Things To Do

Guided Tours

Ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year. For a current schedule, contact the park at 703-285-2965.

Ranger-led educational programs are a great way to explore the park for school groups, scout groups, and more. If you are interested in a ranger-led program for your group, please contact the park for more information.

Ranger Guided

Customized Programs:

The Great Falls Park rangers can often customize a program to fit your group's needs by blending together various elements of the programs listed below. Please allow enough time before your desired program date in order to give the staff time to prepare for your program. Contact the park for more details.

Exploring Geology:

This is a shorter program modeled on the Geology PAC Program. The program introduces concepts of the rock cycle, examines different rock types, and explores how the earth is dynamic. Students visit areas in the park where unique rock formations can be observed and discussed. Time period can vary depending on the needs of the school. Suitable for grades 5 to 9.

The Patowmack Canal:

Explore the history of the Patowmack Canal. George Washington hoped that his canal would bind the country together and dramatically improve commerce on the Potomac River. Students can visit and explore the remains of this engineering feat. Suitable for grades 4 and up. Allow at least one hour for the program.

Falls Walk:

View dramatic areas near the Great Falls of the Potomac River and learn the basics about the formation of the falls and Mather Gorge. General park history is also introduced during this one hour program. Suitable for grades 4 and up.

Snakes!:

Take a look at the important role snakes have in the eco-system. Come meet "Checkers" and "Athena," our friendly corn snakes, and learn about these special creatures. Time can vary. Suitable for grades 1 and up.

Animal Habitats:

Discover the places where animals live and why they choose to live there. Learn how man's actions can greatly reduce animals' ability to survive. Visit areas in the park that provide habitats for animals. Time: 1 ½ - 2 hours. Suitable for grades 1 and up.

River Hike:

Join a park ranger for a 1 ½ hour hike along the Potomac River and Mather Gorge. Explore the natural history of the Great Falls of the Potomac and search for signs that give us clues to how the falls were formed. The hike takes groups on the River Trail, atop the bedrock terrace, from which many geologic formations can be seen. Expect moderate terrain and uneven surfaces. Suitable for grades 5 to 9.

Park Discovery Hike:

Explore unique historical and natural locations while taking in the inspiring landscape. This is a one-hour program that allows students to understand why Great Falls was chosen to be part of the National Park Service System. Suitable for all grades.

Spring Scavenger Hunt:

Get a glimpse into nature that you may not see at other times of the year. Join a ranger to hunt for signs of nature while exploring the River Trail. Suitable for ages 5 to 12.

Un-Natural Trail:

How much do you really see when you are walking in the park? Test your skills of observation on a hike of a very special trail. Students will learn why camouflage is essential for survival in the natural world. This is a one-hour program for ages 6 to 12.

Slide Presentation:

"History of Great Falls Park" This ten-minute program in the park's auditorium gives an overview of the park's history. It can be included with any of the above programs and is suitable for all grades.

Don't Hate Me Because I'm Ugly:

Vultures are a year-round inhabitant of the Great Falls area and are often misunderstood. This one hour program allows students to learn interesting facts about these birds and appreciate their place in the eco-system. Suitable for grades 3 and up.

Scheduling a Program:

To schedule a program,contact the park at 703-285-2965. Please provide as much advance notice as possible. Program spots fill quickly. Scheduling programs a minimum of three-to-four weeks in advance is recommended.

Great Falls Park Contact Information

Phone: 703-285-2966

Fax: 703-285-2223

Mailing Address:

Great Falls Park, C/O Turkey Run Park
George Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean, VA 22101

Street Address

Great Falls Park
9200 Old Dominion Dr.
McLean, VA 22102

Bicycling Information

There are five miles of trails open for biking within the park. The Ridge, Difficult Run, and Carriage Road trails are multi-use for hiking, riding, and biking.

Biking to the park is not recommended. Georgetown Pike and Old Dominion Drive are two lane roads with no shoulders and no bike paths. Both roads are narrow, with sharp turns and curves that make it difficult for vehicles to see bicycles.

The best option for biking in Great Falls Park is to transport the bicycles here by vehicle. Bike trails are easily accessible from the Visitor Center and the parking lots. A bike rack is available behind the Visitor Center. Locking up your bicycle is highly recommended if you need to leave it unattended. Trail maps are available in the Visitor Center and the entrance station.

Indoor Activities

The museum, slide show, and children's room are located in the Visitor Center. Throughout the year, programs may be offered in the auditorium. Contact the park for more information.

Slide show: The History of Great Falls

This presentation introduces you to approximately 11,000 years of history here at Great Falls Park. The video is approximately fifteen minutes long. Stop by the Visitor Center desk for today's showtimes, or to request a showing.

Children's Room

Games and puzzles are available here. The highlight of the room is the please-touch table, where children can explore items they may encounter in the park.

The Junior Ranger program is a great way for kids to explore the park, while earning their own Junior Ranger badge. This program is designed for children ages 5 and up. Two books are available at the Visitor Center desk. Contact the park for more information.

Nearby Attractions

National Parks

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Great Falls Park is just one of the sites that make up the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The Parkway was developed as a memorial to George Washington and links a series of sites along the Potomac River. Explore Arlington House and Clara Barton National Historic site. Enjoy a nature walk at Turkey Run park or take a stroll through Dyke Marsh to enjoy the natural scenery and excellent birdwatching. Over 300 species of birds can be observed at the marsh. There is a lot to enjoy in this park, from monuments to nature and more.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

This National Park preserves the 184 mile long C&O canal from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown. Also including views of the Great Falls from the Maryland side of the river, C&O Canal NHP offers history, recreation, scenic views and much more. Canal boat rides are offered during the summer in Georgetown, by Washington D.C. Contact the park for more information.

National Mall and Memorial Parks

The National Mall includes more than a dozen National Park sites in our nation's capital. Some of the sites are the Vietnam Veteran's memorial, Ford's Theatre, the Washington Monument, the Constitution Gardens, the Old Post Office pavilion, and World War II Memorial.

National Capital Parks- East

National Capital Parks- East includes several National Park sites in Washington D.C. and in locations east of the city in Maryland. Recreation areas, historical sites, statues, monuments, tidal areas, and forests are just a few of the resources found in these National Parks.

Rock Creek Park

A 1,755 acre National Park located in Washington D.C., Rock Creek Park has many opportunities for outdoor recreation and a wealth of historical resources. Educational and interpretive programs are offered here. Hiking, picnic tables, bird watching, and stargazing are some of the recreational activities in this park. A planetarium is located in the park's Nature Center and has the distinction of being the only planetarium in the National Park system. Visit the website for a list of monthly programs. Trail rides, pony rides, riding lessons, and horse boarding are all offered by the Rock Creek Horse Center.

Prince William Forest Park

This National Park site is located in Triangle, Virginia. The park is a forty five minute drive south of Washington, D.C. Year round cabin camping is available, along with hiking, fishing, RV camping, and backpacking.

Greenbelt Park

A part of National Capital Parks-East, Greenbelt is located twelve miles from Washington D.C. in Greenbelt, MD. Year-round camping is offered here, along with ranger programs, horseback riding, hiking, nature walks, and birding.

Shenandoah National Park

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park offers a variety of activities and scenic views. There are four entrances, the northern entrance is located in Front Royal, VA. This park is a two hour drive west of Washington, D.C. Backpacking, auto touring, horseback riding, hiking on over 500 miles of trails, and climbing are just a few of the experiences Shenandoah has to offer.

Harper's Ferry National Historical Park

Harper's Ferry is located in West Virginia, about an hour's drive west of Washington D.C. The park is next to the junction of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, along with the borders of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Activities include hiking (no overnight camping is available), nature walks, tours of the armory, Civil War history, and much more.

Regional and State Parks

Virginia State Parks

The link above will take you to the VA State Park homepage. These parks have activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, playgrounds, nature centers, guided hikes, historical reenactments, educational programs, and more.

Maryland State Parks

Follow the link to Maryland's State Forest and Park homepage. Biking, horseback riding, hiking, camping, rock climbing, nature centers, educational programs and campfires, museums, fishing, kayaking, swimming and more can all be found here. Living history programs and reenactments are a great way to learn more about Maryland's historic resources.

West Virginia State Parks

The West Virginia State Parks and Forests homepage. Activities include educational programs and talks, hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, biking, and more. A Calendar of Events page highlights special events, activities, and programs offered at different parks.

Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

Click on the link above to visit the Regional Park Authority's homepage. From there, you can access all of the regional park sites located in Northern Virginia. These parks feature a broad range of activities, including hiking, bird watching, golf courses, swimming pools, overnight camping, and more.

Algonkian Regional Park

This park is located in Sterling, Virginia and is run by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. It is a forty five minute drive from Washington, D.C. and borders the Potomac River. This park offers swimming, hiking, a golf course, riverfront rental cottages, rental picnic shelters, a children's playground, and bird watching. The swimming pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

County Parks

Fairfax County Park Authority

Visit Fairfax County's Park Authority to learn more about local county parks. Activities featured at county parks include playgrounds, off leash dog run areas, ballparks, sports fields, hiking, festivals, picnicking, bird watching, nature centers, and more. The website includes a list of links ordered by the type of activity you are searching for. Sixteen FCPA parks have picnic shelters available for reservation. FCPA offers summer programs and activities as well.

Lake Fairfax Park

Lake Fairfax Park is a Fairfax County park, only a fifteen minute drive from Great Falls Park. Although no swimming is permitted in Lake Fairfax, the Water Mine Family Swimming Hole is a nice place to cool off on a hot day. The Water Mine has a pool, waterslides, a lazy river, and other swimming activities. The park also has a carousel, pedal boat rentals, trails, campgrounds, and fishing. Covered pavilions are available to rent.

Riverbend County Park

Riverbend Park borders Great Falls Park to the north. This 400 acre park offers nature trails, bird watching, a boat ramp, a covered picnic area, and hiking. A nature center is located in this park and is open only to groups, scheduled programs, and appointments. Contact the park for more information. Swimming is not allowed in this park. Riverbend Park is open from 7 a.m. until dusk.

Burke Lake Park

Burke Lake is an 888 acre park located in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Camping, fishing (including an accessible fishing pier), rowboat rentals, a miniature train, golf, miniature golf, picnic areas, a carousel, and playgrounds are all offered here. Swimming is not allowed. Personal boats may be brought to the lake, but gasoline powered watercraft are prohibited.

Arlington County Parks Department

Arlington County also includes links to its parks grouped by activity. They offer community pools, sports fields and courts, off leash dog run areas, fitness facilities, nature trails, and more. Picnic shelters are available for rental in some Arlington County parks. Summer programs and activities are also offered.

City Parks

City of Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department

The City of Alexandria offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Walking and bike trails, swimming pools, a marina, off leash dog run areas, playgrounds, sports fields, and trails along the Potomac are all offered here.

Washington D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation

Our nation's capital offers a variety of recreation opportunities in the city. Look here for program information, reservations, special events, and more. Over 350 parks are located within the city, providing playgrounds, sports fields, 381 acres of park land, swimming pools, and recreation/community centers.

Things To Do

Nearly a half million people come to Great Falls Park each year. The park offers many recreational opportunities, from a picnic with family and friends, to a hike along the Potomac River.

Safety is an important consideration at Great Falls. Remember that swimming and wading in the Potomac are prohibited. Use caution while hiking near the river and cliffs.

Self Guided

A self-guided program is another way for groups to explore the park. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center desk. Contact the park in advance for information and to request maps.

Other resources for self-guided programs:

Junior Ranger Booklet

Click on the ranger badge to the right to learn more. Please give us advance notice if your group is interested in doing the Junior Ranger booklet so that we can get the materials together in advance.

The Self-Guided Tour of the Patowmack Canal

This pamphlet will take you on a tour of one of the first canals built in the United States. Numbers on the brochure match numbers on wooden stakes placed along the trail. Each number has a corresponding paragraph to go with it.

Introduction to Great Falls Park slideshow

A ten minute slideshow that introduces the history and natural aspects of Great Falls Park.

Exploring Your Watershed Video

Where does the water go? This short video highlights the importance of watersheds and our role in protecting them. Contact the park in advance if you would like your group to see this video.

Lost but Found, Safe and Sound

Do you know what to do if you get lost in the woods? This video teaches children what to do if they become lost in the woods. Contact the park in advance if you would like your group to see this video.

Contact Information

Phone: 703-285-2965

Fax: 703-285-2223 (attn: Program Coordinator)

Outdoor Activities

There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation at Great Falls Park. Please note that swimming, wading, hunting, and camping are not permitted in the park. Nearby parks may also offer some of these activities.

Falls and River Viewing

The three Falls overlooks are within a two to ten minute walk from the Visitor Center. Overlooks 2 and 3 are accessible and have ramps that go down to the overlook platforms.

The River Trail offers the best opportunities to view the Potomac River. This trail can be accessed downstream from Overlook 3. Walking upstream from the Visitor Center will take you along the banks of the Potomac, eventually meeting up with trails in Riverbend Park.

Visitors are asked to use caution while near the river. Swimming and wading are not allowed at any time.

Bicycling

Five miles of trails, including the Old Carriage Road, Ridge, and Difficult Run trails, are open for biking. Biking is not permitted on the Falls overlooks, or on the River, Patowmack Canal, Mine Run, or Matildaville Trails. A bike rack is located behind the visitor center. The entrance fee for cyclists arriving by bike is $3.00 per person. Annual passes are also available at the entrance station.

Bird Watching

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.

Boating

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.

Climbing

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.'

Fishing

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.

Hiking

Great Falls Park has fifteen miles of hiking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. Trail maps are available at both the entrance station and the Visitor Center. Hikers are encouraged to carry water throughout the year, especially in warmer months, when high temperatures and humidity make it more difficult to stay hydrated. Entrance fees for hikers who walk in are $3.00 per person. Annual passes are available at the entrance station.

Horseback Riding

The park has about ten miles of multi-use trails open for riding. Trails open to horseback riding are the Old Carriage Road, Difficult Run, Mine Run, Matildaville, and Ridge Trails only. Riding is not permitted on the Patowmack Canal Trail, Falls overlooks, and the River Trail. Trail rides are not offered by the park. Visitors who would like to ride must bring their own horses.

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.

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.

Picnicking

Picnic tables and grills are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no covered shelters and reservations are not accepted.

Collecting wood for fires is prohibited. Red ash cans are provided for charcoal disposal. An unloading zone is located next to the picnic area, with an accessible ramp. Unloading and loading are permitted in these zones only. Do not block traffic.

Vehicles are not permitted on any unpaved road, and may not be driven into the picnic area.