Walking to visitor office, since this is my first time to this park. The Billy goat trail was closed due to the heavy rain we had for the past 10 day from September to the beginning of October, I was a bit disappointedI was hoping to climb.all 13.8 miles up, but I made it to the observation deck to see the Potomac River overflow which was a spectacular view. I managed to walked over 17K steps. I recommend going to this National Park, I paid $20 for the year and I can visit all National parks in the DMV area. read more

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On Sunday during Tony's Birthday Trip, We stopped at Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center. The Great Falls National Park 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. There is plenty of parking spots and bathroom facility near the parking lot. We went inside the Visitors Center to look at the museum displays, get literature about the park, trails and sites. We took the 1 mile Falls Overlook Trail that took us past the Canal Boat on display. There was many Visitors milling around, biking, walking and enjoying the beautiful weather. read more

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Bottom Line: Small visitors center but a neat building near locks, canal boats, lock houses, the C&O towpath and the Billy Goat hiking trail. The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is one of seven visitor centers for the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Historical Park managed by the National Park Service. This visitors center is located in Maryland near the popular Bill Goat hiking trail. As the name implies, the visitor center is located in the historic Great Falls Tavern. The tavern dates back to around 1830 and once served as a hotel including a barroom and dining room. I believe the tavern building also housed the lock house for that portion of the canal. The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is undergoing a phased re-opening from the COVID shut-down. When I visited rangers were on site to answer questions and there were a few exhibits. There is typically a movie but that portion of the visitor center has not reopened yet. And I just want to say, shout out to the NPS Park Rangers! Guests can go for a ride on the canal boat in the warmer months. I think rides might only be offered a few times on the weekend so if your heart is set of riding through the canal then its best to check the schedule. We didn't plan ahead to ride the boat so we just hiked the trails and towpath during our visit. The Visitor Center has a large parking lot but it does fill up quickly on the weekends especially when the weather is favorable. Sometimes there is a food truck in the parking lot and bathrooms are near by. The other six Visitor Centers along the 184.5 miles of the C&O canal from south to north are Georgetown (mile 0), Brunswick, Williamsport, Hancock and Cumberland. read more

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This a nice place to visit and walk on the C&O Canal trail. The Maryland side of the Great Falls Park is small in comparison to the Virginia side, but does have the charm of being able to walk along the C&O Canal You can walk along the nature trail and past the many locks along the canal. You can also visit the Olmstead Island near the visitor center. There is plenty of parking available at the visitor center. Parking has gone up to $20 per vehicle tho! The museum is also a nice place to visit during the daytime hours. Definitely a good place to visit with family and friends and get some walking done on the towpath. read more

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After checking out the other side of the falls at Great Falls Park, we came over here to the Maryland side. This area also has an entry fee, but we were able to use our America the Beautiful pass to enter. There's a good-sized paved parking lot available, but it was pretty full - clearly a popular spot! The visitor center is a short walk from the parking area and is located in a historic building that was really neat to check out. There are some great exhibits and displays available, including a very cute little stuffed mule (because of the canal). At the time of our visit, they were using a second room to highlight information and activities about fish, which were fun. The ranger staffing the visitor center was very friendly and helpful. The canal boat wasn't open for the season yet, but it sounded like it would be fun to check out too. The park stamps are also available here. read more

This place is truly beautiful! It is an easy drive from the DC area. The Maryland side has only one viewing area of the great falls. But it has the towpath which runs along the C&O Canal. The sights are beautiful along the towpath. The stretch between Great Falls Tavern and Anglers Parking is just gorgeous. It is about a two mile walk on the towpath one way. Along the route, there are plenty of hiking trails. There is a fee if you take the Great Falls Tavern visitor center entrance. This part of the park has better facilities than other areas. It had mule-drawn canal boat rides and free bicycle rentals before the pandemic. Hopefully these programs will come back in 2021. If you plan to visit the park more than once in a year, it is worth it to purchase an annual pass. There are multiple entry points to the C&O Canal towpath. Anglers is not far from Great falls Tavern. Parking is free. Carderock also has free parking. But the Great Falls Tavern has the most beautiful scenery and much better facilities. During peak days, there is usually a long line to get into Great Falls Tavern. It is the same on the Virginia side because both parks have a single lane for entrance. On very busy days, it would be very difficult to get parking at Anglers. Carderock usually has parking. read more

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I prefer this side of Great Falls! The billy Goat trail is gnarly, c&o path is cool, and there is a lot to look at and they have a visitors center. It's $25 a car but I'd suggest buying the Annual Scenic America pass for $80 if you plan to go more than 3 times as it pays for its self! Get here early on nice days to avoid the crowd and the heat. There isn't much shade on hot days. read more

My go to scenic place. The falls from the Maryland side are just amazing and the walk towards to falls is great with tiny bridges and water flowing underneath. The flowing water and the sounds send out such a relaxing energy. You will definitely feel refreshed after your visit. I have had days where I was going thru something.. Feeling low, and I would just get in my car and drive to the falls. read more

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Visitor Centers Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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The place is amazing! And beautiful to explore the only concern I have was with the metal guard rails along the trail that leads to the overlook area that where very loose and not safe at all. Definitely needs someone to take a look at the and reinforce them. read more

Everything here is great. Those in the know skip out of the $5 parking by going downstream a bit and checking out the Billygoat Trail on the way up. But really, it's not expensive for what it is. There are innumerable spaces, but during peak summer times they seem to fill somehow. The views are tremendous, and the boardwalk through Olmstead Island gives you a great opportunity to see the local ecology while keeping it preserved. Educational signage is pretty ample on the island, and there's a respectable visitor center will exhibitions on the history of the place. There's bathrooms and water fountains near the visitor center, but not anywhere else in the area, so keep that in mind. The canal and accompanying towpath continue almost indefinitely in either direction and there are plenty of trails through the woods, as well as the famed Billygoat. There is a boat on the canal that will take you on a brief ride through a lock (for free) which is an interesting experience. All in all, one of the essential landmarks of the DC area; a place you can and should visit repeatedly. read more

A magnificent park in the midst of the DC Metro! You don't want to miss this spectacular display of simple nature. We started off, just across from the Anglers Inn. There's a fair amount of free parking. This time of year the trees are just beginning to bud so you get some great vistas of the river and the falls without the foliage blocking the view. The eco system supports the Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher and Double Crested Cormorant. The Chesapeake and Ohio canal trail is gravel and easy to walk on. There are many benches along the way to stop off & take a rest. There are also many picnic tables near the Potomac Tavern Museum. Stop off to check out the Frederick Law Olmstead commemorative plaque and the panaromic view of the Potomac River from the vantage point of the boardwalk. read more

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Great Blue Heron - Visitor Centers Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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This is definitely the place to go if you are into hiking and want to see Great Falls. There is a visitor center not far from the parking lot, but it's pretty small considering some of the other National Parks I have been too but either way the staff here is always willing to answer any questions you have about the many trails and hiking areas to go on. There is a fee to get into the park and there is also a little snack shop not far away as well. I do however think that if you like to bring your bicycle to trails make sure you come in the morning time because the trails get packed during the day and it can be hard at times for bicyclists to maneuver around the crowd. read more

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Visitor Centers Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

Looking to enjoy the views of Great Falls but not up for a long hike? I recommend this fairly accessible site if you want to park, enjoy a picnic, and see several impressive sections of the river's falls within a short walk. I took my in-laws, who don't like hiking, here and they were very impressed. After passing the free, smaller parking area a few miles back, we entered the actual park by paying $10 for our car and parked in a large parking lot next to a picnic spot on the canal, which had eight or so shaded picnic tables. Bathrooms were nearby, next to a little visitor's center. From there, it was no more than a third of a mile on a flat, half-shaded path to get to some truly impressive overlooks. (The first one was impressive, the second great, and the third equivalent to the grand finale of fireworks shows!) Tip: be prepared to take your trash back out of the park with you. read more

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The tavern visitor's center is a tiny cottage/house located between the parking lot and the Great Falls Overlook. Here, you can grab a map of the park's trails, different brochures, and look at the few displays on the historic background of the park. The one park ranger/employee was busy answering phone calls when I went into ask for trail info, so he answered my questions very briefly and I was on my way in less than 3 minutes. The ranger in the Virginia Great Falls visitor's center was much more thorough and helped me pick out a trail. Just a head's up, bathrooms, water fountains, and the refreshment stand are also located between the visitor's center and the parking lot in two separate buildings. The visitor's center is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so prepare to walk/bike with little guidance on those days. read more

Beautiful park and trails any time of the year! We went here on a 19 degrees day and still enjoyed it! Beautiful views of the canal and the Potomac river, nice and cozy tavern/visitors center building. A volunteer guide showed us old C&O canal money and gave a very interesting story. Did you know there used to be paper cents bills in 6 1/4 and 12 1/2 cents denominations? You can also buy some souvenirs here like traditional skills craft sets, mugs, books etc. Few exhibits are also on display about the history of the canal. Today the canal was frozen and offered some wonderful magical views! read more

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The visitor center here is ok. There a lot of renovations going on. $15 to enter. I thought that was steep. The guy at the gate should probs find another job. I know it was busy but thats the job you chose. Inside the visitor's center was eh. I've seen much better ones. Not sure whats happening here. read more

This is a really nice park. There are tables close to the parking area for bring-your-own picnics and a lot of trails and things to do. The hikes vary from easy to difficult and the Park Rangers can give you advice on what you should attempt (based your group's age, level of experience and fitness). Because of Covid-19, the Visitor Center and the Snack Bar are closed. However the restrooms are open (must wear mask) and there is a water fountain for refilling your water bottles. The Rangers and friendly and helpful. Our group accidentally dropped a toy in the canal lock and the Ranger fished it out for us (made several kids very happy). The cost per car is $20 and walk-ins are charged $10. Keep your receipt, it is good for several days. Still, if you qualify for it, the NPS lifetime pass for seniors is a great deal and that can be used for a whole car's entrance fee. Visitors to Washington DC should add this to their things to do list, not a museum or federal building but a bit of nature as a change of pace. read more

I've been to Great Falls, MD quite a number of times, but this past weekend, it was gorgeous out and deserved another visit. I really love the park and the nice walk along the Canal, but the one big complaint about this park is the crowds. Of course parks are going to busy on nice days, but this park, in particular, always is crowded. The trail/bridge/overlook of the falls is beautiful and worth checking out, there's no question, but I enjoy finding smaller trails that wind down to the Potomac and provide other views and areas to sit in a bit less crowded setting. Another great thing about this park are the picnic tables available before the canal and there is actually a small building where you can buy food and refreshments. I never have, but its nice to know its available. There is also a ferry ride along the canal which does provide a nice history of the area, though I haven't been on the ride since I was about 4. Overall, this park provides both breathtaking views of the river that separates Maryland from Virginia, a path along the Canal, and areas for the whole family to enjoy. This park is a must-visit location for tourists and DC natives alike. The $5 parking fee is well worth it the money, especially if it pays for the upkeep of such a fabulous weekend (or weekday) destination. read more

The 'geek' in me visited Great Falls a couple of years ago in search of the best lichens that side of the river.... The 'hippie' in me visited to feel the breeze in my hair and get some soil between my fingers... The 'yogi' in me loved the stretching and the trek I got around the woods... The 'foodie' in me couldn't take more than a few hours on that trip 'cause that packed sandwich was not cutting it... at all... The 'yelper' gives it five stars - serene nature, no concrete, no protesters, no pollution (well, not completely accurate)... If you like walking (even the most basal attempt - don't have to be a hiker), then you'll love the trails. If you like the calming sound of water, you'll embrace the Potomac. If you need a moment to get away and don't have that Southwest ticket or Twix bar nearby, then Great Falls is your premier destination - right outside the District. read more

As soon as I showed up, I fell in love with Great Falls. It is so picturesque with loads of history behind it. The park makes a point to have signs up everywhere going into great detail of how the park came to be. One of the signs for example for the Billy Goat Trail overly emphasizes that 'if you do go on this trail, it is highly recommended you be physically fit....' I appreciate the emphasis I suppose, even though I'm not in perfect fit condition, I didn't have much difficulty walking a mile and a half of it before turning back since it was getting late in the day. The views of the gorges and water are immaculate. I literally sat on some rocks for nearly 45 minutes just reflecting on things. I'd say it was one of the most tranquil feelings I've had in a long while. They have walks and views of all sorts for all people. It does handicap accessibility trails as well which I see as a definite plus. I can't think of any negatives here. Bring cash for parking. It is a $5 per car. Also, if you do not come early in the day, brace to have a line to wait in for an hour or so. I avoided this because I came around 11am on a Sunday. When I left, the line was intensely long for over two miles. Nature lovers come here and enjoy! read more

Went to the Maryland side of Great Falls recently and it's amazing. It's a fairly short walk from parking to the Overlook. I don't particularly like to walk so if I say it's not bad it's not too bad (you'll be walking on gravel part of the way so comfortable shoes are a good idea). The view is absolutely beautiful. It's only $5 per car to get in--there is a typical park snack bar with hot dogs, chips, bbq, etc.; a picnic area, a small museum, and canal barge rides. The barge, pulled by mules, only goes a few times a day so check on-line or call for the schedule; but if you do get there in time it's a nice "go back in time" ride up the canal a little way and back. Have been to the Virginia side years ago and don't remember it as quite as interesting, but again it has been a while. read more

Things you'll see when you visit Great Falls park on a sparkling gorgeous fall day: A long line of cars paying $5 to park A clean, modern visitors center 500 feet from your parking spot. People walking dogs of every imaginable breed. Hikers in REI gear, families and Asian tourists with Coach bags. Gorgeous trees with yellows, oranges and reds that rival upstate NY. A well-kept boardwalk that leads you out to... A SPECTACULAR view of the falls and the river, and... Kayakers, hikers and people repelling down the gorge walls. Easy and challenging trails for hikers of every level. Ruins of the river town and boat locks from the 1800s. And most importantly... Friendly, happy people waving hi to you and enjoying the natural beauty around them...just like you. So go! read more

This is a great place to go to get a different DC area experience. This is my second time at the Great Falls, but my first time on the Maryland side. I like both locations, but there are pros and cons for each one. let's go through the list: Maryland side pros: the hike is more adventurous, it feels more dramatic once you finally reach the falls, you can see the start of the falls and even spots upriver before the falls, less crowded, great place to jog or bike or walk your dog cons: in my opinion the view is not as nice as the VA side, backside view, requires more time to hike and see the view VA side pros: nicer drive to the falls, better views of the falls, can hike down to the water for another view of the falls at water-level (this hike is a bit challenging but worth it), easier short hike to all 3 viewstations, frontside view, great for picnics cons: more crowded, hike is not as fun or adventurous, Tips: free parking if you arrive within 1 hour of closing time, bring bug repellent if staying till sunset or going near the water read more

So to get some physical exercise and to be outside (while its not so crazy humid) we decide to go to Great Falls. It's literally down the street from my in-laws house, but we've never gone solely because it's either too cold, too hot, or too rainy. Anyway, here we come, totally out of shape and lazy =) We had the best time climbing the rocks, walking around, hiking and exploring this little hidden treat. Maybe I appreciate it more because I'm from the concrete jungle (So Cal) and I love greenery, or maybe I just appreciated being outside like I used to in my SF days? Either way, Great Falls is a nice place to hang out when the weather is great. Pick - up a gatorade from the little snack stand from the super nice guy who works there. $5 parking not bad either, $20 annual pass and $80 lifetime pass. read more

Beautiful waterfalls here. Must visit the Visitor Center and the 3 overlook areas. The walks are pretty easy. I recommend starting at the farthest overlook from the Visitor Center first, as it's suppose to be the best view of all, especially if not everyone in the group is able to walk to each overlook. If you enjoy walking, and are not in pain, start at the closest overlook and work your way to the last. Each view is awesome. Cost $10 per car entrance fee. read more

Absolutely beautiful. It's a must-see in the fall and spring. The views are breathtaking and the park is so well-kept.

A group of us came here on a Sunday afternoon and it was surprisingly quiet and not crowded at all. You park and walk a little ways to get the the start of the waterfall trail. They had a boat floating on the water with horses pulling it, which was cool to see. The hike to the waterfall is really easy to get to and you are on a "boardwalk" so you don't even really touch the dirt. They have bags for trash and a pack it in pack it out mentality, which is great. I didn't see much trash at all. TIP: The sides of the metal bridges that go over the water move when you lean on them. Its totally freaky if you aren't expecting it and we kept saw people lean on them and scream cause it feels like you might fall over. Funny but a bit scary! The falls themselves are really gorgeous and larger than I thought they would be. You can see across to the Virginia side and people at the lookouts there as well. This is a great place to come for an easy hike and lots of scenery. Perfect spot for a tourist to see the beautiful area and take some pictures. We saw lots of runners out there too. read more

I shall admit, I have been spoiled by all the waterfalls I've seen in life. The best being Igazu Falls in Argentina. Nothing in Northern America has really compared until I saw Great Falls from the Virginia side. There's also a Maryland side but I haven't been to it. Getting to the Falls is actually very easy as there's a boardwalk set out that guides you to the falls... took me about 10 minutes to get to the end. It is quiet picturesque to be standing on top of one of the cliffs overlooking at the water rushing in to the Potomac River. It's huge and expansive and you can see tons of wildlife all around. Do note there is a parking fee of $5 which you can reuse for 2 days, but I think you can by pass that if you start closer to the Billy Goat Trail and make your way up. read more

One of the most beautiful places to take a photo in the region. Helpful hint: don't lean on the metal railings on the bridge crossing the river. They are not all that stable. read more

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - October, C&O Canal, walking from the falls back to the parking lot. - Visitor Centers Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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Love the great falls and the trails it offers but I had to dock one star for the raise in prices.. It used to be $3!! Now it's $10!? :( com'onnnn read more

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One of my absolute FAVORITE parks in the area - I come here at least 4 or 5 times a year, but that's probably a gross underestimation. When the weather is nice, this is the perfect place to be for a picnic, a hike, or just a walk out to enjoy nature. The park is in very clean condition; you won't see much littering going on here on the sides of the trails. Don't hesitate to bring your bikes or your kids or your pets, as this park is definitely friendly for all of that. Also a good idea is a cooler - there's lots of places where you can lay down a blanket, but they also have picnic tables set up for your convenience. Parking is easy - the lot is pretty big, and I've never seen it completely full, even on a more crowded day. The views of the Potomac River are amazing, and the overlooks are definitely worth checking out, as well as the smaller hiking trails if you are feeling adventurous. You can also bring your own kayak, but I've never done that so I don't know how that works. I'm usually not one to be particularly fond of parks, because I get bored pretty easily, but I'll be visiting Great Falls as long as I live in the area... it's a great, easy way to escape just for a little bit and be surrounded by some awesome scenery. read more

Barely outside DC and you feel a world away... When we lived in Boston my boyfriend and I used to love taking day trips to New Hampshire to go hiking. A friend who lives in Bethesda recommended Great Falls without even knowing I'm into that sort of thing, so I figured it would be great. First off, it's just gorgeous. We saw at least 10-12 deer grazing around in the woods at various points, in addition to the beauty of the river and the rapids (though no big waterfall as I expected from somewhere called "great falls"). There are educational demonstrations and a museum about canal life years ago, which we didn't really partake in. The canal path is wide and well-maintained (excellent for running, especially with all the shade from the trees) and the hiking trails are fantastic (see review of Great Falls: Billy Goat Trail). It was a little crowded but not unbearable, and there is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle (or I think $2-3/person on foot) but it was waived the day we went which was a nice bonus. My only regret is that we didn't get there earlier. With so many trails and acres to explore, this seems best done as a full-day activity. Pack a lunch and pick a rock to camp out on for a bit between hikes. read more

4.25 stars. Although my Hindu roots almost compel a minimalistic approach to certain aspects of life, I have surprisingly spent very little time in the past couple of years enjoying the natural beauty of pristine land lightly trampled upon my "modern" humanity. Enter Great Falls and the Potomac Gorge. I recently spent an afternoon here and thorougly enjoyed actively participating within the natural environment before me. An assortment of rock structures provided not only a fun obstacle course but also a platform for a wide variety of flora and fauna to co-exist. I reached a mini-cliff and deciphered a method to crawl down to the beach below, basking in the minimal to moderate danger a steep fall could have created. I examined novel mini-wetlands that apparently appear nowhere else in the world. At one point, a huge ratsnake blocked the path only to slither slowly away and eventually into the distance. Spending time in this natural environment is not only a fun experience, but it is also a welcome respite from the artificial boundaries created by our modern society. It's an excellent opportunity to engage in an entirely different manner with your outward environment. Although Great Falls is a bit off the beaten path, that's also a major component of its charm. Go here to get away from DC and recapture the essence of being human. read more

Just when I thought this place couldn't get any better, I was wrong! The information center (white building) now offers free bicycle rentals for 2 hours! Including helmets! I cannot believe that it is free, and there were very nice bikes ranging from all sizes including kids tricycles too. The volunteers told me that they just started the program in May and that they will try to offer free bike rentals year round but it will depend on the demand. I went last weekend to see the foliage and it was exquisite. FYI, if you can drag your parents out there, seniors 62+ can purchase a lifetime parking pass for only $10! I highly recommend going early around 8-9 in the morning to avoid the large crowds. read more

This park is beyond beautiful. The views are amazing. My husband and I stood for the sunset and it was breathtaking. I wish I lived near by so I can come more often. read more

I absolutely love going bike riding here on the trails which are pretty empty and next to the water. The park offers free 2 hour bike rentals, you just have to leave your ID or keys. Entrance to the park is $10 but there are a few dates throughout the year that it is free. They have bathrooms and a concession stand. The view of Great Falls is spectacular! read more

Cool place just outside the city. Don't think it took us more than 20 min from DCA. Was a little icy on the footpaths, but amazingly quiet during the winter mornings, which allowed us quiet enjoyment of the towpath and the falls. Good for maybe 1+ hour as a casual visit, and more if you are planning on taking 1 of the trails. USD5 entrance fee per car read more

Beautiful scenery and some great hiking/bouldering trails along the Potomac River. The only downsides to note are that if you're coming by car, the line to get inside the park itself can be ridiculous on busier days (30 or more minutes), and if you park up the road and walk in on foot, they still charge you. read more

Veey cool park. Like most things east coast its crowded. If you are into rock climbing they have some great spots along the potomac. Such a beautiful area and great family or date time here. read more

On a beautiful day, this is one of the best activities right in the backyard of DC. The area has many good hikes which are good for beginners or mid level hikers. It's good for all ages and the views are nice from the vista view points. The river and the fresh air is refreshing. On a weekend day it could be crowded but everyone I came across was respectful. Parking may be difficult but still possible. Billy goat trail is nice and a good challenge. I highly recommend this area to anyone who appreciates the nature or some quality physical activity. read more