Great Falls Park
McLean, VA
Where the Potomac drops through a series of rapids and cascades into Mather Gorge, seen from three overlooks near the visitor center. Park entrance fee; the lots fill on warm weekends, so arrive before 10 am.
Great Falls Park is a National Park Service park of about 800 acres (320 hectares) on the Virginia side of the Potomac near McLean, opposite the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Here the river tumbles in steps and cascades, about 76 feet (23 m) in total according to Wikipedia, into Mather Gorge, a narrow, rocky stretch of river.
Three overlooks offer views of the falls, two of them wheelchair accessible. Trails follow the old Patowmack Canal and run among boulders and woods along the falls. More than 150 bird species live in and around the park. Climbing is possible after registering at the visitor center or the lower parking lot, and whitewater kayaking is for experienced paddlers only, below the falls. Fishing requires a Virginia or Maryland license.
Good to know: camping and alcohol are banned in the park. The currents are dangerous, and people who ignored warnings have drowned; stay on the trails and platforms. On busy weekends the parking lot can fill early. Check access, parking and fees in advance.
- Nearest town
- McLean, VA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.9985, -77.2553
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lake Fairfax Family CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Great Falls Park · 55 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposal
- Burke Lake Park CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Great Falls ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Cherry Hill ParkCampsite17 mi from Great Falls ParkTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Little Bennett CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Great Falls ParkTentsCaravans
- Grant Family CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Great Falls ParkTentsDrinking waterToilets
- Greenbelt Park CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Great Falls Park · 174 pitchesTentsCaravansWaste disposal
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Great Falls Park?
Great Falls Park is in McLean, VA, at GPS 38.9985, -77.2553. It is about 13 mi from Washington.
Can you camp near Great Falls Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lake Fairfax Family Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Great Falls Park?
Great Falls Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Along the Potomac: Mount Vernon, Great Falls and Harpers Ferry.
What is there to see near Great Falls Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (0 mi), Arlington National Cemetery (13 mi), George Washington’s Mount Vernon (20 mi) and Ellicott City Historic District (31 mi).
When is the best time to visit Great Falls Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)