Great Falls Park

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.

Water pouring down rocks at Great Falls

About Great Falls Park

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.

Quick Facts

Location: VA
Designation: Park

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $20.00

Includes driver and passengers. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.

Entrance - Motorcycle $15.00

Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.

Entrance - Per Person $10.00

Applies only to people entering by foot, bicycle, or horse. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.

Entrance - Non-commercial Groups $100.00

Includes church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc. All holders of annual passes and those under 15 years old will be exempt from payment of fees. Non-Commercial Groups in vehicles with a capacity of 15 or less are charged the $20.00 vehicle permit. Vehicles with a capacity of 16 or more are charged a fee of $10.00 per person. Removal of seats from a vehicle does not then qualify for the lower rate. The total fee will not exceed the $100 fee per vehicle.

Commercial Entrance - Van $40.00

Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus $40.00

Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)

Commercial Entrance - Sedan $25.00

Vehicles with capacity of 1-6 passengers: $25 plus $3 per person.

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach $100.00

Vehicles with capacity of 26+: $100. (No per person fee)

Operating Hours

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.

Wednesday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Monday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Thursday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Sunday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Tuesday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Friday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Saturday: 7:00AM - Sunset

Activities

Guided Tours Hiking Paddling Kayaking Park Film

Guided Tours & Experiences

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Essential Park Gear

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