Great Falls Park
VA
Park Alerts (2)
About Great Falls Park
At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.
Things To Do
Soak Up Spectacular Views at the Great Falls Overlooks
Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.
Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run
This hike is mostly wooded; some parts are rocky and some can be rocky. But you will see, in some places, exceptional displays of bluebells in spring and colors in autumn. Management partners include Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services; Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority; The Nature Conservancy; Fairfax County Park Authority; and National Park Service, all are aided by volunteers with the Potomac Heritage Trail Association and others.
Available Activities
Weather
The Washington, D.C. area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate.
Summer is hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The average temperature in summer is about 75 degrees F.
Summer days in the mid-90's with high humidity are not uncommon. Winters vary in temperature, with the average temperature about 36 degrees F. Snow is rare.
When it snows, it tends to melt within a few days.
Getting There
From I-495, take exit 44 for route 193 west; continue 4 miles. Turn right on Old Dominion Drive.
Plan Your Visit
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Park Hours
Great Falls Park is open from 7:00 am until 30 minutes after sunset. This time varies each day. Great Falls Park is closed on December 25.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Includes driver and passengers. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
Entrance - Per Person
Applies only to people entering by foot, bicycle, or horse. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Includes church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc. All holders of annual passes and those under 15 years old will be exempt from payment of fees. Non-Commercial Groups in vehicles with a capacity of 15 or less are charged the $20.00 vehicle permit. Vehicles with a capacity of 16 or more are charged a fee of $10.00 per person. Removal of seats from a vehicle does not then qualify for the lower rate. The total fee will not exceed the $100 fee per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Van
Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Vehicles with capacity of 1-6 passengers: $25 plus $3 per person.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Vehicles with capacity of 26+: $100. (No per person fee)
