Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
16
Great Falls Park
Just north of Washington, D.C., the Great Falls cascade over rocks in the Potomac River. This hike, on
the Virginia side, winds along the cliffs over the river and then past remnants of the Patowmack Canal.
Distance: 2.7-mile loop
Approximate hiking time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Trail surface: Natural surfaces
Best seasons: Year-round
Other trail users: Cyclists on some portions
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Fees and permits: A small fee per car
Schedule: Daily from 7 a.m. to dusk; closed Dec 25
Maps: A National Park Service map is available at www.nps.gov/grfa; maps are also
available at the entrance gate and the visitor center.
Special considerations: There is no swimming allowed. This part of the river is very
dangerous.
Trail contact: Great Falls Park, c/o Turkey Run Park, George Washington Memorial
Parkway, McLean, VA 22101; (703) 285-2965; www.nps.gov/grfa
Finding the trailhead:
From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take exit 44 for Route 193/
Georgetown Pike. Follow this for about 3 miles and turn right onto Old Dominion Drive
at the sign for the park entrance. Follow Old Dominion Drive for about a mile to the
park gate, then continue to the parking lot. GPS: N38 59.862' / W77 15.333'
The Hike
Stop first at the visitor center, which has information on the falls, hiking trail maps, and a short video on
the history of the town and canal that were once here.
