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Great Falls, Virginia

Great Falls, Virginia

Great Falls Park

Park · VA

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.

Park report

Alert: Park Closure

Alert

How this is rated

Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/notices

Aid Box Rock Climbing Area Closed

Alert: Information

Note

How this is rated

Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/notices

Temporary Closures of Park Entrance Possible if Parking Lots Become Full

Fee: Entrance - Private Vehicle

Note

How this is rated

Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20

$20

Fee: Entrance - Motorcycle

Note

How this is rated

Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20

$15

Fee: Entrance - Per Person

Note

How this is rated

Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20

$10

Hours Exceptions

Note

December 25

Visitor Centers

Good

1 visitor center

Activities Available

Good

How this is rated

Good: many activities available

5 activities

Park Name

Info

Great Falls Park

Designation

Info

Park

State(s)

Info

VA

Phone

Info

7037573101

Email

Info

gwmp_superintendent@nps.gov

Pass: Annual Entrance - Park

Info

$35

Operating Hours

Info

Great Falls Park is open from 7:00 am until 30 minutes after sunset. This time varies each day. Great Falls Park is closed on December 25.

Campgrounds

Info

No campgrounds listed

Visitor Center: Great Falls Park Visitor Center

Info

See park for hours

Themes & Topics

Info

Commerce, Engineering, Transportation + 9 more

Weather Info

Info

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 2-4” monthly, year-round. The average temperature in

Getting There

Info

From I-495, take exit 44 for route 193 west; continue 4 miles. Turn right on Old Dominion Drive.

Location

Info

38.9878° N, -77.2513° W

Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website