Great Falls Park

Water pouring down rocks at Great Falls
Great Falls, Virginia
Water rushes over jagged rocks
The Potomac River rushes down the Great Falls on the Virginia-Maryland border.
Great Falls with a purple sky near dusk
Great Falls in the Evening
An aerial shot of the Great Falls.
An aerial shot of Great Falls.
Water rushing over rocks
A view of Great Falls from Virginia
Photos: National Park Service

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

State Virginia
Designation Park
State Code VA
Weather 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…

Location & Map

Great Falls Park is located in Virginia.

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

Getting There

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

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA, 22102
Phone 7037573101

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $35.00

Valid for twelve months from the date of purchase. Pass is valid at Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park for entrance fees only. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle OR pass holder and three person (16 and older) where per person entrance fees are charged. Not valid for organized groups or concession operated facilities or activities.

Topics & Themes

Commerce Engineering Transportation Canals Animals Birds Geology River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Scenic Views Watersheds Waterfalls

Things To Do

Soak Up Spectacular Views at the Great Falls Overlooks

Soak Up Spectacular Views at the Great Falls Overlooks

Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles…

Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run

Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run

This hike is mostly wooded; some parts are rocky and some can be rocky. But you will see, in some…

Visitor Centers

Great Falls Park Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is currently open daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hours: Visitor Center is currently open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitor Center is closed on Christmas (December 25).

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