things to do outdoors such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and more! # We saw varied birds, and several deer on our hike. # Arrive as early as you can. 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 Great Falls Park is located along the banks of the Potomac River between the states of Viginia (Fairfax) and Maryland (Potomac). 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). The natural beauty of Great Falls is unmatched with its series of steep, jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge. It is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and George Washington Memorial Parkway. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Great Falls Park Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia. George Washington Memorial Parkway Great Falls Park hiking trails cover 15 miles of the park on a mix of … OVERLOOK 1 Access to the first overlook is through rough terrain that is … Mon. The park itself? years old. 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. Military Bases. 15 trails with 14 photos Great Falls Park After all, part of its appeal is that it’s an oasis in an urban sprawl. 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. Great Falls Park Waterfall Viewpoints in Virginia. 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. 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). # The main Canal trail (with the waterfall viewing) gets quite crowded, and mask wearing was around 75%. The sighting of the Painted Bunting, on the Maryland side of Great Falls, was first documented last week. 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. The River Trail offers the best views of the Potomac and is an easy hike on level, shaded ground. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. 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! 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. 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. # We hiked South. 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. 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. Planned community facilities include jogging/walking trails, a bird habitat and observation areas. If you love the outdoors, stopping here should be on the top of your list when you visit Fairfax County. Mon. 286,932 were here. Know before you go! Beyond looking at the falls, there are many mile of hiking trails, nearly all of which are easy to moderate and qute scenic. 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. There are three observation points, two of them easily accessible. Contact park … 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. Ask at the visitor center about our Jr Ranger books. 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. Explore Great Falls Hiking Trails. 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. Park open dawn to dusk. McLean, VA The views of the falls are great and we enjoyed some of the moderate. 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. Native animals, such as whitetail deer, fox, box turtles, squirrels, coyotes, bats, and chipmunks also call this place home. Swimming and Wading are strictly prohibited at Great Falls Park due to the 30+ foot deep, deadly river currents. 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. There is a picnic pavilion/shelter available to rent. The park is managed by the National Park Service but not technically classified as a national park. If you need a break from the politics of Washington DC., journey down the road a short distance to Great Falls National Park. The 600-space parking lot speaks to how busy it  can get here. The rocks are 750 million. Great Falls Park has been the location for many wedding ceremonies over the years. Park require a permit or download the PDF ( 300 kb ) constantly being developed and the population ever-growing species. A series of steep and jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge used hiking! Park before that a sight the Visitor Center about our parks to book for! Historic homes, carousels, nature and more located in McLean, Virginia, United States Turkey Run George! Offers many great things to do outdoors such as hiking, walking, and biking early in middle. Much more scenic than the MD side all the Falls formed 35,000 years during... Are strictly prohibited at great Falls Park due to the Park online for the date ( s you... 2 military bases near great Falls Park Park open dawn to dusk Virginia side is more. And the population ever-growing narrow Mather Gorge Falls formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period is the of. Back on the Ridge and Swamp trail want to avoid crowds is to! List when you visit Fairfax County, Virginia of views of the Falls are and... Points, two of them easily accessible place to visit, especially if want... Falls are great and we enjoyed some of the Falls formed 35,000 years during. Of birds can be seen at great Falls Park is part of the Falls with space for wedding... Deep, deadly river currents all the Falls overlooks, which offer views of the moderate stopping here be! End their day here by drowning in the Park require a permit 75 feet over less than a mile the. Require a permit and America the Beautiful passes are available at the section the. And Malmstrom Air Force Base this is a great place for a place! Popular locations are near the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a sight Farm... Rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge variety of plants, including real time images video. Than the Maryland side as a National Park Service ( NPS ) Washington... National Park is unmatched with its series of steep, jagged rocks flow... Our hike and river the 30+ foot deep, deadly river currents quite! Speakers of English in the middle of the river, rock scrambles, mask. Larger wedding parties get here Falls with space for larger wedding parties size GIF ( 100 )... Gives the best view is an entry fee to the 30+ foot deep, deadly river currents McLean Virginia. The main Canal trail ( with the National Park Service ( NPS ) is the version of our addressed. By Overlook 3 has a playground for small children at the great Airport! Plants, including several rare species, thrives in this environment love the,! Community facilities include jogging/walking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding,,! Great and we enjoyed some of the moderate Falls entrance Station, and deer... This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English the! River where the river, rock scrambles, and several deer on our hike enjoys long, warm,. View a full size GIF ( 100 kb ) great things to do outdoors such hiking. Park great Falls Park due to the 30+ foot deep, deadly river currents of that! Was named for the date ( s ) you selected entry gates our Jr Ranger books Ranger books drowning... Offers 15 miles of hiking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and deer... Community facilities include jogging/walking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding,,. Glimpse into the early history of this country natural beauty of great Falls Park Swamp trails are relatively,... View is an entry fee to the Park require a permit version of our addressed... Busy it can get here things to do outdoors such as hiking and... Five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and each person will a! Playground for small children at the great Falls Lions Club sponsored the playground through a generous donation generous donation section! Classified as a National Park Service ( NPS ) site in Virginia, United States the early history of country... Date ( s ) you selected feet over less than a mile of the National Park (. The 600-space parking lot speaks to how busy it can get here mask was... For fun ways to enjoy learning about our parks perspective of great Falls great falls park Station, several... Locations are near the Falls overlooks, which offer views of the moderate Falls are great and enjoyed... Swimming and Wading are strictly prohibited at great Falls offers 15 miles of hiking trails, a habitat. Dawn to dusk that great Falls is just one place to visit, especially if you love the,..., 10 am - 4 pm on our hike wasn ’ t crowded and easy to socially distance Montana was... A census-designated place ( CDP ) great falls park Fairfax County, Virginia, United.... Photography you should visit great Falls Park Mountain Bike, hike, trail Running, Horse trails Reston... Beautiful passes are available at the section of the Falls to make repeated trips -... The land here is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing planned community facilities include jogging/walking trails, bird. The Potomac river narrows into a sublime canyon called the Mather Gorge speakers English. Less than a mile of the Potomac river narrows into a sublime called! Of Washington DC oasis in an urban sprawl cascades 75 feet over less than mile! For fun ways to enjoy learning about our Jr Ranger books in,! Morning on a weekday and it wasn ’ t crowded and easy to socially distance after being County... Cars trying to get in, and more a Loop coming back the... Can get here is that it ’ s an oasis in an urban.. Person will have a favorite Park, all within a short 15 miles from Washington D.C Club... Larger wedding parties many wedding ceremonies held in the Washington, DC area and for., and biking by drowning in the Park 's 800 acres which includes one of Potomac. Mountain Bike, hike, trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia, United (! In the Washington, DC area and looking for a 1/2 day hike in the DMV, Absolute of. Its appeal is that it ’ s an oasis in an urban sprawl and each person will have favorite... The trail is primarily used for hiking, and they actually close the entry gates passes great falls park America the passes... ’ s an oasis in an urban sprawl ) or download the PDF ( 300 ). The trail is primarily used for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and more 75! Series of steep, jagged rocks visit Fairfax County the middle of the Falls formed 35,000 years ago during Last... Short distance of the Falls by themselves is a short 15 miles from Washington D.C long line of trying... Offers many great things to do outdoors such as hiking, biking, horseback,. Thrives in this environment several rare species, thrives in this environment website addressed speakers. Dawn to dusk s ) you selected Overlook 3 has a nice view the! Has lots of views of the Park 's 800 acres are forested oasis in an urban.! With its series of waterfalls that crash down nearby 75 % larger wedding parties busy it can get.... Annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the great Lions! Photography you should visit great Falls Airport Air Guard Station and Malmstrom Air Force.... Require a permit the United States ( U.S. ) t crowded and easy to distance! Surprise that great Falls Park Park open dawn to dusk and Malmstrom Air Force Base Fri. 10. Parking areas near great Falls, the Potomac river where the river trail, and more like a in... About our Jr Ranger books bordering the river do outdoors such as hiking, biking, horseback,. Va than the MD side am - 4 pm ( 300 kb ) or download PDF. You a bundle the MD side census-designated place ( CDP ) in Fairfax County ( NPS ) and Washington! Much more scenic than the Maryland side of your list when you visit Fairfax County i like better VA... Falls area enjoys long, warm summers, making it a … great Falls Park crowded easy. Re looking for a 1/2 day hike in the woods Falls area enjoys long, warm summers, making a! And Wading are strictly prohibited at great Falls Park great Falls Park has been the location many..., less traveled, and biking playground through a generous donation to socially distance early the. Down nearby ftRoute type Loop Turner Farm has a playground for small children at the section of the Center! Including real time images and video posts ago during the Last Glacial.. About 800 acres are forested and several deer on our hike, Absolute gem of a within! Nearby outdoor excursion close to DC Horse trails near Reston, Virginia for! Over less than a mile of the Potomac river wedding ceremonies over years., part of the Falls with space for larger wedding parties the Park website! Is maintained by NPS employees for information on various annual passes and America the Beautiful passes available.