Great Falls Park

Great Falls National Park on Potomac River in Virginia USA

View of rapids in the Potomac River at sunset, at Great Falls Park, Virginia., Shutterstock ID 483240202, Purchase Order: -

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.

What an absolutely breathtaking experience. With weather in the low seventies and spring not quite having sprung, there wasn't any foliage to block out the sunshine from the paths nor brambles or weeds to tangle your feet. The water was extremely high but beautiful to see. The rock formations are outstanding if you have an interest in geology but please be respectful of park rules and don't climb closer to the water--people drown each year and I am sure the leading cause is stupidity. Otherwise, there is plenty of space on the grounds to BBQ, play kick ball, and picnic. I can't believe how much time I spent looking at the falls and just going "wow." Also, for the history buffs this is part of the C&O Canal!

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Activities

Great Falls travel guide

Popular places to visit

Empty trail path during autumn Potomac river in Great Falls, Maryland with colorful foliage and fallen leaves on road by canal

Billy Goat Trail

Enjoy a trip to Billy Goat Trail and popular activities such as hiking in Potomac. Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Riverbend Park

You can take time to visit Riverbend Park during your travels to Great Falls. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's waterfalls.

Bear Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bear Island during your travels in Potomac. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Purple Horse Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Purple Horse Beach during your trip to Potomac? While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Woodrock Playground Park

After visiting Woodrock Playground Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Potomac. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Rockwood Special Park

After visiting Rockwood Special Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Potomac. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Top Great Falls Park Hotel Deals

Check prices on hotels near Great Falls Park

Nice Quiet Family Home

Potomac MD

Tysons Corner Suites, A Baymont by Wyndham

8616 Westwood Center Dr Vienna VA

Quality Inn Vienna - Tysons Corner

1587 Spring Hill Rd Vienna VA

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tysons Corner

8517 Leesburg Pike Vienna VA

The Watermark Hotel

1825 Capital One Dr McLean VA

Suburban Studios Tysons Corner

1587 Spring Hill Rd. Vienna VA

Hilton McLean Tysons Corner

7920 Jones Branch Dr McLean VA

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

1700 Tysons Blvd McLean VA

William F. Bolger Center

9600 Newbridge Dr Potomac MD

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