If parking lots become full, there will be a temporary closure of the park entrance at Georgetown Pike & Old Dominion Drive. The park entrance will re-open as soon as space becomes available. For updated information about parking, call Visitor Center at 703-757-3101
+2 more active alerts





Great Falls Park
Virginia
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 Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. 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.
About Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is a park located in Virginia. The Washington, D.C. area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summer is hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4β monthly, year-round. The average temperature in summer is about 75 degrees F. Summer days in the mid-90's with high humidity are not uncommon. Winters vary in temperature, with the average temperature about 36 degrees F. Snow is rare. When it snows, it tends to melt within a few days.
From I-495, take exit 44 for route 193 west; continue 4 miles. Turn right on Old Dominion Drive.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
The general entrance fee for Great Falls starts at $10 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Private Vehicle ($20), Entrance - Motorcycle ($15), Entrance - Per Person ($10), Entrance - Non-commercial Groups ($100), Commercial Entrance - Van ($40), Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus ($40), Commercial Entrance - Sedan ($25), Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach ($100). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Great Falls Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Hiking, Paddling, Kayaking, and 1 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Great Falls
π Visitor Planning Tips for Great Falls
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Great Falls before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βMonitor Active Alerts: There are currently 3 active alerts for Great Falls. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- βLeave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Great Falls. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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 Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Falls
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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