Children age 15 or under are admitted free. Great Falls Park Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. The entrance station is located at 11710 MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac, MD 20854. Vehicles with a capacity of 16 or more are charged a fee of $10.00 per person. Maryland: 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD; Virginia: 9200 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, VA; For an overview of the trails and amenities at the parks, see A Visitors Guide to Great Falls Park Great Falls National Park Mc Lean, MD 22102. Tom McEwan was the first kayaker to make a run on the river on 1975. Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. (No per person fee) The Great Falls Park is located along the banks of the Potomac River between the states of Viginia (Fairfax) and Maryland (Potomac). There is no fee for support vehicles ("sag wagons"). You can also see stone mason marks found on the stones unique to each artisan along the canals. 286,954 were here. The Patowmack Canal is the first canal in the US that used locks to raise and lower boats. Mentioned in these answers: VIEW DETAILED MAP. As of January 1, 2016 the C&O Canal National Historical Park will charge education program fees for curriculum-based, park-led education programs at Great Falls (Potomac, MD). Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. The confusion arises because the Potomac river is 405 miles long and runs from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to the Great Falls in Maryland. Visit the Park's website for more information.. Great Falls is one of the most popular spots on the canal for walkings out to the falls, watching the mule-drawn canal boat pass through Lock 20, picnicking, and/or heading out to the Billy Goat Trail. Entry into the water above the falls from the Virginia side is illegal. Great Falls Park Addresses . Two months ago I was in Maryland for the Mass Mutual golf tournament for the HEROES charity, and had the opportunity to visit Great Falls National Park on the Virginia side. In general, one pass covers the fees listed above for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or up to four adults at sites that charge per person. Great Falls features both a Virginia and Maryland side. Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. Fees collected will support the park education program and outreach to new school audiences. The most popular trail in the park is the Billy Goat Trail. Get directions, maps, and traffic for Great Falls, MD. Situated on 800 acres (3.65 km2) along the banks of the Potomac River in northern Fairfax County, the park is a disconnected but integral part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The perils at Great Falls. It is very beautiful and just about 30 minutes from Washington D.C. Your application package must contain all of the following. This page is maintained by NPS employees for information and discussion. Valid for twelve months from the date of purchase. Select from premium Great Falls National Park of the highest quality. On six dates in 2021, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee (including Great Falls Park) will offer free admission to everyone. You can spend 10 minutes in the tavern. All other access to the park is free. Great Falls, MD is part of the Chesapeake & Ohio (C & O) Canal National Historic Park and they’re located off Falls Road in Potomac. Read related article. Situated on 800 acres (3.65 km2) along the banks of the Potomac River in northern Fairfax County, the park is a disconnected but integral part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. All holders of America the Beautiful Interagency Passes, Golden Passports, Great Falls Park passes and those under 15 years old and younger will be exempt from payment of fees. The park is ideal for white water kayaking. The Great Falls Tavern serves as a C&O Canal National Historical Park Visitor Center. 2 min read. Great Falls National Park is located on both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the Potomac River ().All of these photos were taken on a single visit to the park in May 2004. Great Falls Park Vehicle Permit: $20.00 C & 0 Locking Mechanism The park contained picnic grounds, a dance pavilion, and a carousel at the end of an electric trolley line that starts in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.. Great Falls Park Motorcycle Permit: $15.00 Admits one single private motorcycle and its passengers. and to be sure pass sales will be available. The Wissahickon consists of resistant metamorphic rocks including schists, gneisses, metagraywackes and metaconglomerates. Draw map. Passes allow free entrance to individual pass holders under the conditions stated on the pass. You have access from both states to this Park. This series of cascading falls has developed on the Potomac River in rocks formerly known as the Wissahickon formation. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. The canal is a Civil Engineering Landmark as well as a Virginia Historic Landmark along with several ruins of the small town of Matildaville, Virginia. The park is roughly around 800 acres which includes one of the oldest canals in the United States (U.S.). It's immensely popular for hiking (with provided trail maps at the visitor center), rock climbing, dog walking and picnicking (there are picnic tables and small grills for your use in the picnic area). All entrance fees and passes offered by Great Falls Park can now be purchased online through Recreation.gov. The Great Falls of the Potomac River are near the northern boundary of the park, as are the remains of the Patowmack Canal, the first canal in the United … The Great Falls Park was part of the Northern Virginia Parks system and was transferred to the NPS in 1966. The falls' Virginia portion is situated inside the 800-acre Great Falls Park in the town of Great Falls. © Maryland Historic District. Great Falls Park, operated by the National Park Service, is located on the southern banks in Virginia, while Chesapeake and Ohio Canal parkland is located along the northern banks of the river in Maryland. Great Park with great waterfall The C&O Canal historic park starts in Georgetown in the District of Columbia stretches up into Maryland (northward) for over 180 miles. 10/24/2013 It contains a large picnic area, but its only open during the daylight hours. Physical pass must be presented at time of use. This is the guideline to be followed in granting education fee waivers. The Great Falls of the Potomac River are located west of Washington, DC in Great Falls Park. Great Falls Park, an 800-acre park located along the Potomac River, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Great Falls is a series of rapids and waterfalls on the Potomac River, 14 miles (23 km) upstream from Washington, D.C., on the border of Montgomery County, Maryland and Fairfax County, Virginia. Vehicles with capacity of 26+: $100. *No America the Beautiful: National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes will be accepted, and no exemptions for age. Explore the most popular trails in my list Great Falls Park, MD with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Not valid for organized groups or concession operated facilities or activities. The tavern is the Visitors Center for this part of the C&O Canal park. The park is roughly around 800 acres which includes one of the oldest canals in the United States (U.S.).

This 800-acre park spans parts of Virginia and Maryland. Situated on 800 acres along the banks of the Potomac River in northern Fairfax County, the park is a disconnected but integral part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. More information about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series, including available passes, costs, benefits, and how and where they may be obtained, is available. The park continues to provide picnic grounds and a visitor’s center, but the carousel (1954-1972) was destroyed by a flood caused by Hurricane Agnes. Great Falls Park c/o Turkey Run Park Pass is valid at Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park for entrance fees only. The following information has been taken directly from National Park Service Regulations (NPS-22). Part of the parkthat's in the Potomac showcases the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and is a United States National Park. George Washington partially funded the Patowmack Canal and this one-mile (1.6 km) bypass canal began operating in 1785 to give small barges the opportunity to distribute manufactured goods upstream and raw materials downstream. Great Falls Park Individual Permit: $10.00 Over 80% of the fees collected are returned to the park for specific projects. The street address for the Maryland side is: 11710 MacArthur Blvd. The Great Falls Tavern is located at the entrance of this park. 22101. MCLEAN, VA — Great Falls Park continues to operate with changes amid the new coronavirus situation. The project was abandoned in 1830 due to the completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal on the opposite side of the river and the popularity of railroads. There’s an average of 7 drownings per year in the Potomac River or its vicinity most of them alcohol-related even though consumption of alcoholic beverages is illegal within the park area. Great Falls is a part of the National Park Service and there is a small admission fee. It is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and George Washington Memorial Parkway. The NPS operates a visitor center near the falls. The real must see area is the Great Falls of the Potomac. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. See More. The falls total 76 feet (20 m) over a series of major cascades. 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. A few miles outside of DC and it feels a world away. The canal system was built to transport coal and other crops to Washington D.C. and operated from 1831 to 1924. The ONLY location in the C&O Canal National Historial Park that collects entrance fees are at Great Falls Entrance Station. Learn More About National Parks and Federal Lands Passes, Charge Cards: Master Card, VISA, Discover, or American Express, entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges, standard amenity fees (day-use fees) at national forests and grasslands and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers. Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, or equestrian. Tucked away in the bustling metropolis of Northern Virginia is Great Falls National Park. Always check with individual sites for details. It is an historic building in Potomac that currently is being used as the park's visitor center. Come experience the national parks! The Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad and then later its successor the Washington and Old Dominion Railway operated an amusement park (trolley park) at the falls between 1906 and 1932. Great Falls National Park May 2004 - Maryland side. Select a pass option below to learn more! It looked like this that day. Extreme kayakers Jason Beakes and Nathan Sass on the rapids in Great Falls Park in Potomac, MD on June 21, 2011. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A scenic trail near the river travels upstream starts at the mouth of Difficult Run, climbs to the top of Mather Gorge, continue pass the falls, the dam, and a reservoir before ending in Riverbend Park (Fairfax County). It offers several viewing platforms that provide visitors with vantage points overlooking the falls. Learn More About National Parks and Federal Lands Passes. The NPS does not permit camping or swimming in the park. (No per person fee) Great Falls Park: Great Falls National Park. Directions: To reach Great Falls Park from I-495, exit 44, Route 193 (Georgetown Pike), follow 193 west about 4.5 miles and turn right onto Old Dominion Drive. Feel free to leave a message. On-site parking is free and easily available. Here's what Trippy members say about Great Falls National Park: " Great Falls National Park would be another laid back place to visit." Background History. Admits one single private motorcycle and its passengers. Void if altered, and pass is non transferable/ non refundable. The Great Falls Tavern Center and the Charles F. Mercer BoatThe Great Falls Park is located along the banks of the Potomac River between the states of Viginia (Fairfax) and Maryland (Potomac). There’s around 15 miles (24 km) of hiking trails around the park that follows a small stream known as Difficult Run. Please Read Carefully. It’s one of the first known examples of blasting powder being used for engineering purposes anywhere in the world. I write articles and I do a little bit of programming on the site. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2021: Vehicles with capacity of 1-6 passengers: $25 plus $3 per person. Removal of seats from a vehicle does not then qualify for the lower rate. However I prefer the Maryland side by far. The popularity of the falls for expert white water kayakers only started in the early 1990s. There was a proposed bridge to span the falls but, due to a strong lobby to eliminate additional bridges over the Potomac and concerns over environmental impacts, the project was never undertaken. My personal favorite is the Maryland side. 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, DC. Great Falls Nationalpark is in Maryland and in Virginia. Organized Non-Commercial Groups in vehicles with a capacity of 15 or less are charged the $20.00 vehicle permit. National Park Service officials watch extreme kayakers from overlook 2 in Great Falls Park in Potomac, MD on June 21, 2011. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. It's really worth it! Two wooden canal lock gates located on the park visitor center was excavated in the 1980s. The park is not responsible for misplaced, lost or stolen cards. The Maryland side of Great Falls is part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The 800 acre Great Falls Park is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway along the Potomac River, 14 miles upriver from Washington D.C. It is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and George Washington Memorial Parkway. Kayaking at the Great Falls Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase. Ample hiking trails in the area and easily accessible views at Olmstesd Island. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. The picture above was taken on my birthday back on May 5th at one of the overlooks. Age and pass exemptions apply. The park charges a small entrance fee of $5 per car (~600 available parking spots). Seeing the water slice around and over the rocks is tremendous. George Washington Memorial Parkway According to the International Scale of River Difficulty, the Great Falls have a rating of class 5 and 6 whitewater . Just a 30 minute drive from DC gets you a great escape from the hustle and bustle of life in the city. The natural beauty of Great Falls is unmatched with its series of steep, jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge. 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. Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service site in Virginia, United States. Includes church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc. The total fee charged for an Organized Non-Commercial Group will not exceed the $100 fee per vehicle. Some passes provide additional benefits, such as a 50-percent discount on camping at some sites for holders of Senior or Access passes. All rights reserved. Blasting powder was used during the construction of the canal. Rockville, MD; Great Falls National Park ; Due to the escalation of the coronavirus outbreak, local state parks, ranges and preserves, as well as many stores may be closed. Bona fide educational or scientific institutions may qualify if the following conditions are met. The sighting of the Painted Bunting, on the Maryland side of Great Falls, was first documented last week. Description. From thundering falls to placid-looking shallows, deadly hazards lurk in water all along the Potomac River Gorge. Great Falls Park Individual Permit: $10.00 At times during the March 21-22 weekends, the park … Great Falls Park Motorcycle Permit: $15.00 Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. 369 reviews of Great Falls Park "This (around 1,000 acre) park is accessible via VA or MD for a $5 entry fee at the gate, but you can also buy an annual pass and go an unlimited number of times. Please visit official websites for more information. Share. The America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States. No more than $10 per student will be collected for any day of programs. McLean, VA February 20, 2018. CUA groups will be charged the $20.00 per vehicle fee or $10.00 per person fee at entry. If any member of the group has a pass, entry is good for the pass holder plus three others. *No America the Beautiful: National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes will be accepted, and no exemptions for age. Call ahead for entrance station hours of operation, Representations of pass are prohibited. Find the perfect Great Falls National Park stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Potomac, MD 20854 The park sometimes closes because of the lack of parking space creating delays and temporary closures lasting for several hours. C & O Canal Under Construction Great Falls Park Motorcycle Permit: $15.00, Great Falls Park Individual Permit: $10.00. Great Falls Park 9200 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22102. Tips and reviews. Before any development on the Great Falls, there are Native American petroglyphs that have been discovered within the park on cliffs overlooking Difficult Run. Call ahead for entrance station hours of operation. 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