Great Falls Park

Park · Great Falls

Great Falls Park

Park · Great Falls

2

9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102

Photos

Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null
Great Falls Park by null

Highlights

Nestled near D.C., this stunning park features cascading waterfalls, scenic trails, and ample picnic spots, making it a perfect nature getaway year-round.  

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9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102 Get directions

nps.gov

Information

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9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102 Get directions

+1 703 757 3101
nps.gov
GreatFallsPark
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@Gr8FallsPark

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
parking private lot
parking bike
crowd family friendly

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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"A beautiful national park offering scenic walks and views, located on the Virginia side." - Michael He

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Vikas Taank

Google
Amazing place to enjoy nature , you can hike around the trail but be careful with the kids. You can also start your hike from the river bend bark and enter the great falls. The picnic area is very big and you would find food trucks during the weekend. There is 20 dollars entry fee if you are not a national parks pass holder.

Jean Tan

Google
Great Falls Park is a stunning natural escape just outside Washington, D.C. The park offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River, with several vantage points along well-maintained trails. The falls themselves are beautiful, especially against the blue skies, and the surrounding woods are perfect for a peaceful hike. The visitor center was closed during my visit (December 2024).

guna B

Google
Amazing place you can ask for near the busiest working hub. Great to spend quality family time. It’s peaceful with good rapids, waterfalls and has great trail for hiking and walking. And visiting in fall makes it even more beautiful with scenery. Must visit if you like nature, adventure and walk on top of it it has great visitor centre. I recommend getting annual pass if you are frequently visiting here.

Gro0t Gr0ot

Google
Great Falls National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone in the D.C. area. Its natural beauty, accessible location, and variety of recreational opportunities make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Great Falls is sure to leave you with lasting memories of its awe-inspiring landscapes.

Rachel Rothchild

Google
Absolutely incredible park that you simply cannot appreciate in one visit. The park is so vast with lookouts over rapids, nature trails and other picnic spots. The park is never the same place twice, depending on the season, level of rain or temperature you will see experience a different landscape. If you live in the area, it is only a few dollars more to purchase the yearly pass (when comparing price to daily admission); it pays for itself quickly! They do have paved paths for people with mobility limitations. There are plenty of parking spots in one of their lots.

Arynn Frampton

Google
Way at the end of the road, way back, which is a long stretch. Eventually you get there, past many rich homes. It's definitely worth going to see, the river and falls are so beautiful. There's a lot of stops along the way with information signs. The trails are nice, the one along the river is rough though. There's restrooms and some picnic tables. The water is loud, and quite mesmerizing.

Ron

Google
So we went here and walked the trails. Looked at the falls during the fall. It is an absolutely beautiful Park in the summer, winter or fall... I guess I could have just said year round. Very friendly staff. Keep in mind that it does get busy right around opening times so make sure you beat the rush to the gate. Also the main information center and place to buy stuff is still under construction (as of October 2024) so you need to bring anything you might need with you water, snacks, etc. Everybody should keep in mind that a national park pass is like 80 bucks. So if you're in this area, if you hit here and any of the other national parks just a few times in a year it pays for itself pretty quickly.

Brittani Burma

Google
This is a gorgeous park, there is a fee for admission and make sure to get there early!! It fills up fast! This park is equipped with benches so you can eat with your family, gorgeous hikes with incredible views. The hikes range from easy a stroll in the park to climbing over rocks and more difficult paths.

Gilbert G.

Yelp
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!

Michelle B.

Yelp
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.

Robert B.

Yelp
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!

Elise B.

Yelp
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!

Jack G.

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

Kwame S.

Yelp
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.).

Ben H.

Yelp
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.

Austin G.

Yelp
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.

John S.

Yelp
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.

Phil T.

Yelp
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.

Tom 2.

Yelp
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.

Mike R.

Yelp
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.

Ophelia B.

Yelp
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.

Diandra D.

Yelp
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

Sandhya D.

Yelp
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

James M.

Yelp
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.

Steve Y.

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

Shawn P.

Yelp
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.

Megan C.

Yelp
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.

Kate P.

Yelp
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.

Lam B.

Yelp
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.

Rebecca F.

Yelp
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.

Joanna S.

Yelp
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.

Patina C.

Yelp
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.

Crystal O.

Yelp
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

Iva N.

Yelp
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?! :)

Betsy S.

Yelp
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!

Melissa G.

Yelp
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.

Keith F.

Yelp
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

Lin H.

Yelp
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..

Matthew O.

Yelp
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! :)

Ailun H.

Yelp
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.

David O.

Yelp
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.

April S.

Yelp
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.

Kimberly T.

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

Shubham S.

Yelp
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.

Marissa C.

Yelp
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!

Victoria N.

Yelp
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.

Angel H.

Yelp
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.

Mark W. S.

Yelp
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.

Orest S.

Yelp
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.

Melissa N.

Yelp
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.

Joyce C.

Yelp
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!

Mark N.

Yelp
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.

Toya D.

Yelp
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.

Kiana M.

Yelp
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.

Marina O.

Yelp
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.

Amir A.

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

Jacques I.

Yelp
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.