Great Falls Park Visitor Center

Great Falls Park

www.nps.gov
4.5/5
(1.4K) · Park in McLean, United States
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The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 1,379 reviews
5-star
76%
4-star
21%
3-star
3%
2-star
0%
1-star
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Recent reviews
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Jan 26, 2025
This was by far the most scenic, peaceful, and playful state park I have ever been to. In the middle of Summer, even with the sun beating down on you, the roar of the water, the sight of the waterfal…Full review by ajdiaz1
Jan 14, 2025
Had an amazing time at this Park! It was a downside that the visitors center was closed, as I was not able to get my dog a BARK Ranger tag because they were out of them and I was not able to shop in …Full review by 816briannap
Nov 3, 2024
It’s a beautiful place close to Washington DC,(30 minute scenic drive- no public transport available). Best time to visit is in the morning, the entry fee is 20$ per vehicle or 10$ per person which i…Full review by deepak123hr
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Articles

Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service (NPS) site in Virginia, United States. Situated on 800 acres (3.65 km2) along the b…
touristlink.com
Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service site in Virginia, United States. Situated on 800 acres along the banks of the Potomac …
sygic.com

Facts

Located:Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Height:35-50 feet

Questions & answers

Q:
How long do you need to visit the CO NHP at the Great Falls location with plans to do Billy Goat trail A and maybe C? …
Q:
How long do you need to visit the CO NHP at the Great Falls location with plans to do Billy Goat trail A and maybe C? Is Food still available? Are you able to see the Falls from the car?
A:
Hi Kirchner3, you can spend a good 3+ hours visiting the park on the Maryland side and doing a part of the Billy Goat Trail. I like to take snacks, do stops to enjoy the view, and so if …
A:
Hi Kirchner3, you can spend a good 3+ hours visiting the park on the Maryland side and doing a part of the Billy Goat Trail. I like to take snacks, do stops to enjoy the view, and so if you are strictly "hiking" it you could do a good hike in less than 3 hours. It's a beautiful park so I would give myself at least 2 hours.
A:
Answer by CEBE88 · Oct 25, 2022
Q:
Is there a car parking and entry fee? And how many miles do you have to walk in order to reach at the falls
A:
Yes, there is a National Parks fee, plenty of parking, and a fairly short walk to the falls.
A:
Answer by skink · Apr 28, 2021
Q:
Why is it labeled as a National Park if it’s not actually an official National Park? I couldn’t find this information anywhere?
A:
It’s part of the National Park Service so, in that sense, it is a “national park” and NPS passes and discounts apply there. But the NPS refers to it online only as “Great Falls Park,” …
A:
It’s part of the National Park Service so, in that sense, it is a “national park” and NPS passes and discounts apply there. But the NPS refers to it online only as “Great Falls Park,” probably because of its small size.
A:
Q:
Can we get in the park after dawn for stargazing?
A:
The park closes at 7:45 pm Check their website
A:
Q:
Hi, how long did it take you to do the 3 overlooks?
A:
The overlooks are fairly close to each other. I'd say in a stroll, a little over an hour or so. Well worth the time. I'm of the older generation, so a stroll is what I have. Enjoy.
A:
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Highlights

Tours and activities

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Tips

It's a fun ride unless you go on a weekend where there are just too many hikers and sometimes horses on the trail
mtbr.com
There is a $5 entrance fee per car for visitors who drive into the park. the park is open only during daylight hours
touristlink.com
This park gets extremely crowded on the summer weekends
outdoorproject.com
Be sure to check water levels before starting out as these can change within a few hours and make paddling much more challenging and dangerous
rootsrated.com
You may contact parks for questions about: reserving park facilities great falls park special events calendar
countyoffice.org
The park is open only during daylight hours
touristlink.com
The NPS does not permit camping in the park
touristlink.com
One-hour round trip barge excursions are offered on a restored stretch of the canal from april to november
cityseeker.com
Kayaking, canoeing and rafting is recommended for advanced outdoors-men only
cityseeker.com
Check out updated best hotels & restaurants near great falls park
trip.com
$3 per individual, $5 per car (good for three consecutive days)
wheretraveler.com
On busy weekends all the parking may fill up by early in the morning
touristlink.com
It is a great place for hiking and exploring
tripbuzz.com
Detailed trail maps can be found online or at the visitor center
vacationidea.com
There are several different trails to to enjoy with your dog
bringfido.com
The park contains a large picnic area and sufficient parking for 600 vehicles
touristlink.com
More than 150 species of birds make their home in and around the 800-acre park
fodors.com

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