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Great Falls Park adventures

Great Falls Park Adventures

Great Falls Park offers stunning views of the Potomac River's powerful cascades and provides a rich blend of history and outdoor activities for visitors.

800
Acres Protected
15
Miles of Trails
500,000
Annual Visitors
1966
Year Established

About Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park
 

Great Falls Park, located in Virginia, is a verdant natural area dedicated to the dramatic waterfalls of the Potomac River. This park is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and features beautiful overlooks and scenic trails. It is significant for its association with the history of the Patowmack Canal, an engineering marvel of its time. The park encompasses various habitats, from hardwood forests to riverine environments, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and birdwatching, as well as learning about the area's historical significance at the Visitor Center. Each overlook provides unique perspectives, especially the dramatic views from the cliffs over the falls, popular with photographers and nature lovers alike.

Highlights

Highlight

Overlook 2 view of the Great Falls

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Remnants of the historic Patowmack Canal

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Mather Gorge for rock climbing

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Old Carriage Road Trail offering solitude

Notable Natural Features

Great Falls

A series of waterfalls and rapids on the Potomac River, reaching about 76 feet over a series of major cascades.

Patowmack Canal

An early American engineering effort to make the Potomac River navigable, with ruins visible in the park.

Mather Gorge

A narrow, deep gorge downstream of the falls, popular for technical rock climbing.