The Great Falls Park is located along the banks of the Potomac River between the states of Viginia (Fairfax) and Maryland (Potomac). The falls formed 35,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Click the image to view a full size GIF (100 kb) or download the PDF (300 kb). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Others climb up a rock formation in the middle of the Falls to make repeated trips down - quite a sight. 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. After all, part of its appeal is that it’s an oasis in an urban sprawl. The ruins of the. Check the park's website for information on various annual passes that can save you a bundle. This is a great place to visit, especially if you’re looking for a nearby outdoor excursion close to DC! Throughout the year, over 150 different species of birds can be seen at Great Falls Park. There are 2 military bases near Great Falls, MT: Great Falls Airport Air Guard Station and Malmstrom Air Force Base. The center features information regarding the park and historical information about the building and the region.

The sighting of the Painted Bunting, on the Maryland side of Great Falls, was first documented last week. OVERLOOK 1 Access to the first overlook is through rough terrain that is … Our younger visitors are often looking for fun ways to enjoy learning about our parks. Get an inside perspective of Great Falls Park, including real time images and video posts. 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). If you love the outdoors, stopping here should be on the top of your list when you visit Fairfax County. 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. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Great Falls Park Park open dawn to dusk. Turner Farm has a playground for small children at the end of the paved parking lot. 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. A wide variety of plants, including several rare species, thrives in this environment. I like better the VA than the MD side. 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). hiking forest river views nature-trips walking trail-running dogs-leash kids wildlife 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. Judging which gives the best view is an effort in futility, and each person will have a favorite. 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). 22101. years old. Mon. Mon. Most of the park's 800 acres are forested. 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. An annual pass is #35. Just past the falls, the Potomac River narrows into a sublime canyon called the Mather Gorge. The Virginia side is much more scenic than the Maryland side. 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. Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls … The natural beauty of Great Falls is unmatched with its series of steep, jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge. Contact park … Great Falls is just one place to visit along George Washington Memorial parkway. c/o Turkey Run Park The Ridge and swamp trails are relatively flat, less traveled, and more like a walk in the woods. Walking bordering the river is very peaceful and beautiful. # We hiked South. Great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia, which is a short 15 miles from Washington D.C. Please choose a different date. It is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and George Washington Memorial Parkway. 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. 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. * Take the warning signs seriously. 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). There are three observation points, two of them easily accessible. Great Falls cascades 75 feet over less than a mile of the Potomac 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). Great Falls offers 15 miles of hiking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. At 800+ acres, Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia is a not a huge park, but it is home to some beautiful scenery. If you want to avoid crowds is advisable to arrive early. Admission $5 for noncommercial vehicles. If you’re in the Washington, DC area and looking for a great location for landscape photography you should visit Great Falls. 15 trails with 14 photos 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. 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. Military Bases. The park is managed by the National Park Service but not technically classified as a national park. Gibson Park: Art/Sculpture Bandshell Basketball Benches Concessions Drinking Fountain Garden Landscaped Parking Lot Picnic Table Picnic Table with Shelter on the River Trail, and made a loop coming back on the Ridge Trail and Swamp trail. Also find out about park news and future events. Great Falls trail maps. 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. 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 * 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). Explore Great Falls Hiking Trails. 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. 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. Length 4.7 miElevation gain 193 ftRoute type Loop George Washington Memorial Parkway Great Falls Park is part of the National Park Service (NPS). The Great Falls area enjoys long, warm summers, making it a … There are three scenic overlooks at Great Falls Park, all within a short distance of the Visitor Center and parking areas. 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. 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 land here is is constantly being developed and the population ever-growing. River Regulations and Safety 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. Great Falls Park hiking trails cover 15 miles of the park on a mix of … Great Falls Park has been the location for many wedding ceremonies over the years. Great Falls Park is located at the section of the Potomac River where the river falls over a series of steep and jagged rocks. Several people a year end their day here by drowning in the river. 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. Such varied terrain. The park itself? The river trail has lots of views of the river, rock scrambles, and inclines/declines. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. 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. 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! All wedding ceremonies held in the park require a permit. The Great Falls Lions Club sponsored the playground through a generous donation. 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. There is a picnic pavilion/shelter available to rent. Park open dawn to dusk. - Fri., 10 am - 6 pm weekends and winter hours 10 am - 4 pm. Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. Know before you go! This trail is pretty flat. 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. 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. The park is roughly around 800 acres which includes one of the oldest canals in the United States (U.S.). 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. Great Falls Park Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Horse trails near Reston, Virginia. Great Falls annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Great Falls entrance station, and now online too! # The main Canal trail (with the waterfall viewing) gets quite crowded, and mask wearing was around 75%. 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