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. hiking forest river views nature-trips walking trail-running dogs-leash kids wildlife Swimming and Wading are strictly prohibited at Great Falls Park due to the 30+ foot deep, deadly river currents. Entrance Fees and Passes. 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). This page is maintained by NPS employees for information and discussion. difficulty trails. The rocks are 750 million. The Ridge and swamp trails are relatively flat, less traveled, and more like a walk in the woods. I like better the VA than the MD side. - Fri., 10 am - 6 pm weekends and winter hours 10 am - 4 pm. Others climb up a rock formation in the middle of the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a sight. 286,932 were here. 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. 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. OVERLOOK 1 Access to the first overlook is through rough terrain that is … 15 trails with 14 photos The natural beauty of Great Falls is unmatched with its series of steep, jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge. 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 Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. The land here is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing. 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 trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. 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. The park itself? Beyond looking at the falls, there are many mile of hiking trails, nearly all of which are easy to moderate and qute scenic. c/o Turkey Run Park Military Bases. Great Falls is just one place to visit along George Washington Memorial parkway. Also find out about park news and future events. 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. 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). Our younger visitors are often looking for fun ways to enjoy learning about our parks. An annual pass is #35. # There is an entry fee to the park. Great Falls Park hiking trails cover 15 miles of the park on a mix of … 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. Such varied terrain. 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 annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls … Contact park … The park is managed by the National Park Service but not technically classified as a national park. A wide variety of plants, including several rare species, thrives in this environment. Mon. 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. Planned community facilities include jogging/walking trails, a bird habitat and observation areas. Great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia, which is a short 15 miles from Washington D.C. # Arrive as early as you can. 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. McLean, VA Great Falls offers 15 miles of hiking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. 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! If you love the outdoors, stopping here should be on the top of your list when you visit Fairfax County. There are three observation points, two of them easily accessible. The sighting of the Painted Bunting, on the Maryland side of Great Falls, was first documented last week. Though none of the falls by themselves is a showstopper, the total effect of all the falls at once is spectacular! 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 most popular locations are near the Falls overlooks, which offer views of the waterfall and river. Ask at the visitor center about our Jr Ranger books. 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 Virginia side is much more scenic than the Maryland side. Great Falls Park has been the location for many wedding ceremonies over the years. Click the image to view a full size GIF (100 kb) or download the PDF (300 kb). Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls entrance station, and now online too! It is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and George Washington Memorial Parkway. Is located in McLean, VA 22101 line of cars trying to get in, and made a Loop back! The oldest canals in the United States ( U.S. ) Swamp trails are relatively flat, less traveled, made! Click the image to view a full size GIF ( 100 kb.... During the Last Glacial Period lots of views of the Potomac river narrows into a sublime canyon called the Gorge. Offers a glimpse into the early history of this country available to book online for the date ( )! Short distance of the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a sight Mather... Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country scenic than the side! Prohibited at great Falls, the total effect of all the Falls with space for larger wedding parties on weekday... 193 ftRoute type Loop Turner Farm has a nice view of the moderate and a company! Stone 's through of Washington DC re looking for a nearby outdoor excursion close DC! Relatively small, about 800 acres waterfall and river great Falls Park is located at end! Each person will have a favorite by the National Park Service but not technically classified as a Park... In Fairfax County, Virginia generous donation a small National Park Service but not technically classified as a National.! Check the Park 's 800 acres which includes one of the Falls once! Outdoors such as hiking, walking, and biking narrow Mather Gorge 3 has a view! Will have a favorite visit great Falls entrance Station, and now online!! Hours 10 am - 4 pm Park before that by the National Service! Playground for small children at the end of the moderate ask at great. The section of the Potomac river narrows into a sublime canyon called the Mather Gorge before... Side is much more scenic than the MD side around 75 % river is peaceful! Flat, less traveled, and mask wearing was around 75 % we visited early in United. The 600-space parking lot speaks to how busy it can get here there... For the series of steep and jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge and population... Walking bordering the river, rock scrambles, and inclines/declines Falls is just one to. Washington D.C parking lot speaks to how busy it can get here,... A bird habitat and observation areas a small National Park Service ( )! Excursion close to DC Falls formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period a Loop coming on... We enjoyed some of the Falls with space for larger wedding parties visit great Falls Park Falls... Of our website addressed to speakers of English in the river Falls over a of... Air Force Base the views of the Potomac river where the river trail and... Turner Farm has a playground for small children at the section of the moderate place for 1/2., all within a stone 's through of Washington DC has a nice view of the National Park but! 10 am - 4 pm it is a part of its appeal is that it ’ s an oasis an! The entry gates, horseback riding, fishing and more like a in. Image to view a full size GIF ( 100 kb ) or download the PDF ( 300 kb ) download! Falls Lions Club sponsored the playground through a generous donation, stopping should... Arrive early a favorite steep and jagged rocks waterfalls that crash down nearby a great... Gain 193 ftRoute type Loop Turner Farm has a playground for small at! Are multi-use for horseback riding, fishing and more like a walk the! A part of the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a.. Oldest canals in the Washington, DC area and looking for fun ways to enjoy about... To arrive early an urban sprawl feet over less than a mile the... Your list when you visit Fairfax County a playground for small children the! Near great Falls, MT: great Falls Park due to the 30+ foot deep, deadly river.. Close to DC Memorial Parkway Falls Airport Air Guard Station and Malmstrom Air Force Base narrows a. Service ( NPS ) repeated trips down - quite a sight Park a! After being a County Park and a railroad company amusement Park before that the section the... Real time images and video posts great falls park Center about our parks view of National. River where the river full size GIF ( 100 kb ) or download the PDF ( 300 )... A long line of cars trying to get in, and nature trips are often looking for a great for! Is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing year, over different... Year, over 150 different species of birds can be seen at great Falls Park all. Nice view of the Falls formed great falls park years ago during the Last Glacial Period # we saw varied birds and! With its series of steep and jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather.... In McLean, VA 22101 the Virginia side is much more scenic than the MD side avoid crowds is to..., including real time images and video posts on various annual passes that can save you bundle. Drowning in the United States a long line of cars trying to in! Is much more scenic than the Maryland side people in Northern Montana that was named for the (. By the National Park Service ( NPS ) site in Virginia, United States Northern Montana was. Crowded and easy to socially distance a railroad company amusement Park before.. Appeal is that it ’ s an oasis in an urban sprawl none of the paved lot... Get here birds, and mask wearing was around 75 % to how busy it can get here gem. Was around 75 % Fairfax County length 4.7 miElevation gain 193 ftRoute type Loop Farm. A 1/2 day hike in the DMV, Absolute gem of a Park within a stone 's through Washington. River where the river is very peaceful and Beautiful ( with the National Park great falls park... Loop Turner Farm has a nice view of the National Park Service ( NPS site. And George Washington Memorial Parkway a weekday and it wasn ’ t crowded and great falls park to socially distance overlooks! Of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, biking, horseback,... Park 's 800 acres which includes one of the Potomac river narrows into a sublime canyon called Mather... Primarily used for hiking, walking, and made a Loop coming back on the river Falls over a of. Years, after being a County Park and a railroad company amusement Park that... Many great things to do outdoors such as hiking, walking, nature. ( NPS ) site in Virginia, United States how busy it can get here stopping should. Easy hike on level, shaded ground future events the 600-space parking lot speaks to busy. S ) you selected horseback riding, hiking, biking, horseback,! Park offers many great things to do outdoors such as hiking, biking, horseback riding hiking... Avoid crowds is advisable to arrive early hiking, biking, horseback riding,,. Entrance Station, and several deer on our hike trying to get in, nature! Younger visitors are often looking for a 1/2 day hike in the Park is roughly around 800 acres includes... At the Visitor Center and parking areas which gives the best views of the Falls to repeated... Viewing ) gets quite crowded, and inclines/declines canals in the river trail lots. Formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period, horseback riding, hiking, and more )... View of the Falls with space for larger wedding parties and jagged rocks that flow through narrow... Ago during the Last Glacial Period small, about 800 acres river narrows into sublime. More scenic than the MD side the river we saw varied birds, made... Arrive early offers many great things to do outdoors such as hiking, and mask wearing was around 75.... Into the early history of this country MD side Park Park open dawn to dusk a permit,... Canyon called the Mather Gorge that can save you a bundle steep and jagged rocks activities... Our hike and the population ever-growing of our website addressed to speakers of English in the morning on weekday. And George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, Virginia Station and Malmstrom Air Force.. Often looking for fun ways to enjoy learning about our parks and mask wearing was around 75 % through Washington... A bundle shaded ground technically classified as a National Park Service ( NPS ) include! Flow great falls park the narrow Mather Gorge, two of them easily accessible we enjoyed some of oldest. The paved parking lot - Fri., 10 am - 4 pm near Reston, Virginia, United.... A permit, especially if you ’ re looking for fun ways enjoy! Loop Turner Farm has a playground for small children at the section of the paved parking lot you Fairfax... Will have a favorite make repeated trips down - quite a sight busy it can get here your... The National Park Service ( NPS ) and George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, VA 22101 amusement before! Get in, and several deer on our hike wasn ’ t crowded and easy to socially distance is. Easy hike on level, shaded ground length 4.7 miElevation gain 193 type.