Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About
An 800 acre park located just off the Potomac river.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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35 within 3 miles
Attractions
88 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- montanapescadoAlbuquerque, New Mexico1,471 contributionsA surprising natural oasisThis is very small by national park standards, but surprisingly large relative to other natural spaces in/near major urban centers. The rock cliffs underlying the Potomac River make for surprisingly rugged falls. There's not much in the way of real trails, but the old carriage road (closed to vehicles) does make for a nice walk. Go off peak or early in the day to beat crowds.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 18, 2023
- Diane SFairfax Station, Virginia196 contributionsAlways stunningThe views are always breathtaking here. This visit was a bit rainy so it was pleasantly empty. Although it can be crowded, it is always fun to watch rock climbers and kayakers on the white water in season. Many of the trails provide a more private, wooded reprieve.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 30, 2024
- ari405Norman, Oklahoma163 contributionsRemarkably wide falls not far from DCThe falls are remarkable wide (though not a long drop), which is primarily what makes them stand out. The river, bluffs, and forest are pretty. The trails we took were easy and provided a nice walk through the forest, punctuated by views of the river. It's not national park-caliber, but if you're in DC, want some nature/hiking, and don't have a lot of time, it's a great option.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,376 reviews
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paxa
Washington DC, DC6,693 contributions
Aug 2020
This park is in between Virginia and Maryland and you can enter from either side. In the last 6 months since the pandemic started we've been going there a lot more often than all the previous years we lived in DC. We usually go to the MD side since it's closer to us. There is a fee if you enter from the main entrance so if you go there a lot it might be worth getting an annual pass. You can also enter from across from the Old Angler's Inn to access the Billy Goat Trail and park along the road for free. This is a very fun trail with some rock scrambles - although in some parts it's possible to go around. From the main entrance parking lot it's a short hike on a boardwalk to the falls overlook. This is a popular park so it can get quite crowded on weekends. Go there earlier in the morning to avoid crowds, also a better time to spot turkey vultures and grey herons from the overlook.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grabo64
Washington DC, District of Columbia25 contributions
Oct 2019
Great Falls is really an amazing place. The rock formations and the thunderous flow of water is something that should be seen, heard and felt. If you every get the chance to see it during a drought or low water period, It is especially interesting, as you can see rock formations that havent been seen in ions
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CEBE88
Virginia152 contributions
Jun 2022
This is a great option to get a hike in while not having to wander too far from DC. It does get really crowded during nice days (specifically spring, summer, and probably fall as well). The River Trail hike is a nice option that takes you up and down a pretty defined trail. The trail ends with a paved road leading down to the water if you make it down that far. There are some rock outcroppings at which you can sit, have a snack, and then continue on. From the paved road at the end of the hike you can take hike over to the fork that brings you back to the visitor center, which is much easier than coming back on the River Trail. One suggestion to consider is to use/buy the National Park pass if you will be visiting this park 4 or more times. Nat'l Park pass is $80 and each visit to Great Falls is $20/car, so worth it to consider the Nat'l Park pass.
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia R
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
First of all, I am not from the D.C. area so I am use to visiting Parks that are less populated by loud obnoxious city folks. I paid $20.00 admission just to get into this park. Within an hour into my visit I noticed that the trails need to be better maintained. All of the trails are muddy, and some of the walkway bridge boards are unstable and need updating. If your not careful with your footing you can easily break an ankle on some areas in the flat trail areas. The bathroom near the park entrance was atrocious! Many of the stalls were missing door locks with no way to lock for privacy. Several bathroom stalls fronts were marked off with ugly yellow tape. The highlight was that I had to wait with soap on my hands because there was only one functioning sink where the sensor had not malfunctioned. I've visited many parks in my lifetime and I must say for paying $20.00 admission, while considering how much D.C. foot traffic this park receives, the bathrooms and trail maintenance could be upkept in better condition. The crowds are atrocious even on the cold winter day that we visited. I will not be returning. The scenic views were not worth the two hour trip I made to Fairfax County, or the annoying D.C. crowds on the brisk cold afternoon that I visited Great Falls on. Nothing was "great" about "Great Falls Park."
Written December 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill K
Mantorville, MN6,307 contributions
Apr 2021
A visit to this wonderful park is the perfect respite from the cityscapes of Washington D.C. Just a short drive from D.C., this park features many great hiking trails, abundant wildlife, historical sites, and of course the waterfalls.
The Potomac River narrows and squeezes through the Mather Gorge to create gorgeous falls. There are entrances on both the Virginia and Maryland sides. The Billy Goat Trail is known to be challenging, but provides fantastic river views. It was closed during my visit due to flooding.
The Potomac River narrows and squeezes through the Mather Gorge to create gorgeous falls. There are entrances on both the Virginia and Maryland sides. The Billy Goat Trail is known to be challenging, but provides fantastic river views. It was closed during my visit due to flooding.
Written April 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VirginiaLove2Travel
Virginia Beach, VA471 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Made a purposeful trip here because I have heard so much about it (3 hour drive). Arrived about 9am and the first parking lot was almost full....note: Get here early, as folks have said, parking lots fill up quick. Fee to enter is $20/car for 7 days. Overlook 3 really gives you the best view of the falls and the kayakers. Then pick a hike. There are many to choose from and at various skill levels. I did the river trail as it takes you along the Mather Gorge - some spots are pretty rocky so beware. Plenty of places to picnic so enjoy it especially if the weather is nice. The patowmack trail is also very nice. The visitor center is closed but on the weekend, the snack bar was open. When I left the park, late afternoon, the line to enter the park was from the entrance all the way to the traffic signal.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Norristown, PA286 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Great Falls is a beautiful park not too far from DC. It is a picturesque walk along the Potomac where you can see various waterfalls. On a hot day it is perfect for hiking because a good portion of the trails are in the shade. I hiked here with my friend for about five hours. My only issue is it is 20 dollars to get in and you get a six-day pass. My issue with that is that's great if you have time to be there for days. I wish they had a pass just for one day for a cheaper price. Nevertheless, this is absolutely worth seeing. It was not disappointing, and my only complaint is small and doesn't ruin the experience. Get there early because it gets crowded
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie M
Michigan197 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
This park was an unexpected delight. Just beautiful. Great hiking trails for the "non hiker". Wear tennis shoes! I was in sandals... not the best foot wear for the visit. The views are spectacular! There is a visitor center, bathrooms, and a small snack stand. Admission is $10 per car - but that gives you a 3 day pass. Not a bad deal!
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hendlschorsch
Essen, Germany7,848 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
.....but there are more "rapids" than "waterfalls" (which is what the name of the national park, which is about 22 miles from the capital, would suggest).
On the Virginia side, you can take a leisurely two-hour hike along the River Trail - with the option of going up to one of the viewing platforms and getting a view "of the water" - to Cow-Hoof-Rock (or look at the old, long-disused canal system).
The entrance fee is 20 USD - so if you plan to visit more than one national park during your stay in the USA, the "America the Beautiful" pass for an annual fee of 80 USD is recommended.
On the Virginia side, you can take a leisurely two-hour hike along the River Trail - with the option of going up to one of the viewing platforms and getting a view "of the water" - to Cow-Hoof-Rock (or look at the old, long-disused canal system).
The entrance fee is 20 USD - so if you plan to visit more than one national park during your stay in the USA, the "America the Beautiful" pass for an annual fee of 80 USD is recommended.
Written March 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kennedy B
72 contributions
Feb 2020
It is absolutely beautiful! The main hiking trail is super easy to hike, and would be great for all ages. The entrance fee is $20 per car. Restrooms and some picnic tables, along with a visitors center are all onsite. The cell service wasn't the best, so just beware!
Written April 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long do you need to visit the CO NHP at the Great Falls location with plans to do Billy Goat trail A and maybe C?
Is Food still available?
Are you able to see the Falls from the car?
Written August 29, 2022
Hi Kirchner3, you can spend a good 3+ hours visiting the park on the Maryland side and doing a part of the Billy Goat Trail. I like to take snacks, do stops to enjoy the view, and so if you are strictly "hiking" it you could do a good hike in less than 3 hours. It's a beautiful park so I would give myself at least 2 hours.
Written October 25, 2022
Is there a car parking and entry fee? And how many miles do you have to walk in order to reach at the falls
Written March 20, 2021
Yes, there is a National Parks fee, plenty of parking, and a fairly short walk to the falls.
Written April 29, 2021
Why is it labeled as a National Park if it’s not actually an official National Park? I couldn’t find this information anywhere?
Written January 17, 2021
It’s part of the National Park Service so, in that sense, it is a “national park” and NPS passes and discounts apply there. But the NPS refers to it online only as “Great Falls Park,” probably because of its small size.
Written January 17, 2021
Hi, how long did it take you to do the 3 overlooks?
Written August 31, 2020
The overlooks are fairly close to each other. I'd say in a stroll, a little over an hour or so. Well worth the time. I'm of the older generation, so a stroll is what I have. Enjoy.
Written September 1, 2020
What trails did you do? we would like to hit the ones near the falls, walk on rocks, etc?
Written August 22, 2020
Walk out from visitor center and all the trails we did took us along the rocks and water. The best spot we went was very treacherous with steep decline so if you take that one be real careful but is well worth it. The trails aren't marked like an usual park where you got this one and that one just start hiking out visitor center like I said and you will definitely hit everything you want to see.
Written August 23, 2020
Does the Visitor Center have a NPS Passport stamp?
Written November 7, 2019
Há alguma diversão para crianças de mais ou menos 4 anos?
Written September 27, 2019
There is not a playground. But kids would enjoy the visitor center exhibits and the hiking trails. There are many trails that a 4-year-old could do. There is also a large picnic area where you could picnic or barbeque. We saw many people playing yard games. Our 6 year old enjoyed the park.
Written September 30, 2019
Is this place comfortable to hike with a 1-2 year old ??
Written September 18, 2019
Yes, the rails are level and the bridges to the view points are fairly even and flat. You child may need to be lifted up at some points to see the Falls.
Written September 26, 2019
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