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The park is open from 7 a.m. until dark. It is open every day except for December 25th. Great Falls Park is a day use only park. Overnight stays and camping are not permitted.
The Visitor Center hours vary seasonally. It will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, with extended hours during the spring and summer months. For current hours, please contact the park.
There is a $5.00 entrance fee per vehicle. A $3.00 per person entrance fee applies to those entering the park on horses, motorcycles, bicycles, and on foot. The vehicle and individual passes are good for three consecutive days. Children under the age of 16 are free. These passes are also accepted at C&O Canal National Historical Park, across the river in Maryland.
Passes
Listed below are the types of passes that may be purchased at this park. All passes are sold at the park's entrance station.
National Park Pass: $50.00, valid for one year in all National Parks.
Annual pass for Great Falls Park: $20.00 and is valid for one year. This pass is also accepted at C&O Canal National Historical Park, across the river.
Golden Age Passport: $10.00 for visitors who are United States citizens 62 years of age and older. This pass is valid for life in all National Parks. A photo ID showing the date of birth, such as a driver's license or state ID is required.
Golden Access Passport: Free of charge for visitors who are United States citizens and have a disability. This pass is valid for life in all National Parks. Golden Access passes are available at the Visitor Center desk. Please contact the park for more information
Transportation
Can I take public transportation to Great Falls Park?
Unfortunately, the park is not on a public transportation route. Several cab companies will provide service to the park.
What is the closest Metro (subway) station to the park?
The closest Metro stations are West Falls Church and Dunn Loring on Metro's Orange Line. These stations are between seven to ten miles away from the park. It is possible to take the Metro to one of these stations and then take a cab the rest of the way, but there are no Metro stations within walking distance to the park.
What is the closest airport to the park?
Two major airports provide service to the area. Reagan National Airport is twenty miles from the park. Dulles International Airport is located just sixteen miles from Great Falls. Metro service is available at Reagan National Airport. Cab service is available from both locations.
Please see our Directions page.
Can I bike to Great Falls Park?
We do not recommend biking to Great Falls Park. Both Old Dominion Drive and Route 193 are not bicycle friendly. The roads are one lane in each direction, with no shoulders, and are hilly with many sharp turns. The only access from Maryland is the American Legion Bridge on I-495, where biking is not permitted. The park has several paths that are open for biking and many visitors bring their bicycles with them when they visit.
Where is the nearest gas station?
There are gas stations in the town of Great Falls and McLean. To reach Great Falls, turn right at the traffic light on the park's entrance road and go straight for about two miles. To get to McLean, go straight at the traffic light and follow Old Dominion for about two miles.
Overnight Stays and Lodging
Can I go camping in Great Falls Park?
This is a day use only park. No overnight stays or camping are permitted. To find information on some area parks with overnight camping, visit our links page.
Where are the nearest hotels?
We cannot recommend a specific hotel or motel. However, there are several hotels within driving distance to the park. A web search for hotels in the McLean, Virginia area will allow you to find several hotels in a varied price range. Close cities include Tyson's Corner, Vienna, Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Fairfax, and Herndon.
Dining
Where can I go to eat?
Great Falls Park's concession stand is open from April through mid-November. Many people choose to bring picnic lunches to the park with them. Several local restaurants are open throughout the year. The park cannot recommend any specific restaurants. Many of them are within a few miles of the park. A general search on the Internet for the Great Falls/McLean VA area will give you a variety of choices.
Is there a grocery store nearby?
Grocery stores are located in the towns of Great Falls and McLean. Each location is within three to four miles driving distance from the park.
Miscellaneous
Where can I purchase gifts and film?
The park bookstore is located upstairs in the Visitor Center. It is open during Visitor Center hours. Film is available at the park snack bar. The snack bar is open seasonally from April until mid-November.
NPS
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