Great Falls Park (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Potomac Closed for Recreational use

High river levels have closed the Potomac for boating and recreational use until Friday, May 8th. Updates will be posted here.

Great Falls Park

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. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. 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.

Places You Can Visit

Great Falls Park is just one site of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Enjoy a quiet moment or explore more of this nation's history by visiting other Parkway sites.

Arlington House: The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Belle Haven Park and Marina
Clara Barton National Historic Site
Claude Moore Farm
Collingwood Park
Columbia Island Marina
Daingerfield Island
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Fort Hunt Park
Fort Marcy
Glen Echo Park
Gravelly Point
Lady Bird Johnson Park
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove-on-the-Potomac
Memorial Avenue
Mount Vernon Trail
Netherlands Carillon
Potomac Heritage Trail
Riverside Park
Roaches Run Wildlife Sanctuary
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Turkey Run Park
U.S. Marine Corps Memorial
Washington Sailing Marina

more...

Write to

Great Falls Park
c/o Turkey Run Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean, VA 22101

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(703) 285-2965

Permit Information
(703) 289-2513

Fax

(703) 285-2223

Climate

The weather in the Washington DC area varies with the season. Summers can be very hot with temperatures in the 90's or higher, often with high humidity. Temperatures during the spring and fall are often cooler, with less humidity. Winter temperatures can vary from mild to very cold.