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.
Photo: NPS
Great Falls Park
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.
- LocationMcLean, VA
- Entrance $20 private vehicle
- HoursDaily, 7:00AM - Sunset
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Weather now80°F Patchy rain nearby
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Birds
- Canals
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Geology
- River and Riparian
- Rock Landscapes and Features
4 more topics
- Scenic Views
- Transportation
- Waterfalls
- Watersheds
Alerts (3)
Park ClosurePublic restrooms closed - portable toilets only; no drinking water As of 9/29/26, until further notice, the public restrooms and drinking water systems are closed until further notice. Po… Read more
As of 9/29/26, until further notice, the public restrooms and drinking water systems are closed until further notice. Portable toilets are located in the Main Parking Lot and at the junction of Old Carriage Road Trail and Matildaville Trail.
Park ClosureAid Box Rock Climbing Area Closed
The Aid Box rock climbing area is temporarily closed due to a recent rock topple.
InformationTemporary Closures of Park Entrance Possible if Parking Lots Become Full If parking lots become full, there will be a temporary closure of the park entrance at Georgetown Pike & Old Dominion Dr… Read more
If parking lots become full, there will be a temporary closure of the park entrance at Georgetown Pike & Old Dominion Drive. The park entrance will re-open as soon as space becomes available. For updated information about parking, call Visitor Center at 703-757-3101
Things to Do
2 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run
This hike is mostly wooded; some parts are rocky and some can be rocky. But you will see, in some places, exceptional displays of bluebells in spring and colors in autumn. Management partners include…
Learn more about Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Soak Up Spectacular Views at the Great Falls Overlooks
Fee applies
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.
Learn more about Soak Up Spectacular Views at the Great Falls Overlooks on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 2 of 2
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Great Falls Park Visitor Center
Facility
Stop by the Visitor Center desk for trail maps, local information, pamphlets on nearby parks, and information on recreational activities. Volunteers and Rangers will be…
9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA (703) 757-3101 Directions
Details
Stop by the Visitor Center desk for trail maps, local information, pamphlets on nearby parks, and information on recreational activities. Volunteers and Rangers will be on hand to answer questions. Explore a wide array of exhibits featuring the Patowmack Canal, geology, recreation, and the flora and fauna of Great Falls. An interactive children's room offers puzzles, coloring activities, and a hands-on exploration table. Restrooms, a water bottle filler, and a concession stand are on the lower level.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 7:00AM - Sunset · Park Hours
Hours details
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Park HoursDaily, 7:00AM - Sunset
Great Falls Park is open from 7:00 am until 30 minutes after sunset. This time varies each day. Great Falls Park is closed on December 25.
Monday 7:00AM - Sunset Tuesday 7:00AM - Sunset Wednesday 7:00AM - Sunset Thursday 7:00AM - Sunset Friday 7:00AM - Sunset Saturday 7:00AM - Sunset Sunday 7:00AM - Sunset
Entrance fees
- $20Private Vehicle
- $15Motorcycle
- $10Per Person
All 8 fees & details
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Private Vehicle$20
Includes driver and passengers. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
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Motorcycle$15
Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
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Per Person$10
Applies only to people entering by foot, bicycle, or horse. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
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Non-commercial Groups$100
Includes church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc. All holders of annual passes and those under 15 years old will be exempt from payment of fees. Non-Commercial Groups in vehicles with a capacity of 15 or less are charged the $20.00 vehicle permit. Vehicles with a capacity of 16 or more are charged a fee of $10.00 per person. Removal of seats from a vehicle does not then qualify for the lower rate. The total fee will not exceed the $100 fee per vehicle.
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Commercial Entrance - Van$40
Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)
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Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$40
Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)
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Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25
Vehicles with capacity of 1-6 passengers: $25 plus $3 per person.
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Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100
Vehicles with capacity of 26+: $100. (No per person fee)
Passes
- $35Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
Valid for twelve months from the date of purchase. Pass is valid at Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park for entrance fees only. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle OR pass holder and three person (16 and older) where per person entrance fees are charged. Not valid for organized groups or concession operated facilities or activities.
Address
9200 Old Dominion Dr.McLean, VA 22102
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
80°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 86°
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Today
69° 55°
Overcast86% rain -
Tomorrow
63° 61°
Light rain shower92% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
The Washington, D.C. area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summer is hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The average temperature in summer is about 75 degrees F. Summer days in the mid-90's with high humidity are not uncommon. Winters vary in temperature, with the average temperature about 36 degrees F. Snow is rare. When it snows, it tends to melt within a few days.
Upcoming Events
1 coming up-
Bird Walk - Guided Program
About
Bird Walk - Volunteer Guided - Every Sunday 8:00 am. Meet in the Main Parking Lot.
All those with an interest in the natural world - beginning and experienced birders alike - are welcome including youth, minors need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. No pets, please.The walk will be canceled if Great Falls Park is closed or if there is a delayed opening of the park entrance. Also during extreme weather conditions. Updates for weather closures are posted on the Great Falls Park Facebook page.
Photos
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Great Falls in the Evening — NPS -
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Getting There
McLean, VA 22102
From I-495, take exit 44 for route 193 west; continue 4 miles. Turn right on Old Dominion Drive.
Mailing address: Great Falls Park, McLean, VA 22101
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