Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is an absolutely stunning natural gem that’s perfect for a day trip with family or friends. Located just outside Washington, D.C., it offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River cascading through dramatic rock formations. The sight and sound of the roaring falls are both powerful and peaceful—nature at its best. The park is very well maintained with clearly marked trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging hike, there’s something for everyone. The overlooks near the Visitor Center provide amazing photo opportunities and safe, accessible views of the falls. For more adventurous visitors, the Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side offers a fun and rugged experience with closer views of the river and rocks. There are plenty of picnic spots, clean restrooms, and informative signs about the area’s history and geology. It’s a great place to unplug, enjoy nature, and learn a bit along the way. Parking can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea. Overall, Great Falls Park is a peaceful, scenic, and energizing escape from the city. Highly recommended for hikers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors!

Visited Great Falls National Park after several days of heavy rain and flooding — the river was powerful and dramatic! 🌊 Some trees were down, and parts of the River Trail were blocked, so hike with caution. Still a beautiful day out, with lots of families enjoying the park, barbecuing, and making use of the grills and picnic benches. Great energy all around — just wear sturdy shoes and stay safe on the trails! 🥾🌲🔥

Beautiful park especially if you get there early enough. Plenty of parking. Annual pass was better than one day pass. It is cheaper. We hiked a good amount of miles maybe around 4 miles. It was amazing the views were great many overlook but we came for the trail which was great it varies from the incline and regular paths. So be prepared if you want to hike it.

Great Falls Park in McLean, VA is a spectacular urban oasis just 15 miles from DC. Over 800 acres of rocky cliffs, forested trails, and thundering rapids offer unforgettable scenery and outdoor adventure. The highlight is witnessing the dramatic Great Falls of the Potomac—the river plunging through jagged rocks into Mather Gorge. Three overlooks (two wheelchair-accessible) are only a 5–10‑minute walk from the Visitor Center and provide stunning perspectives on the falls. Adventure seekers will love the 15+ miles of trails—hiking, biking, and horseback riding routes include the challenging River Trail along the gorge and scenic carriage‑road loops. Note: trails are rugged so wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot herons, vultures, deer, foxes, and more among the woods and riverbanks. Birdwatching and fishing are popular; boating is limited to experienced whitewater kayakers. For families, the park provides restrooms, picnic tables, a visitor center staffed by rangers, and educational programs. Dogs are welcome on leash, but swimming or wading in the river is strictly prohibited due to dangerous currents. Tips for a great visit: Arrive early to beat crowds and parking queues, bring snacks and water, watch out for ticks, and always stay on marked trails—especially near the cliffs and river’s edge. Verdict: Great Falls Park is a breathtaking mix of natural majesty, history, and adventure—a perfect day trip for outdoor lovers and families seeking a scenic escape close to the city.

Great Falls Park is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The park features three scenic viewing platforms that offer stunning views of the Potomac River’s rushing cascades. Whether you're up for a hike or a walk, the trails have options for all skill levels. Admission is $20 per vehicle or $10 per person, but if you plan to visit often, the annual pass for $35 is a great deal. There's also the America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which grants access to multiple national parks and federal recreation sites. Overall, it’s a great place to spend a day outdoors, whether you're looking for adventure or just a peaceful escape.

Absolutely breathtaking! The moment I arrived at Grand Park Falls, I was mesmerized by the natural beauty. The waterfall is majestic and peaceful, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic trails. Perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, and families looking for a relaxing day out. The sound of the rushing water is calming and almost therapeutic. There are plenty of picnic areas and clean facilities which made our visit very comfortable. The hike to the falls is easy and enjoyable, with amazing views all around. I loved how well-maintained the entire park is — truly a hidden gem in Virginia! It’s a wonderful escape from city life and the perfect place to connect with nature. Sunsets here are magical — don’t miss them! Highly recommend visiting for a peaceful and unforgettable experience.

This is an amazingly beautiful park. It was so refreshing to go with my daughters, as my oldest has been a few times. So much history and to learn that all of it was under water many years ago is fascinating. There are nice places to even have a little cookout with your family. I plan on buying an all year pass. We also purchased food from the little restaurant. The chicken tenders and fries were plentiful. I was glad to see they had an allergen friendly option.

Great Falls is a series of rapids and waterfalls on the Potomac River. As the border between the states of Maryland and Virginia generally follows the low-water line on the Virginia side. The Great Falls area is popular for outdoor activities such as kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking. The Billy Goat Trail on Bear Island, and Olmsted Island both accessible from Maryland, offer scenic views of the Great Falls. There also are overlook points on the Virginia side. Entry Time - 10 to 5 pm

Great Falls is also peaceful in the winter months (less crowded, you can hear the sound of the rushing Potomac River). In late January 2025, I came here for a Saturday mid-afternoon hike along the River Trail. Would not recommend it for young kids (due to the refrozen areas with ice), but if you're careful and take your time, the trail will reward you. On the day I hiked the weather was a bit cloudy. But in the winter, the Potomac River turns a beautiful cobalt blue color. It's a lovely contrast to the traditional brown color of the river in the summer months after a heavy rain. However, please note that the restroom facilities are closed in winter. So be sure to find somewhere else (outside the park) for a restroom break in the winter months before you enter GFNP!

I came here initially on the Maryland side then after exploring drove over to the Virginia side. My photos detail the differences but I would recommend more hike-y like hikes through Maryland and more casual walks + a better scenic view (in my opinion) through Virginia. Parking is $20 per vehicle (lasts 1 week), they do accept the national park pass, I purchased a $35 one year pass for this park as I intend to return in the Spring for a hike + birding. The pass lasts 12 months from the END of the month you purchase in. I bought my pass Nov 5th 2024 so it will expire Nov 30th 2025 so I would recommend going toward the beginning of a month if you plan to buy the 1 year pass so you can get slightly more than a year. The visitor center is closed on both states side until Jan 2025 per their website however if you are a stamp collector, they do have the MD Great Falls National Park Stamp available upon request at the pay station on the MD side!! Parking is easily accessible but of course this is popular so I'd recommend coming earlier in the day especially if you go on a weekend. Maryland side: after entering and parking, turn left and proceed past the visitors center. There is a clean restroom facility here. Then cross over the bridge and walk straight ahead to see signage directing you to the Great Falls overlook. Currently (Nov 2024) the Billy Goat trail that I was interested in is closed, I will coming back in the Spring to hike here. You can also walk down an open well traveled path to get some steps in nearby the river. Virginia Side: after entering and parking, proceed past the visitors center under the artificial bridge. There are signs directing you to 3 outlooks, 1-3. Outlook 1 comes up almost immediately on the lefthand side of the path and is a rock section you have to climb up to see the views but this was my favorite view of all. Outlook 2 and 3 direct you to the same spot so maybe I just never found outlook 3? But this view is nice as well.

Great place for a stroll or hike and to take in the scenery. The restrooms seem to always be down or having issues so keep that in mind when planning your trip. The first view point is probably the best one in my opinion with a great view of the falls. May be difficult for handicap or walking disabilities. Parking gets crowded, but it's a popular place for the area. Enjoy seeing the kayakers!

This is more of a casual walk type of place. There's 3 designated lookout spots with great views of the falls. Great day with nice weather when I went!

Excellent park for hiking and sightseeing. Scenic views of the river and the waterfalls. Numerous long trails to explore. Dog friendly.

My partner and I had a wonderful time at Great Falls Park (the Virginian side). It's a great place for a quick 1/2 day (or even less) getaway with some nice sights. The fee is $20 per car (I think it's $10 for bike), which I thought was a little pricey for one visit. However, if you are local to the area, it might be in your best interest to get a annual pass for about $35. This will allow you to fully explore the area on multiple occasions. I guess you technically will make back your money during the second visit...I hope that's the case since I purchased the annual pass, I thou There are three viewing areas to see the falls, which are about a five-minute walk from the first parking lot. These site are pretty accessible for folks of all physical levels. Speaking of parking, it's highly recommended to go early in the day or during a weekday, because parking fills up pretty fast. We arrived around 11 am on a cloudy, 48F Sunday, and the 1st parking lot was about 98% full. Unfortunately, I do not know if there is a way to check what's going on with the parking situation prior to arriving to the park. As of April 2024, the visitor center was closed, but the bathrooms were operational. However, there is a small concession area that sells small food items like pizza, hot dogs, and soft drinks. Be aware that cell phone reception is VERY spotty in this area, so be sure to download anything you might need (e.g., park passes, tunes for your hike, directions, etc.).

Fun for the whole family! It's got a great bang for your buck and is accessible to everyone of all ages. There is a gate fee of $20 which makes this trip less casual but still an amazing place to go if you want a half day trip with your family. The parking lot was busy but we still got a spot quickly. You walk maybe 30 minutes to the very end and pass a lot of cool sights along the way. There's a couple exhibits and visitors center if you're into a tiny museum experience as well.

There's a Maryland and Virginia side to Great Falls and I prefer the Maryland side. However, I recently decided to revisit the Virginia side. About a 30-minute drive (it's not accessible via public transit) from D.C., there's a large parking lot after you pay the $20 entrance fee. (It's free for National Park pass holders.) Just a few minutes from the parking lot is the educational center and a path leading to three clearly marked overlooks of the rapids. There are restrooms in the center. Keep right for the River Trail that takes hikers and rock climbers along the Potomac River with many lookout areas. This part of the trail is not stroller friendly but pretty easy for most. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Great falls is not a vacation destination National Park in the vein of a Yellowstone or Grand Canyon instead it is a park run by NPS. Your NPS pass still gets you in and if you are in the area it is a fantastic way to spend a morning. There are a few easy trails and the falls are really cool. Again don't think of this as going to Shenandoah instead think of it as a five star way to spend a couple hours in nature.

DO go chasing waterfalls... and Great Falls Park is a tremendous place to chase! Thirty minutes outside of the city, it's an easy and scenic trail that's fine for kids, dogs, people who overdid it at brunch earlier in the day, anyone... But if that's too much, you can still stick to the rivers, as the Potomac is the genesis of those falls. So you can have it your way, and not have to settle for nothing at all.

A short ride from DC, the Virginia side of the park has a wonderful view of the falls and hiking trails. (The Maryland side has more of the river to walk over via a trail with several bridges that brings one over the water chutes). Wear appropriate footwear.

This is a wonderful option. As an outdoorsman, I feel quite at home here. Yes the gate fee is a bit much. Yet if you bring enough people, it can be divided up. Lots of nice trails, views, and wildlife. As a fan of birds and snakes, this has both of them. Local stargazers know that this is probably among the best in the DC area. Parking is a cinch. My advice is bring a picnic lunch. This is that type of spot. Lots of views that'll be loved by all. Family friendly and good for people of all ages. You'll definitely have a wonderful time here.

Great Falls National Park October 2023 One of our most epic adventures in Virginia is the Great Falls National Park. This 800 acre park has spectacular views of waterfalls, 15 miles of hiking trails, and peaceful meditation areas on cliffs and viewing areas throughout the park. Hiking shoes and boots are a must if you plan to walk on the more challenging trails over boulders and such. Very beautiful, peaceful, and extraordinary views of the Potomac River and Great Falls. This is definitely a must go see place for nature lovers and a destination worth seeing for travelers. It has mind blowing gorgeous scenery, rolling rapids, picnic areas. and miles of nature to venture through for hours. Military ID gets you a free pass inside the park. Usual park fee for a car to enter is $20. There are maps to pick up and restrooms at the visitor center. This place is on my top ten list of places to see in the Washington DC area.

My husband and I were trying to find something new to do, especially since we are new residents in the DMV. We came to great falls park and loved it . The views specifically combined with hiking made for a perfect day.. It was a lot of fun and relaxing

Can't believe this is in our back yard! Just stunning and peaceful. But beware of the cyclist they come out of nowhere we bought the season pass so we can discover new sights from the VA and MD sides

The Virginia side of the Great Falls has several over-looks for different views of the Falls. There are plenty of areas to have a picnic as a group or as an individual/couple with shade/sun and views of the water. The Park is well-maintained with restrooms and a place to grab snacks, and refill water bottles. The Visitor Center is closed for renovations? Plenty of Parking and when we there several Park Rangers could be seen walking groups throughout the area. There are several trails in the area, we did the one that runs along the river and then loops back to main area. The trail was well-marked and clear enough to walk without issue. The Wildlife was in abundance with sightings of small birds, squirrels, and lucky enough to see a Barred Owl off the trail and an American Bald Eagle soaring over the Falls. On beautiful days go early as the Entrance Gate (Fee Station) can get backed up. One of our new Favorites, and right outside the DC Area so well worth the trip.

What a beautiful place to visit. We visited on 8-4-23 (Friday) and found dear grazing.

Located on the VA side of the falls, the park offers a more gentle experience of the falls than found on the MD side's Billygoat Trail. The visitors center is a bit derelict right now, but the trails and viewing platforms are in good shape. Entrance fees for a single vehicle are $20. Be sure to watch out for closing time and cell phone reception in the park can be spotty.

This park is absolutely stunning and such a delightful surprise. I rolled in around 10:30am on a Sunday morning, and was pleasantly surprised to find it not terribly crowded. The overlooks and hike options are super easy to figure out with no prior planning. The visitor center is closed right now but there's still restrooms available. This park sits on the VA / Maryland state border and on a really beautiful part of the Potomac, where it almost seems like you've been transported to a different world. Entrance fee is $20 and well-worth it no matter how much time you have to explore. Would love to go again and check out more of the hiking trails! Looking forward to the next time I get to visit.

Beautiful place to walk and hike while enjoying nature. On the Virginia side, there are several trails along the river; two of them are handicap-accessible, including two of the viewpoints where you can see the waterfalls. Most of the trails are shady. There are places to hike and rook climb if you are into that; we climbed down to the river level on one part of the trail and didn't find it too hard for intermediate hikers, but it's good to have your hands free and go down slowly. There were National Park Service employees stationed around the park to answer questions, provide directions, and offer educational programming. Loved the views of the river and the gorge, and that we could enter using our park pass.

A gorgeous and peaceful park that incentivized carpooling, biking and walking. After going past the winding trees, we drove into a booth that charged $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle and $10 per cyclist or pedestrian. I found the park specific annual pass to be a bargain since the attraction was worth returning to so the cost would pay itself back. Despite going on a Sunday, the park wasn't too crowded with plenty of parking near the entrance. The park was pet friendly and the main attraction was wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, the waterfalls didn't allow pets to preserve the ecological integrity. Other parts of the park were welcoming towards pets so fret not if you wanted to bring your furry buddy for a good walk. =TIPS= *Eat or drink prior: during our visit, there was an ice cream truck available but nothing was available to purchase otherwise. *Bring water and sunscreen: some trails had shade but some were one-way with long stretches of sun. *Wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty: if walking the river trail, the grounds were very muddy and slippery so stable and old shoes were best. *Ask the guides for help: although there was a visitor center with maps, we struggled to interpret the paths and relative difficulty. We were informed about a hidden river trail to the right of the entrance that suited our preferences more than the one way, rocky Billy Goat trail. *Use the restroom prior: the restrooms weren't dirty but didn't smell the greatest. The river trail was incredibly peaceful and covered in forestation. We got close to the river that was rather still in comparison to the rapid falls. On the main trail, there were ponds, old boats, and ducks to keep us entertained. The main attraction was a collection of small waterfalls accessible by bridges. They weren't the largest but the proximity and cleanliness of the park made the experience serene. Overall the park was family friendly and the trails were relatively flat that it was easy for beginners.

From the VA side, it is much more accessible. Gorgeous views right up front with minimum walking (see photos). There are a few long trails that go alongside the river. Pretty casual, not intense like the Maryland side. The VA side is definitely the way to go if you want a casual stroll, bringing kids, walking pets. There is an entrance fee of $20 per car though. But you do get a spot in a parking lot. There is also a visitor center with restrooms and light refreshments. Though sometimes it is closed. Coming out of the parking lot there are some picnic/barbeque spots too.

Who knew there is a lovely National Park just west of Washington DC? There are even small water falls at this park. Unfortunately, the visitor center was closed on a Thursday, June 15, 2023. We visited the Virginia side of the Potomac. It is so close to our nation's capital, but so far from the action in DC. A wonderful escape from politics.

Love going to Great Falls especially because of their multiple overlooks that allow you to see the waterfall from different angles and different trails. However, $20 per car as an entrance fee seems like a lot to me. I think it'd be worth it if you were planning to picnic there and make a day of it but for a quick hike, it's a lot. I do like that there are bathrooms and multiple areas for picnics. I saw several groups that looked like they were having parties. Overall a nice place to bring the family and kids.

This park was actually at capacity when we arrived- we had driven out of the city just to visit and kept going down the road to have a late lunch, kill time and hope we could get in after a few hours. Luck paid off and they were open when we came by a couple hours later. Love my National Parks Pass just for parks like this! 1. They were crazy busy!!! Like- so. many. people. And those people do not care if they invade your bubble to take the perfect selfie or push their kids up ahead of you to see the falls. 2. The falls and rapids are fabulous! With three great lookout points they give you a safe view of the run. We could see another park on the other side of the river, in Maryland. 3. I loved that it was accessible too. They had ramps everywhere there were stairs. So- be warned, too many people, but also enjoy the 5 stars of nature

Visited great falls Va side for a nice Sunday hike. Haven't been here a while but always nice to come back once a while. We did the trail to the right off the gate for a while which is a bit further than the most crowded area. Mostly flat trail but shaded and a just a slight hike on some hidden path nothing too overwhelming. Afterward walked over and ended with a little small creek by a small bridge passed the visitor center. Nice relaxing hiking with the doggies and let them cool off on a hot day. Visitor parking is $20 per day and annual $35 for both md/Va side but I went ahead and purchase the annual $80 for all national parks around the US. I know we'll be visiting a few others within the year, so why not?! :)

This park is so fabulous! I don't know why but there was no one at the gate when we came in (Maybe because it was a Monday?) and the gate just opened! You can use your America the Beautiful pass here as well. Otherwise it is $20/car. So that was good. We took a nice hike with our dog, Tali and when we went to see the Falls one of us stayed behind with the dog. There is an old boat and parts of the path are shady as well. The visitor's center is not open but my local friend gave us the history of the park. I took so many pictures because it was so beautiful. There are many signs that explain what each area's history it! The park is terrific for everyone and it is handicapped accessible. This park is on the VA/MD state border ad it tis on a gorgeous part of the Potomac. You do not feel as if you are near civilization! I would suggest you bring water and sunscreen with you. And wear good hiking shoes or running shoes so you have a good grip! There are some excellent trails including rocky Billy Goat trail. This is such a gem to go to!

Lovely spot and so scenic! $20 every per standard car which is good for the week. Area to view the falls is an easy walk (I'm not calling it a hike it's *just* that easy.) Take your parents, take your kids, significant other or your friends. Everyone is out and many have their pups too! I even noticed a food truck. There are picnic tables! There's a visitor's center in case you need more background on the area's history. Open until sunset.

Beautiful and worth the walk. It was so calming and relaxing. I'm so glad that when were walking that we kept going past the initial falls. When you keep going the falls in the back are mind blowing!!! I just stared at them for the longest time. They also seem fake because of their majestic features. There was a lot more of the trail that I didn't get to but I would definitely come back. Their is also a lot of history connected to the falls so if you are into that then check this place out

I love going to parks and going on trails . This is a lovely park situated on 800 acres 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. We enjoyed the views of the beautiful water falls and walking on some of the trails . Great place to have a picnic and chill . Entrance fee per car is 20.00 or you can get a yearly pass for 35.00 which is what we got instead..

Straddling the border of Maryland and Virginia, Great Falls Park is a truly fantastic place to visit if you love the great outdoors! The scenery is fantastic, especially if you hike the trails to Olmsted Island. The island, which sits in the middle of the Potomac River, offers the best views of the falls and rapids. Especially in the spring when the weather is cool and the cherry blossoms are in bloom, the views are especially beautiful. This is a place I would highly recommend everybody to go visit if you are in the DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia area! You won't be disappointed! :)

Super, SUPER crowded and very touristy, so if this is your thing, go for it. On a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon (such as today), literally everyone, their moms, and dogs are here. There's public bathrooms, picnic tables, grills, and tons of open space for you to hang out with family and friends. There's even a vending machine if you get hungry, lol. Also, it costs $20 to park ($35 for an annual pass). There are lots of trails here (which is awesome), but my friend and I decided to try the "River Trail" today. It's a 5 mile loop, and if we came here earlier, we'd definitely do the whole thing. We went through ~1.5 miles of the loop before turning backwards. Once you get through about a mile of this trail, you'll notice that there are less and less people and a little gate that opens to more of a hiking trail (some elevation changes and the path becomes a bit more challenging). Overall, it's more of a walk and less of a hike since I didn't really feel much of an elevation increase. However, a good amount of the path is pretty rocky (where you have to step on rocks and stones), so definitely wear appropriate shoes. There were quite a few overlooks to take some scenic photos. The views were pretty, but they all looked the same after a while. I probably wouldn't pay $20 to just take a walk/hike here since there are other trails with much less people (and doesn't cost money). Nevertheless, this is a great place to spend some quality time outdoors for a picnic or something.

Really nice surprise. Beautiful river overlooks. Trail can be a little challenging in places on the River Trail for the less agile but was fine for young kids who enjoyed the fun of climbing through larger rocks. If it's raining or had rained a lot I can see this being very muddy. Would definitely do again. It's very easy, flat walk to the first overlook and even if you don't want to hike/walk a lot - the first overlook is only minutes from the parking lot and also worth a look. Thumbs up.

Fall is my favorite time of year. I visited Great Falls National Park and it was full of all of my favorite things (e.g. fall foliage, puffy white clouds, blue skies and tranquil water sounds. There is a daily fee, weekly fee or yearly fee. You can also opt to buy the yearly National Park Service (NPS) pass which is good for all US National Parks. This park is for all walking/hiking levels and is wheel chair accessible. The park has a restroom as well as concession stand that sells hot food. Both are located at the Visitor Center. If you bring your own food there are plenty of picnic tables. If you like to take pictures there are tons of photo opportunities. There are plenty of signs to let you know where you are, where you might want to go along with historical information. This park is great for all ages and I highly recommend it.

Fun hike along the river. Plenty of people with dogs. Bring some bug sprays, the bats are out!

Its really great and calm place to chill. It is well maintained venue. You should definitely visit this place if you are a person loves to go to peaceful venues.

We heard this was a very popular park so we made it our first stop of the day. It was already hopping a bit, but we only had to wait for a couple of cars before us to enter and had no problem finding parking in the lot. There is an entrance fee, but this park is included in our America the Beautiful pass so we were able to use that here. The entry booth staff were very friendly and welcoming. The visitor's center is currently closed for renovations, but they had a nice table set up with maps and information available (and pre-stamped slips of paper if you are a passport holder), plus a dry erase board that invited interaction. Both the snack bar and the restrooms were open. There's a nice trail that leads you down to the main event - there are three overlooks as you head down it. The first has some huge rocks to climb on/around and a nice view of the falls. There was a particularly popular corner on the farthest side that ended up with a line for photos. The second and third overlooks are both more accessible and have great views too. There is also a very interesting high water marks post at the third one. A huge picnic area with tables is available not far from the visitors center, and there are additional trails if you want to do some more exploring after viewing the wonderful falls!

I go hiking here maybe once a month! There are multiple ways to enter the trails at Great Falls, but I definitely would say that these trails are some of the best trails in the vicinity of the DMV area. Features: - Rocky Trails - Great views of the water - Waterfalls - Many dog-friendly paths - Free entry for military - May have a food truck depending on what side you go to and what time you go. Tip: If you go around 6:30 or 7am to hike on the weekends, you don't need to pay for the $20 car entry fee! This is also a great photography place for nature photos (there's a few smaller streams); however, there is often no reception/cellular here so make sure that you both enter the same address and confirm the location before going. Photos taken by @francoherrera_images.

This was my first time here and it will not be my last. I had been a little stressed and I saw this as a suggestion from the hotel I stayed at. Coming here was so peaceful, it was what I needed! If you have a toddler and bring your stroller, be prepared for a bumpy ride through the trails. My daughter and I did not want to leave. Once we were done, we had some frozen yogurt from Sweet Frog. There was a Sweet Frog truck within walking distance. Also I believe people were outside grilling food and spending time on the grass with family and friends. So if you're not into hiking, bring a lawn chair and a blanket to relax.

Beautiful wooded park on the Potomac River. A lot of walking paths, overlooks and a nice visitor center. Entrance fee was $20.00 for a car of two then $10.00 for additional people. It was a short walk to the overlook for the falls. Quiet a majestic sight. A lot of history here regarding the old canal system for the river. Well worth a visit.

Great view to the river with waterfalls. There are 3 different observation points. Nice place for a light hiking on a shadow of trees. $20 per car.

Absolutely stunning! Entrance to the park is $20.00 per vehicle. The price might seem high, but it's valid for a week. Membership is $35 and it's good for a year. I recommend getting here very early or visit during the weekdays. They will close the park if it reaches full capacity, and they usually have to close it every weekend. There are 3 overlooks where you can check out some spectacular views of the Potomac River. It's absolutely breathtaking. The park is 800 acres and there are about 15 miles of hiking trails, some trails are also used for horseback riding. During the hike, there are many spots to enjoy the scenery. Just a great place to enjoy the outdoors, you can jog, have a picnic, do whitewater boating, rock climbing, etc. 5 stars.

The most awesome time I have spent in nature for quite a while! A beautiful drive from Southern Maryland. The admission was $35 for an annual pass and was well worth the money! The pass is issued for two people and allows the pass holder and vehicle with three additional people into the park. Many hiking trails and spectacular views of the falls makes is a wonderful day trip into nature!

It's pretty amazing to have a National Park of this quality in such an urban area. Lots of killer views of the falls and river along 15 miles of hiking trails. Map available at https://www.nps.gov/grfa/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-trail-map.jpg. Lots of history here too, including the Patowmack Canal and the Matildaville ruins. Despite being in an urban area the cell service is spotty. Note that snakes are found throughout Park. But the only venomous snake is the Northern Copperhead. They are not aggressive, but be on the lookout because you can easily step on one by accident due to their camouflage pattern.

We decided to venture out for a little fun in the great outdoors. This was our first visit to Patowmack Canal/"Camp Crystal Lake" (lol) and it certainly won't be our last. The views are amazing and plentiful, so definitely pack your cameras for great pictures and videos. You'll also want to wear comfortable clothing and footwear to explore the many hiking and walking trails. There's also a large picnic area with tables, grills and ample space for lawn chairs and blankets. Social distancing was in full effect as there's plenty of space to remain {{6}} feet apart, so everyone is able to safely enjoy themselves. **Parking is $20 and good for seven days, so hold on to your receipt.

Nice trail to hike! We were on the MD side. Great scenery of the Potomac River. Unfortunately, we went this afternoon (2/20/21), right after the snow storm. Soooo, it was WICKED cold, breezy, and the trails were extremely slippery. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed the overlooks. Can't wait to visit in the spring/summertime. Would love to hike the VA side.

If you are planning to see a huge waterfall this is not the right place. However, this is a beautiful place with a view. You have 3 viewpoints from which you can look at the waterfall. Great Falls is a beautiful place to visit. You have the opportunity to walk around or sit at the table and have a small picnic. They had a food truck over when we were there (I am not sure if it is there every day.) The day we were there there the water was a little bit dirty but it did not change our impression from the visit. Nice place to visit.

Great place for hiking and picnic. A lot parking places and cool to see the falls from several locations in the park.

Beautiful park! Great Falls Park is on the border of Virginia and Maryland, so you can actually visit this park from both sides/states, as it looks out to the Potomac River and what's left of the Patowmack Canal, the first canal in the U.S. that used locks to raise and lower boats. We visited from the Virginia side. Because it's a National Park site, there is a fee for admission. After you enter, parking is plenty, and the most popular lot is near where the best view of the falls are. There was an observation deck area where you can see the falls. However, there's a nice trail along the falls that's easy to walk along, as it's mostly flat. Along the trail, you can climb the rocks on the edge to get a view of the water and canal. Once you loop around to the more grassy area, you can see where the locks were. Though not in use anymore, you can get a sense of its history here. This was a great park to visit with beautiful views of the Potomac River, and the drive along the historic George Washington Memorial Parkway was a sight in itself. Bathrooms were open when we visited during COVID-19, and it is dog-friendly.