News Release
NPS / Steve Dean
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Contact: ncr_communications@nps.gov
WILLIAMSPORT, Md. – The National Park Service has completed the Great Falls Area (Maryland) Development Concept Plan, a major milestone that sets the long-term direction for stewardship, visitor experiences and education at one of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park’s most visited places.
Read the plan and see what is ahead. It is now available on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website.
This plan turns community and partner input into a clear, actionable vision for Great Falls. It identifies strategies to strengthen recreation and learning opportunities, support healthy ecosystems and protect the natural and cultural resources entrusted to our care so Great Falls remains inspiring, accessible, and resilient for generations.
What the plan focuses on:
- Advance long term stewardship with sustainable management strategies that protect park resources.
- Provide safe access and high-quality National Park experiences for every visitor.
- Offer an appropriate range of facilities and services that meet visitor needs while safeguarding the landscape.
- Engage partners, stakeholders and the public early and often to shape a shared vision.
The National Park Service thanks everyone who contributed feedback, local knowledge and ideas throughout this process. Your participation strengthened this plan and helped chart a shared path forward for the Great Falls area, one grounded in stewardship and built for today and future generations.
-NPS-
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Last updated: February 5, 2026