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

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Holiday Hours

The park will be closed on December 25th, 2010.

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.

March 2010 Flood Photos

View pictures from the March 13-15th, 2010 flood, caused by rain and snow melt from the February snow storm. Floods play a vital role in the park's ecosystem.

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River Safety Reminder

Swimming and wading are prohibited in Great Falls Park. Do not enter the water for any reason. This includes the Potomac River and Difficult Run.

River currents are extremely dangerous. Stay away from cliff edges and the water's edge for your own safety. The risk of serious injury or death is not worth a quick swim in the river.

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
Arlington Memorial Bridge &
Memorial Avenue
Belle Haven Marina
Belle Haven Park
Clara Barton National Historic Site
Collingwood Park
Columbia Island Marina
Claude Moore Colonial Farm
Daingerfield Island
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Fort Hunt Park
Fort Marcy
Glen Echo Park
Gravelly Point
Great Falls Park
Lady Bird Johnson Park
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove-on-the-Potomac
Mount Vernon Trail
Netherlands Carillon
Potomac Heritage Trail
Riverside Park
Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Turkey Run Park
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Washington Sailing Marina
Women in Military Service For America Memorial

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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.