Discover Scenic Trails and Dramatic Waterfalls at Great Falls Park in Virginia
May 2025
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Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park in Virginia provides a stunning natural landscape and is managed by the National Park Service as part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This park is known for its dramatic views of the Potomac River that flows into the Chesapeake Bay where you can find the water crashing over the jagged rocks with breathtaking views and the perfect place for an adventure. You can enjoy a variety of hiking trails that follow the cliff edges and provide beautiful water views with multiple viewpoints of the falls along the path.
If you are an experienced kayaker, you will find Class V rapids that present a thrilling adventure and the perfect destination for water sports. Water sport experience is necessary at these falls.
Here you can enjoy a peaceful walk-through nature or look for an adrenaline rush kayaking. Whatever your choice is you are sure to spend the perfect day at Great Falls Park.
Hours: 7am until 30 minutes before sunset daily. Closed Christmas Day.
Address: 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia
Entrance fee: $10-$20. National Park Pass accepted at this location.
Pets: are allowed on all trails, overlooks, parking lots and picnic area. They must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in the waters.
Fishing is allowed with a Virginia or Maryland fishing license.
Overnight camping is not allowed in this park.
Visitor Center
The visitor center was not open during our visit, so I do not have first-hand information on this experience. Inside you will find a 10-minute video on the history of the Great Falls Park, trail maps, helpful staff, and local information.
Hours: 10am to 4:30pm
Restrooms are available in the courtyard next to the visitor center and are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm. They may close temporarily during the day for cleaning.
Below you can see the picture that displays the various historical flood levels within the park over time. Each marker represents a specific year and corresponding water level.
Great Falls Park map
Grab a map of the hiking trails in Great Falls Park to reference as you are hiking. You will find three waterfall overlooks that each offer a uniquely beautiful view of the falls. Views from all three overlooks vary depending on the water level as some views tend to be more dramatic than others.
Great Falls overlook 1
Great Falls overlook 1 is the first trail you will encounter after the visitor center and requires you to scramble over rocks for the final view and is closest to the largest falls. From here you can see over to Maryland where you can wave to other travelers. Here you will find the river forcefully rushing through the Mather Gorge as it crashes over jagged rocks creating a breathtaking display.
Great Falls overlook 2
Overlook 2 is a short walk downstream from the first overlook and here you will find a broader view of the entire cascading falls over the gorge. This overlook has an easier access and is wheelchair accessible.
Fisherman’s Eddy Kayak Launch
At Fisherman’s Eddy Kayak Launch you will find the launching area for kayaks between overlook 2 and 3. You must have a valid Virginia or Maryland fishing license to launch here, and no swimming or wading are allowed. The river can reach up to 30 feet deep in some areas so only experience kayakers should launch here.
Great Falls overlook 3
This overlook is farthest from the visitor center and is also wheelchair accessible along a dirt path. Here you can find another great view of the falls and Potomac River. Sitting at a higher level of elevation, this overlook shows the falls in a wider frame and tends to be less crowded.
Picnic area
There are multiple picnic tables and several grills available on a first come basis in the large grass filled picnic area. Reservations are not accepted and there are no covered pavilions. You may drive your car up to this area to unload and then return to the parking area to park your car. Before you head to the park, fill your cooler with lunch and drinks to begin or end your day.
Hiking Trails
There are 15-miles of hiking trails within Great Falls Park to enjoy, and some include multi-use trail for horseback riding or biking. Some of the trails provide an amazing view of the Potomac River as you hike along the edge of the cliffs. As several areas are close to the edge of the rocks, please use caution with younger children.
Sandy Landing
Here you will find a paved hill that leads to a boat ramp into the Potomac River for water activities such as kayaking or canoeing. This location is also at the intersection for River Trail and a connector that leads to Matildaville Trail.
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Small Tranquil Beach Area
Located shortly downstream after Sandy Landing, you will find this very peaceful little sandy area. To get here you will have to descend down a short path from the River Trail to this tranquil location. Here you will find a small beach and several rocks protruding out into the Potomac River. This area isn’t officially on the map, but it is worth checking out.
Here we sat for a bit enjoying the beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. I took some of the most beautiful pictures of this area. These pictures were taken in the afternoon making it the perfect place to cool off in the shade and rest your feet before hiking any further. Remember there is no swimming or wading in this area due to strong currents in the river. Another perfect place to grab your backpack cooler and sit and each lunch or a snack next to some amazing views.
River Trail
One of the main hiking trails in Great Falls Park is River Trail. The hiking path is partially small rock/gravel with some larger rocks to walk over along the path. Some rock scrambling is required between Canal Cut and Cow Hoof Rock. This trail is 1.5 miles long one-way and offers great views of the Potomac River and Mather Gorge. This trail has access for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Continue on River Trail for the full 1.5-mile distance until the River Trail path ends and forks left or right along Ridge Trail.
From the start of Ridge Trail, you can continue on the path along the Potomac River or turn right on to the additional Ridge Trail shortly after Cow Hoof Rock.
I suggest turning to the right along Ridge Trail and once you come across another alternative path, I suggest taking either Old Carriage Road or Matildaville Trail off to the right which will lead you back to the parking lot.
Other Hiking Trails at Great Falls Park
Patowmack Canal Trail - path is listed as easy and is 1.25 miles one way. This trail follows the Patowmack Canal which was one of the first canals built in the United States. On this trail you can find some of the remaining Matildaville ruins. Sections of this path can be muddy if there was recent rain.
Old Carriage Road - this trail is listed as easy to moderate and is 1.6 miles one way. This trail may be used for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The entire trail is lined with trees and is mostly flat until you reach the southern section where it goes up a ridge until it descends to Georgetown Point.
Matildaville Trail - this is listed as easy to moderate and is 1.1 miles one way. Here you will pass the old ruins of Matildaville town. This trial is mostly flat until you get closer to Ridge Trail.
Difficult Run Trail - this moderate hike is 0.7 miles one way. This trail is rocky and narrow (6 inches wide) in some locations where it has washed out.
Mine Run Trail - this easy trail is 0.5 miles one way. Hiking and horseback riding is allowed. This trail runs between Mine Run and the park entrance road.
North River Trail to Riverbend County Park - this trail is 1.5 miles one way and goes between Great Falls Park visitor center and Riverbend County Park visitor center.
Riverbend Road Trail - this 0.4 miles one way path leads from the fire road to Riverbend Road.
Must haves for hiking the trails
chicken jerky sticks snacks or granola bars
belt bag to carry keys, Band-Aids, and more
Great Falls Park in Virginia was the perfect escape to experience the natural beauty and power of the Potomac River. Here you can hike the rugged trails, soak in the panoramic views from the scenic overlooks, or enjoy a peaceful moment at the hidden beach next to the river. This experience will bring some memorable outdoor moments full of nature and beauty in this smaller park. You will only need a few hours to spend hiking the many trails next to the scenic river.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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Great Falls Park in Virginia provides a stunning natural landscape. This park is known for its dramatic views of the Potomac River that flows into the Chesapeake Bay where you can find the water crashing over the jagged rocks with breathtaking views and the perfect place for an adventure.