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    Great Falls Park

    4.7 (459 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Juan F.

    First time here. As a visitor from SoCal, its hard for me to find something this cool close to me. We walked about 2 miles to get to the falls and it was amazing. The park is perfect for a peaceful walk or even a run. I saw lots of people jogging, running and biking. There are lots of trails along the way too if you are the hiking type. There are many viewpoints of the waterfall. Definitely get your cameras ready because its photo worthy. I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm in town.

    Winter view of park.
    Gilbert G.

    Great Falls National Park is also lovely in the winter months when it's less crowded. I visited here in late December 2025 after purchasing an annual park pass from REI. If you happen to live in northern Virginia and visit multiple times during the year, the annual pass is worthwhile. The hiking trails offer lovely views (River Trail) and provide a relaxing mix of rocks, trees, and the sounds of the Potomac River. For a much longer hike, you can do a loop via the Matildaville Trail and the Old Carriage Road. The further away you roam from the main waterfalls, the less crowded it usually is. This national park is dog-friendly.

    Joanna R.

    I really enjoyed this trail. It's easy to get to, there was parking available. It gets pretty crowded on the weekends. Beautiful well maintained trails. Lots of trails, some more moderate and easy gravel trails at well. Great for all ages and levels.

    Great falls entrance
    Karina C.

    While visiting from California, a friend picked me up from the airport and took me straight to First Watch for breakfast then off we went to Great Falls Park. What a beautiful experience! We only walked about 2 miles, but every step was worth it. The park is perfect for a peaceful walk or even a refreshing run. There are three different viewpoints of the waterfall, and each one is absolutely spectacular . The scenery is breathtaking and calming at the same time. My friend even brought along a nature book game, which made the visit extra fun and meaningful. I truly wish I had more time to explore further. I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm in Virginia!

    park
    Francine A.

    A gorgeous hiking spot that is surprisingly close to DC. A great variety of trails for different skill sets, and fantastic views of the water and nature. Parking was a breeze, and it didn't seem too crowded for the time of year that we went.

    Great Falls National Park
    Diane H.

    With an open afternoon, my friends and I made the truck to Great Falls national Park in McLean, Virginia. Firstly, be aware that there is a traffic detour due to construction in the area on 495 and exiting on Georgetown Pike. So what you think is a 6 -10 mile ride may take you close to an hour. Once you arrive, be aware that there is a $20 per car charge. We could have bought an annual pass, but we just didn't think of it at the time. We parked near the visitor center and made the short three to two different lookout spots. These areas are very rocky so I advise wearing solid walking shoes or lace up trainers. If you are unsure of your footing, pick up a pack of retractable walking sticks, at a big box store before you arrive. The views are beautiful, and I only wish we had had more time to explore the area. We visited on weekday and at 1:45 when we exited 495 onto Georgetown Pike towards the park, the traffic going in the opposite direction was pretty severe, so be prepared for a very early or all afternoon rush-hour and plan for extra time in the park and driving to and from the park.

    Jennifer W.

    Such a lovely spot to enjoy nature just outside of DC. The falls were pretty muddy from all the rain but absolutely breathtaking and you can hear the roar of the falls when you step out of your vehicle. 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. It was not busy at all today but we heard on nice weekends it's so packed you have to wait for hours to get in. Definitely worth the drive for us. It's $20 for a weeks pass per vehicle. There's a visitors center with lots of info about the falls (if you have the US Passport for the National Parks get your stamp) and even a little snack bar. Restrooms were clean and air conditioned! There's a Maryland side and a Virginia side. We only made it to the Virginia side. The first overlook is not handicap accessible but overlook #2 and 3 are. I think 2 has a better view but the park says 3 does. Try all 3 it's a short walk and choose for yourself!

    Magda M.

    Great Falls Park outside of Washington D.C. is a beautiful place to take long walks while enjoying stunning views. The park is well-maintained, clean, and offers numerous scenic overlooks that make every step worthwhile.

    April L.

    Beautiful hiking spot! I was fortunate to go at a good time. It's rare the river is raging. Due to the rain some trails were cut off but it was great to see the river flowing so rapidly. I'm very happy I made the trek there from Reston. Great nature walk to start my morning.

    View of kayaker.
    Robert B.

    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!

    Sights of the falls
    Kwame S.

    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.).

    Austin G.

    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.

    Ben H.

    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.

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    Great Falls Park Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Great Falls Park

    Did you need to walk? I want to go with my family but grandma can't walk to much!

    You can walk as much or as little as you'd like. The parking lot is a less than five minute walk to the falls themselves, so grandma won't have to walk too much to see the highlight of this park (:… Read more

    I see there's a place to pay for passes online but no info on paying in person - Can you pay for the pass in person at the MD location?

    Yes there is! Walking up is $10 per person & if you're bringing a car it's $25 per vehicle

    Can we cook in that place?

    You can bbq at the bbq grills they have through the picnic areas.

    How is the drive up to the visitor center? Do I have to drive uphill to get to the parking lot?

    The drive is pretty easy, there are a few winding roads that lead to the visitor center, but nothing very steep. My small Mazda 3 gets up and down with no problem. The parking lot is not uphill once you're in the park.

    So we can bring our 2 little dogs on the Va side?

    Yes!

    Is the park open during the government shutdown?

    According to website it is closed during the government shutdown.

    Visited Great Falls Park today which was a great experience as always. However,it was marred by the amount of trash and litter laying around: bottles, papers, butts etc. does anyone know how to communicate to the Parks Dept?

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    Review Highlights - Great Falls Park

    I usually go to the Maryland side but this time we decided to visit the Virginia side which is just as pretty.

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    Carderock Recreational Area - Potomac River from Carderock Maryland side

    Carderock Recreational Area

    4.8(16 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    I love the Canal Tow Path. I have run along it a couple dozen times. I usually enter in Georgetown…read moreor at Fletcher's Cove. But I also start at Carderock for a change or if that is how the race is set up. I don't do much in the park itself. But I see it is a lovely, underused facility (which I don't want to ruin). There is, as people have mentioned, a military facility nearby. I wonder as I drive around, if they are conducting surveillance or if you'd get in trouble for doing something such as taking photographs. I've never had an issue though, if you were wondering. I have gotten lost, however, because it's not quite clear (and GPS is not precise) how you get to where you want to go once you take the exit. I recommend Carderock highly for a hike. I believe it also is a nice place to hang out, even if you don't get to the trail (but why would you go here and not at least take a gander at the water).

    On Sunday during Tony's Birthday Trip, We stopped at CarderRock Recreation Area which is part of…read moreThe Great Falls National Park. It can be seen on both sides of the Potomac River Gorges, Virginia and Maryland. The fee is $20 per car. Once you pay, your receipt is good for 7 days at any park entry points, including both sides, either states. At this location there is plenty of Parking but no Visitors Center. There is a nice bathroom facility though and plenty of picnic sites. Several trails along the gorge walls with slippery rocks so wear correct footwear.

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    Carderock Recreational Area
    Carderock Recreational Area
    Carderock Recreational Area - Signs in disrepair.

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    Signs in disrepair.

    Great Falls Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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