• Great Falls of the Potomac in summer

    Great Falls

    Park Virginia

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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 »

  • River Safety

    Learn more about how to stay safe around the Potomac. Please remember swimming and wading are strictly prohibited. More »

Permits

Permits are required for certain activities within the park. There is a fee for permit applications. These include:

  • Weddings
  • Catered picnics
  • Any activity in which participants are paying to participate, such as tours or classes
  • Religious services and ceremonies
  • Competitions, such as orienteering or trail races
  • Filming in the park

Incidental Business Permits are required for any business that will be bringing paying clients into the park for any reason, including:

  • Rock climbing
  • Horseback riding
  • Hiking tours
  • Kayaking, rafting, and canoeing

Additional information or to apply for a permit.

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.