Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is an outdoor activity in McLean, VA, part of the Washington DC guide. Cost: under $25.

9200 Old Dominion Dr · McLean, VA

Why you should go…

At Great Falls Park the Potomac River drops 76 feet over a series of rocky cascades on the Virginia side of the river. Three falls overlooks sit a five to ten minute walk from the visitor center, and about 15 miles of trails follow the cliffs of Mather Gorge. You can also trace the ruins of the Patowmack Canal, a bypass canal backed by George Washington that began operating in 1785.

#waterfall
#national park
#hiking
#rock climbing
#potomac river

What's around here?

The closest stops to Great Falls Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Theatre & Events
Date Night
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Free
Catch a summer concert at the open-air Filene Center or a children's show in the woods at the only national park for the performing arts.
4.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events
Museums
Date Night
Glenstone
Free
See postwar and contemporary art in quiet pavilions and outdoor sculptures set across meadows, woods and a water garden.
4.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Sightseeing
History Buff
Embassy Row
Free
Stroll Massachusetts Avenue past Gilded Age mansions turned embassies, with flags and statues of world figures on the way.
11 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Sport & Outdoor
Outdoor Adventure
Rock Creek Park
Free
Hike, bike or ride wooded trails along Rock Creek through the city and stop at historic Peirce Mill.
12 mi awayMore like this
Sport & Outdoor
Outdoor Adventure
Key Bridge Boathouse
Under $25
A Georgetown boathouse on the Potomac renting kayaks, canoes and paddleboards with guided tours available.
12 mi awayMore like this
Sport & Outdoor
Family Favorite
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Free
Giant pandas, elephants, and 2,000 animal residents in Rock Creek Park, one of America's best zoos, and it's free.
12 mi awayMore like this