Great Falls
Park
Great Falls
Park
Great Falls Park a site that is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, is an 800 acre park located along the Potomac River 14 miles upriver from Washington D.C. The park is known for two things, it's scenic beauty at the head of Potomac River fall line and the historic Patowmack Canal.
The Falls of the Potomac can be viewed within a short walk of the visitor center. The overlooks date to the early 20th century when the land was a private amusement park, and Washington D.C., residents arrived by train.
Ranger led programs are conducted year round. These include history and nature walks to points of interest. Overlook talks, a slide program on the history of Great Falls, Va, and our childrens activity room are conducted daily. Additional ranger led programs occur on the weekends. Daily programs are always posted in the visitor center, or call (703) 285-2966. TTD: (703) 285-2966.
The park road and trails are for hiking and exploring. Along the blue blazed River Trail are places to view the river and Mather Gorge. A park trail map and a self guiding brochure for the Patowmack Canal trail are available at the visitor center.
Horseback riding and bicycling are permitted only on designated trails. A trail map is available at the Visitor Center. Bicycles and horses are not allowed in the Visitor Center courtyard area or on the Patowmack Canal trail.
Picnic tables and some grills are available but cannot be reserved. There are no picnic shelters. You may bring your own grill, but please use charcoal or artificial fuels and deposit ashes in the red containers. Ground fires are prohibited. A snack bar is located in the Visitor Center courtyard. Please recycle. Deposit cans, bottles, and recyclables in marked containers in the picnic yard. Deposit paper and other trash in waste cans.
Whitewater boating is for experienced boaters. Entry to the river is permitted only BELOW THE FALLS. Commonly used entry points are at Fisherman's Eddy and AA Gorge.
Anglers can fish for bass, catfish, or carp. A Virginia or Maryland fishing license is required for anglers over 16 years of age.
Rock climbing is a challenging sport enjoyed here. Several climbs offer adventure for climbers and vantage points for those who wish to watch. Climbing can be extremely dangerous and should be attempted only by experienced climbers with proper equipment. Please register at the visitor center or lower parking lot before climbing.
Volunteer and share your talents with others. There are openings in visitor services maintenance, and historical research. Ask a ranger for information.
Park regulations are enforced for your safety and for protection of the park. Pets must be leashed at all times. No camping or overnight parking allowed. Motor vehicles must stay on paved roads. Picking wildflowers, hunting, injuring or capturing wildlife and destroying or removing trees, rocks, and ruins are prohibited.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park. Swimming and wading are prohibited.
To the north of Great Falls Park is Riverbend Park which is administered by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Some of the trails in the two parks run into each other. Riverbend has a marina facility on the Potomac, a visitor center, and a nature center.
The Maryland side of the Potomac is within an easy drive. This center is a part of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, and thus its historical and natural history themes are closely allied with Great Falls Park here in Virginia. The C&O park offers a wide range of recreational activities. You can reach Great Falls Tavern by returning to the Washington Beltway ( Route 495), traveling north across the Potomac, and taking exit 41 toward Carderock.
Ask at the visitor center, for further information about these and other parks in the Washington, D.C. area.
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