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    Great Falls

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  • Trash Free Park

    Great Falls Park is now a trash free park. Trash cans have been removed. Please come prepared to carry your trash out with you. More »

News

April 22, 2013

The trash free park program begins today. All trash cans are being removed from the park. Please be prepared to take your trash with you, and dispose of it properly when you leave the park. More information can be found here.

In honor of National Park week, all National Parks that charge entrance fees are fee free from April 22nd through April 26th.

March 4, 2013

The snack bar has reopened for the season. Current hours are Wednesday- Sunday, 10am to 4pm. They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

November 9th, 2012

In honor of Veteran's Day, all National Park entrance fees will be free from November 10-12.

"We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of military members, past and present, and honored to tell their story at many of our national parks," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.

"Take time out and experience American's Best Idea-your national parks on Veterans Day weekend, while celebrating the service of all U.S. military veterans," said NCR Director, Steve Whitesell.



November 5th, 2012

The lower restrooms and all outside water fountains have been shut down for the season. The water bottle refilling station in the courtyard, next to the snack bar, will remain open. Winter visitor center and bookstore hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. As always, park hours are from 7 a.m. until dark.



October 26th, 2012

Hurricane Sandy is forecast to hit the east coast on October 29th and has the potential for high winds and significant amounts of rain.

September 30th, 2012

The snack bar has switched to fall hours, and will now be open Wednesday- Sunday, from 10am- 5pm. It will close for the season in early November.

August 10, 2012

VDOT will be removing dangerous trees on Georgetown Pike, Walker Road, and a few other streets in Great Falls. Work begins August 13th and will last for about three weeks. There will be traffic delays and some lane closures will be necessary. The park will remain open, but the lane closures on Georgetown Pike could affect traffic. Old Dominion Drive is the only alternate route to the park. Please drive with care and keep an eye out for VDOT workers.

Read the press release from VDOT for current information.


June 12, 2012

The snack bar is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the summer.



May 21, 2012

Difficult Run updates:

The trail has been reopened for hiking, with the following advisory:

A section of the Difficult Run Trail has sustained flood damage and is steep and narrow. During periods of high stream flow, the trail may be impassable. Trail users are advised to use caution while hiking on the Difficult Run trail.

March 11, 2012

The snack bar is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Spring-Fall hours have started for the Visitor Center and bookstore, which are now open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

November 24, 2011

Construction on the new visitor center ramp is complete. The new ramp makes the visitor center and courtyard areas fully handicap accessible.

November 18, 2011

The restroom facility near the lower parking lot and all outdoor water fountains are closed for the winter. Water is available in the visitor center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and restrooms are also available at the visitor center.

October 31st, 2011

Difficult Run trail remains closed due to flood damage. Click here to view the record of determination for this closure.

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Great Falls Park Final General Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement

The final copy of the Great Falls Park General Management Plan is online. The above link will open a new page to view it.

 

Great Falls Park is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. For Parkway news, click here.

Did You Know?

Pothole carved by the Potomac River

The round holes you see in the rocks along the River Trail were carved by the Potomac. Some of these potholes are large enough to stand in and can take over 500 years to form.