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Great Falls ParkMather Gorge
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Great Falls Park
Fees & Reservations

Park Fees

  • $3.00 Individual Pass.  Good for three consecutive days for individuals coming into the park on foot, horseback, or bicycle.
  • $5.00 Vehicle Pass.  Good for three consecutive days for one vehicle, including motorcycles.
  • $20.00 Annual Pass.  Good for one year from the date of purchase in Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland.

Reservations

  • All picnic tables and grills are available on a first come, first serve basis.  The park does not take reservations for picnic areas.
  • Reservations are needed for some of our monthly programs.  For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 703-285-2965.
 

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act established a new pass program to replace the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports. Beginning January 1, 2007, the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program will provide a number of pass options for the public to use at Federal recreation sites where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

The four passes in the interagency program are:

 
Annual Pass
Annual Pass

Interagency Annual Pass - $80 

The Annual Pass replaces the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle Passport. It is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, all Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. 

 
Senior Pass
Senior Pass

Interagency Senior Pass- $10

The Senior Pass replaces the Golden Age Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, all Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.

The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. 

 
Access Pass
Access Pass

Interagency Access Pass - Free

This pass replaces the Golden Access Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. 

The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. 
 
The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

 
Volunteer Pass
Volunteer Pass

Interagency Volunteer Pass - Free 
 
This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free.

 

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Turkey vulture in flight  

Did You Know?
Those big black birds you see flying above Great Falls Park are usually vultures. Turkey vultures, like the one in the photo, have red heads. The smaller black vulture's white wingtips are easily seen in flight.

Last Updated: November 23, 2008 at 09:27 EST