Plan a Field Trip at Great Falls

Thank you for your interest in having students visit Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia. We cannot wait to introduce the wonders of this region to your students. Explore the resources below to start planning a visit for your field trip.

 

Students look on as a Ranger points out plant characteristics in the forest,

NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

 

Current Programs Offered:

• Discovery Walk

Overview: Join a Ranger for an interactive discovery hike. Students will learn the significance of the Patowmack Canal along with discovering the power of the Potomac River. Learn how the river shapes geology and ecology around it. The story of Captain George Pointer will be highlighted throughout the walk. He worked on the canal while enslaved and later continued working for the company as a paid, free African American man. Experience the wonders that occurs in Great Falls Park with your students.
Length: Approximately 1.5-2 hours
Recommended Grade Level: 4th grade
Common Core and Virginia Standards Met: VS.1, VS.6, 4.8, 4.4

• Go With The Flow

  Overview: Take your students on a Ranger led exploration of the Potomac River! Students will explore an important natural resource of Fairfax County, the Potomac River. They will learn where the water from our faucets comes from, how we are able to access this water, and who is behind the preservation of this natural resource.
  Length: Approximately 2 hours
  Recommended Grade Level: 3^rd or 4^th grade
  Common Core and Virginia Standards Met: 3^rd Grade Standards: 3.8 3.4 3.5 3.7. 4^th Grade VA standards 4.2, 4.3, 4.8

 

Start YOUR Adventure Now!

Steps to request a Field Trip:

1. Find a time that works for your group on our Bookings page, and reserve the time. Please note that Go with the Flow is only currently available on Thursdays, and Discovery Hikes are only available on Fridays.
2. You will recieve a confirmation email for your tentative reservation. Some emails and school districts may block automated messages. If you do not receive an immediate confirmation, please allow a day for staff to manually send you the confirmation and details.
3. Linked in your confirmation email wil be your formal Education Reservation Request form, NPS Form 10-1750 (PDF, 2021).
4. Fill out the appropriate sections of the form; Sections 1, 2, and 5. Save and rename the file to include the name of your school and date (ex: ExampleHS_Oct15).
5. Send in your file to [e-mail], including the name of your group in the subject line. A ranger will respond confirming your date, time, and program at the earliest convience.

Bringing a Group to Great Falls:

The following are things to be aware of when bringing an education group to Great Falls Park.

• Requests for Ranger led field trips must be made at least two weeks in advance of visit.
• If Section 5 of NPS Form 10-1750 (PDF, 2021) is not completed prior to your arrival, you will be expected to pay the standard entrance fee upon entering the park.
• Please provide the Park with advance notice of any cancellations. If the park needs to cancel or reschedule, a ranger will contact you.
• For groups of minors, we count on teachers and chaperones to help us provide a safe and rewarding experience for all. We ask there is one adult for every 7 kids attending.

If you have any other questions or concerns please reach out to [e-mail] or 703-757-3101.