Recreational Activities at Great Falls Park

Visitor Center

What hours is the Visitor Center open?

The Visitor Center is open every day except for December 25th, when the park is closed. The Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily, with extended hours during the spring/summer weekends. Contact the park at 703-285-2965 for additional information.

Bicycling

Where can I ride my bike in the park?

All visitors entering the park are asked to stop at the entrance station in order to comply with Great Falls Park's fee program. Entrance fees for individuals are $3.00 per person if coming into the park on a bicycle or $5.00 if coming by vehicle. An annual pass may be purchased for $20.

Great Falls Park has six miles of multi- use trails that are open for biking. Please see the trail maps for more details. Old Carriage Road Trail, Ridge Trail, and Difficult Run Trail are the three trails open to bikes. Bicycles may not be ridden in the courtyard of the Visitor Center, on the Patowmack Canal Trail, on any of the Falls overlooks, Matildaville Trail, River Trail, or the Swamp Trail. Please be courteous, obey trail usage signs, and walk your bike in high traffic areas.

Please obey all posted signs. A bicycle rack is located behind the Visitor Center for visitors wishing to secure their bikes while they visit. We recommend that you wear a helmet for your safety.

Can I rent bicycles at the park?

We do not offer any bicycle rentals in the park. You will need to bring your own bicycle.

Bird Watching

What kinds of birds can I see at Great Falls Park ?

Don't forget your binoculars and bird guides! Depending on the season and the time of day, you have a chance of viewing some of the 163 species of birds that can be found here. Among them are waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and herons. Other species include songbirds, woodpeckers, vultures, and kingfishers. This large variety of birds makes Great Falls Park an excellent location for birding.

Will I be able to see bald eagles here?

Although bald eagles have been seen nesting upstream, they rarely come into the park.

Is there a birding group that meets at the park?

Yes, an unofficial birding group meets each Sunday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and join in to catch a glimpse of resident and migratory birds in Great Falls Park. The group meets in the Visitor Center courtyard. Please come dressed for the weather, as the group will go rain or shine. Occasionally, Ranger led programs on birds are offered. Check the Monthly Program Schedule to see if a program is being offered during the current month.

Boating

What types of boating are available at Great Falls Park?

Whitewater boating is the most common type, with the use of whitewater kayaks and canoes. The section of the Potomac River flowing through the park vary from Class II (moderately easy) to Class VI (extreme). Most boaters who come here are experienced and know that they boat at their own risk. The Potomac River has many challenging currents, standing waves, and hydraulics. Boaters use a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and helmet while they are on the river. Canoes use air bladders in the boat to give them added buoyancy. Access to the river can be difficult. All boaters must enter the river below the falls in Fisherman's Eddy, between Overlooks 1 and 2, and in AA Gorge. The Virginia shoreline above the falls is closed to boating.

For more information on river safety and regulations, visit Maryland's Department of Natural Resources website.

Can I take a kayaking class here?

Great Falls Park staff does not teach kayaking at the park. However, there are several local companies who have permits to operate in the park and conduct classes or camps. Most instruction is conducted further downstream, near Angler's Inn in Maryland. An internet search or a glance through the local papers will give you a list of choices.

Do you allow river rafting in the park?

The park does not conduct any rafting trips. However, there are several local companies who have permits to lead rafting trips here. More whitewater rafting opportunities in this area are located in West Virginia, on the Shenandoah River. Other rivers that offer whitewater rafting include the upper James River, west of Richmond, and the New River in West Virginia. An internet search will provide more information and a list of outfitters for rafting trips. The park cannot recommend any specific company.

Can I go tubing in Great Falls Park?

No inner tubing is allowed on the section of the Potomac that flows through Great Falls Park because of dangerous currents and deadly hydraulics.

Camping

What kind of camping do you have at Great Falls Park?

Great Falls Park is a daylight use only park, no overnight camping is allowed. There are several parks nearby that offer camping, including Prince William Forest Park, Lake Fairfax Park, and Greenbelt National Park. Visit our Links page for their website links.

Climbing

What do I need to know about climbing in the park?

Climbing sites begin downstream of Overlook #2 and end near the emergency boat ramp at Sandy Landing. No climbing is permitted in the historic canal cut. Routes range in length from 25 to 75 feet. Difficulty ranges from 5.0 up to the highest rated climbs at 5.14. Most of the routes are in the 5.5 to 5.9 range. All climbing is top-rope and no anchors may be drilled into the rock. Bring enough anchor material to have two independent anchor systems and allow about thirty feet of material from the edge to your anchor and you will be set to move to almost every climbing area in the park. The majority of the climbs are accessible via a walk down route except during periods of high water, above 4.5 on the Little Falls gauge. The river gauge reading is reported in the weather section of the Washington Post under the title 'River Stages.'

Are climbing guides available?

Yes, a handout of the most common climbing sites is available at the Visitor Center desk. Two different climbing guide books are sold in the park bookstore. These books have in-depth information on the routes, as well as pictures of the top of the climbing routes for easy identification.

Are climbing lessons and gear available at the park?

Climbing lessons and gear rentals are not available at the park. All climbers will need to bring their own gear.

Do I need to register to climb?

Registration is not required. However, voluntary sign in sheets are located in the Visitor Center courtyard and in the Lower Parking Lot.

Dog Walking

Can I bring my dog with me to the park?

Dogs and other pets must be on a six foot leash at all times. Dogs are welcome on trails and in the picnic areas. Owners must clean up after their pets. Dogs or other pets may NOT be left tied out or unattended at any time. Do not leave your pet in a hot car, as the temperatures can be fatal to pets.

All visitors entering the park are asked to stop at the entrance station in order to comply with Great Falls Park's fee program. Entrance fees for individuals are $3.00 per person if coming into the park on foot or $5.00 if coming by vehicle. An annual pass may be purchased for $20.

Carrying your own water is highly recommended throughout the year. It is especially important in the warmer months, when high temperatures and humidity make it more difficult to stay hydrated. Don't forget to bring extra water for your canine companion as well.

What trails are open to dogs?

Dogs are welcome on all trails but must be on a leash at all times. There are no off leash areas in Great Falls Park. Check the Links page for local parks with off leash dog areas. No pets, with the exception of service animals, are permitted in the restroom facilities, on Ranger led hikes and programs, or in the Visitor Center.

Driving

Can I drive to see the falls?

There is no road access to view the falls. Vehicles are permitted on paved roads only (paved roads include the entrance road and parking lots only) and must obey all road signs and posted speed limits. The falls overlooks are a five to ten minute walk from the Visitor Center.

Wheelchair access is best obtained in the main parking lot. Handicap spaces and paved ramps give easy access to the Visitor Center area. Trails down to Overlook 2 and the Patowmack Canal trail to Lock 1 are accessible.

The park does have several wheelchairs available for use within the park. There is no charge. Please inquire at the Visitor Center desk for more information.

Is there a fee to enter the park?

There are fees to enter the park. Information on fees may be found on the Planning a Trip page. Basic fees are $5.00 per vehicle and $3.00 per individual for walkers, motorcycles, bikes, and horses. Annual Passes are available at the park's entrance station.

Falls and River Viewing

Where are the falls overlooks?

The three falls overlooks are a five to ten minute walk from the Visitor Center. Currently, only Overlook 2 is handicap accessible. All three overlooks will soon be rebuilt to provide greater accessibility. Visit the Overlook Reconstruction page for updates on construction progress and closures.

Is there a certain time during the year when the falls are the most impressive?

Water flows can vary by season. On the Main Page, there is a picture of the falls at a typical water level. Springtime often brings higher volumes of water coming over the falls. During the summer months, water levels can be lower. An example of a dry year was 2002, where we experienced some of the lowest water levels in many years. It was a unique time to view the falls, since many rocks which are normally covered by water were exposed. The falls offer different scenic views year round. Photos of the falls can be found in the online photo gallery.

Where can I go to see more of the Potomac River?

A walk upstream from the Visitor Center will give scenic views of the Potomac above the Great Falls. You will be able to view the Aqueduct Dam and connect with trails leading into the adjoining Riverbend County Park. Below the Visitor Center, a short walk to Overlook 2 will connect you with the River Trail. Right by the Overlook, a gravel path marks the start of the River Trail. This trail is one of our most popular walks, as it offers scenic views of Mather Gorge and the river downstream of the falls. You will walk along cliffs ranging from 30 to 70 feet in height. Please use caution while on the River Trail and stay one body length away from the edge of cliffs. Visit our Trails Page for detailed information.

Several parks border the Potomac River. Turkey Run Park and Theodore Roosevelt Island, two other sites on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, offer trails and river views.

Can I get down to the river's edge?

Access to the river can be found upstream of the falls by parking in the upper lot. Below the falls, Fisherman's Eddy provides access to boaters and fishermen. Access in Mather Gorge is difficult because of steep and vertical rock faces. Use extreme caution. Free climbing (without ropes) is NOT recommended. Stay at least one body length away from cliff edges.

Use caution while next to the river. Stay at least one body length away from the shore and remember that swimming and wading are NOT permitted in Great Falls Park.

Fishing

Can I go fishing at the park?

Fishing is permitted with either a Virginia or Maryland state fishing license for all fishermen over the age of 16. The park does not issue licenses, but they can be purchased at fishing/sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and some convenience stores. A regulation book for fishing is given with each license issued, although you may need to request one. For more information on the fishing regulations, you may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which administers the Potomac River. Line fishing is allowed, but net fishing is prohibited. Fishermen may not enter the water at any time. Swimming and wading are prohibited in the Park.

Please help protect the Potomac River by removing all trash, unused bait, fishing line, and hooks from your fishing site. Trash bags are available at the Visitor Center and park entrance station.

What types of fish are found in the park?

Common fish include catfish, bass, and freshwater eel. American shad are also found here.

Where can I fish in the park and are boat rentals available?

Fishing is permitted anywhere along the banks of the river. The most common fishing spots are in Fisherman's Eddy, between Overlooks 1 and 2, and along the shore above the falls. For safety, all visitors near the river are asked to stay one body length away from the edge of the shore. The Potomac River has rapids and dangerous currents. Be safe! Please remember that swimming and wading are prohibited. If you are on the rocks during a hot day, please bring water with you. All visitors are asked to clean up trash. Trash bags are available free of charge at the Visitor Center. No boat rentals are available. Several local parks offer boat rentals. Visit the Links Page for a list of local parks.

Can I buy bait at the park?

Although the park does not sell bait, there are some local convenience stores which do sell bait. Digging for bait or collecting any items are prohibited within park boundaries.

Hiking

Where can I go hiking?

Great Falls Park has fifteen miles of hiking trails, some of which are multi-use for biking and horseback riding. Visit our Trails Page for detailed trail maps, descriptions of the trails, and pictures.

All visitors entering the park are asked to stop at the entrance station in order to comply with Great Falls Park's' fee program. Entrance fees for individuals are $3.00 per person if coming into the park on foot or $5.00 if coming by vehicle. An annual pass may be purchased for $20.

Carrying your own water is highly recommended throughout the year. It is especially important in the warmer months, when high temperatures and humidity make it more difficult to stay hydrated.

Horseback Riding

Are trail rides offered at the park?

Great Falls Park does not provide trail rides or horse rentals. Visitors wishing to ride here must bring their own horse and tack. The Rock Creek Horse Center at Rock Creek Park offers trail rides, riding lessons, and horse boarding.

I will be bringing my horse to the park. Is there anything I need to know?

All visitors entering the park are asked to stop at the entrance station in order to comply with Great Falls Park's fee program. Entrance fees for horse riders are $3.00 per person if coming into the park on horseback. Trailer fees are the standard vehicle fee of $5.00. An annual pass may be purchased for $20.

The park has about ten miles of multi-use trails open for riding. Trails allowing riding are the Old Carriage Road, Difficult Run, Mine Run, Matildaville, and Ridge Trails only. Maps showing horse accessible trails are available at the entrance station and Visitor Center. Visit our Trails Page for an online map. All visitors must obey trail signs.

Horse trailers are encouraged to park in the upper parking lot. There is usually ample parking during the weekdays. However, weekend parking is at a premium, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months. Cleaning trailers in Great Falls Park is not permitted.

Be mindful of your horse's manure. Please be courteous to the hikers and bikers who also use the multi-use trails by removing horse manure from trails.

Junior Ranger Programs

The Junior Ranger booklets are available free of charge year round. The program is an exciting experience for those wishing to explore the park. There are two booklets, grouped by age, which can be signed out at the Visitor Center desk. Most Junior Rangers complete the booklet in one to two hours, but may take as much time as they wish to finish. Children who complete the booklet earn a Junior Ranger Badge to honor their accomplishments.

Want to explore more of your National Parks? Many National Parks offer Junior Ranger programs both in the park and on the Internet. Visit WebRangers for more information on web-based programs. For a complete listing of all National Parks offering Junior Ranger programs in the park itself, visit the Ranger Zone.

A two-day summer camp is offered each year at Great Falls Park for ages 8-11. Dates are usually available in February. Campers will spend two days with Park Rangers exploring the park, taking hikes, participating in activities, and having fun. Reservations are required and the programs fill quickly. All Junior Ranger activities are offered free of charge. Contact the park to learn more.

More Junior Ranger Programs are offered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Click here for more information.

Picnicking

We would like to have a picnic at Great Falls Park. Are there picnic tables and grills here?

Approximately 50 picnic tables and 17 grills are available for use on a first come, first served basis. Some of the tables can be pushed together for large gatherings. Availability during the weekdays is usually not a problem. It is recommended that you arrive early on busy weekend days to make sure you get the space and tables you need. You may also bring your own grill. We request that all grills be fueled by charcoal or natural gas.

Ground fires and collecting wood in the park for a fire are prohibited. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park. Visitors are asked to help keep the park and picnic sites clean. Please recycle! Trash cans and recycling cans are provided at several locations in the picnic area. Please deposit all coals and ashes in the red ash cans located near the grills.

Are covered shelters and reservations available?

We do not have any covered shelters, although shade is provided by the tall trees in the picnic area. Great Falls Park does not accept reservations. Picnic tables and grills are on a first come, first served basis. The Links Page has a list of nearby parks which provide covered shelters and reservations.

Where can I load and unload supplies?

No vehicles are permitted in the picnic area or in the small lot behind the Visitor Center. Unloading supplies is best done in the main parking lot. A loading zone is avaialbe on the entrance road for unloading heavy or bulky items. It is clearly marked with signs. Please move your vehicle to a marked space as soon as you finish unloading in order to allow others to use the loading zone. Although the loading zone has a handicap ramp built in, the main lot offers paved access and reserved spaces for persons with handicaps. Wheelchairs may be borrowed free of charge from the Visitor Center if needed.

Vehicles MAY NOT drive on any unpaved road, trail, or enter the picnic area.

Blocking traffic lanes is prohibited and may cause accidents. Drivers must obey posted speed limits and yeild to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Can I purchase ice and other supplies in the park?

The concession stand, which is open seasonally, does not sell ice or other picnic supplies. Grocery stores are located in the towns of Great Falls and McLean, about two miles from the park.

Will I need a permit to have a large group picnic?

No permits are needed for picnics. Large tents and shelters are not permitted. Attaching anything (signs, balloons, etc.) to the trees and park signs is prohibited. Please contact the park if you have questions.

Ranger Programs and Group Programs

What types of Ranger led programs are offered at the park?

The monthly program schedule is available online. A monthly email list has been set up. If you would like to sign up for this list, please contact the park. All email addresses are kept private and are used only to inform visitors about park programs and events. You may have your email removed from the list at any time by calling the park at 703-285-2965. Check the monthly schedule for the current month's programs.

Are educational and group programs offered?

There are several options for school and group programs. The Educational Opportunities page lists the programs offered. An online program request form is also available on that page. The program request form is required for all groups scheduling a ranger-led program. For more information, contact the park at 703-285-2965 and ask to speak to the program coordinator.

Swimming and Wading

Can I go swimming at Great Falls Park?

Swimming and wading are prohibited at this park. Dangerous currents and deadly hydraulics make the Potomac River at Great Falls unsafe for swimming at any time. Please use caution while near the river and stay one body length away from the shoreline. Visit the Water Mine Family Swimming Hole, run by Fairfax County Park Authority, for the closest swimming location to Great Falls Park. Visit the Links page for other nearby parks with swimming facilities.