Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park, a site that is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, is an 800 acre park located along the Potomac River 14 miles upriver from Washington D.C. The park is known for two things, it's scenic beauty at the head of Potomac River fall line and the historic Patowmack Canal.

George Washington Memorial Parkway
Great Falls Park
McLean, VA 22101
703-285-2965 - Visitor Information
703-285-2966 - Visitor Information

By Plane

From Reagan National Airport: Take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north. Take I-495 South for Virginia. Take Exit 13 Route 193. Follow car directions below. (approx. 20 minutes)

From Dullas International Airport: Take Dullas Toll Road (I-267) to I-495 North. Take Exit 13 Route 193. Follow car directions below. (approx. 30 minutes)

From Washington Baltimore Airport: Take I-95 South. Take I-495 West. Take Exit 13 Route 193. Follow car directions below. (approx. 1 hour)

By Car

From I-495: Take Exit 13 Route 193 also named Georgetown Pike. Take 193 west. Turn right at Old Dominion Drive (approximately 4 1/2 miles). Straight 1 mile to entrance station. Parking, falls overlooks, and Visitor Center are all centrally located.

By Plane
Not Available

N/A

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Biking
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Kayaking
• Whitewater Rafting
• Cross Country Skiing

Recommended Activities
Falls Overlooks:

The Great Falls of the Potomac can be viewed within a short walk of the visitor center. The
overlooks date to the early 20th century when the land was a private amusement park, and Washington D.C., residents arrived by train.

Ranger led programs:

Join a National Park Ranger for a tour of the park. These include history and nature walks to points of interest, and Overlook talks at the scenic Overlook #2. Daily programs are always posted in the visitor center and outside bulletin boards, or call (703) 285-2966.

Park Trails:

Great Falls Park has 15 miles of trails for hiking and exploring. Along the blue blazed River Trail are places to view the rugged Potomac River and Mather Gorge. A park trail map and a self guiding brochure for the Patowmack Canal Trail are available at the visitor center. Five miles of multiple use trails provide opportunity for horseback riding and bicycling.

Picnicing:

A picnic is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Picnic tables and some grills are available but cannot be reserved. There are no picnic shelters. You may bring your own grill, but please use charcoal or artificial fuels. Please deposit ashes in the red trash can containers. Ground fires are strictly prohibited. A concession stand is located in the Visitor Center courtyard. PLEASE RECYCLE!!! Deposit cans, bottles, and recyclables in marked containers in the picnic yard. Deposit paper and other trash in waste cans.