Physical Features

How many acres is Great Falls Park?

Great Falls Park is an 800 acre park.

How high is the waterfall?

The total drop for the falls is seventy seven feet. Pictures of the falls can be found on the main page and also in the photo gallery.

What kind of rock makes up the cliffs we see at Great Falls?

The two predominate rock types are metagreywacke and mica schist. Both of these rocks belong to the metamorpic classification and make up the majority of cliff and rock formations you can see in the park. If you look closely, you can see swirls in the rock, which shows the results of the immense heat and pressure the rocks are subjected to during the metamorphic process. Igneous quartz deposits can be seen in many of the rocks. Sedimentary rock is rare at Great Falls. An exhibit in the Visitor Center showcases the different rock types. The Parks and History bookstore offers several books on local geology.

Visitation

How many visitors come to Great Falls Park each year?

The park has over a half million visitors who come here each year.

Wildlife

What types of wildlife will I find in the park?

There is a variety of wildlife that can be found in the park. Chipmunks, raccoons, foxes, squirrels, and many species of reptiles, amphibians, and birds all call Great Falls Park home. The largest mammal at Great Falls Park is the whitetail deer. Please help us keep our wildlife wild and healthy. Do not approach any of the wildlife in the park. Feeding all types of wildlife, including birds, is prohibited.

How many different types of birds are found here?

Great Falls Park is home to around 163 species of birds. Bird watching is a fascinating opportunity to view some of the resident and migratory bird species in the park. Two types of vulture, the black and the turkey, can often be seen soaring above the river. The park lies along several migration routes as well.

Are there venomous snakes at Great Falls?

The copperhead is the only venomous snake found in the park. A picture is located in the Visitor Center for identification. If you see any snake on the trail, do not attempt to pick up, handle, or move it. Be careful where you step and do not reach into any place that you cannot see.