Great Falls Park
Park ยท Virginia
NPS
National Park Service unit in Virginia, United States
Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. Situated on 800 acres (3.2ย km2) along the banks of the Potomac River in northern Fairfax County, the park is a disconnected but integral part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The Great Falls of the Potomac River are near the northern boundary of the park, as are the remains of the Patowmack Canal, the first canal in the United States that used locks to raise and lower boats.
About 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. 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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Park Hours
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00AM - Sunset | 7:00AM - Sunset | 7:00AM - Sunset | 7:00AM - Sunset | 7:00AM - Sunset | 7:00AM - Sunset | 7:00AM - Sunset |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Great Falls Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $20.00. 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. Entrance - Motorcycle: $15.00. 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. Entrance - Per Person: $10.00. 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. Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: $100.00. 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. Commercial Entrance - Van: $40.00. Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee) Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $40.00. Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee) Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25.00. Vehicles with capacity of 1-6 passengers: $25 plus $3 per person. Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100.00. Vehicles with capacity of 26+: $100. (No per person fee)
What are the best activities at Great Falls Park?
Popular activities at Great Falls Park include: Guided Tours, Hiking, Paddling, Kayaking, Park Film.
What is the weather like at Great Falls Park?
The Washington, D.C. area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4โ monthly, year-round.
How do I get to Great Falls Park?
From I-495, take exit 44 for route 193 west; continue 4 miles. Turn right on Old Dominion Drive.
Entrance Fees
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)
Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)
Vehicles with capacity of 1-6 passengers: $25 plus $3 per person.
Vehicles with capacity of 26+: $100. (No per person fee)
Weather
The Washington, D.C. area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4โ monthly, year-round.
Directions
From I-495, take exit 44 for route 193 west; continue 4 miles. Turn right on Old Dominion Drive.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Virginia
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