• 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 »

Traffic & Travel Tips

Here are some travel tips and information for getting to the park.

  • On nice weekend days during the spring, summer, and fall, arriving before noon will help you to avoid the lines to get into the park.
  • Because of heavy traffic in this area, giving yourself extra time to get to the park, especially if you are meeting people, is highly recommended.
  • The times of heaviest traffic in the D.C. area are from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, it can vary.
  • Be aware that I-66 inside the beltway is HOV-2 (high-occupancy vehicle, two or more passengers) from 6:30 to 9 a.m. going East and from 4 to 6:30 p.m. going West, Monday through Friday. You must have two or more people in your vehicle in order to drive on I-66 during those hours. Outside the beltway, there is a restricted HOV lane.
  • Other HOV information can be found on the Virginia Department of Transportation website.

Did You Know?

A view of the Falls

Even though it may be a hot day, remember that swimming is not allowed in Great Falls Park.  The Potomac River is fast, with dangerous currents, and is never safe for swimming.