Great Falls Park
Under $25Watch the Potomac River crash over a series of cascades from three overlooks, then hike the cliffs above Mather Gorge.

Photo: Russ, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
Historic canal lockhouse and hotel now serving as a national park visitor center.
11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854 · Potomac, MD
Once a lockhouse along the C&O Canal near Lock 20, this building also served as a traveler's hotel starting in 1831 and later hosted community gatherings. Today it operates as a visitor center where guests can get park information, trail details, and canal history. Nearby, visitors can hike scenic trails, reach the towpath, and join ranger programs including replica canal boat rides.
The closest stops to Great Falls Tavern, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Watch the Potomac River crash over a series of cascades from three overlooks, then hike the cliffs above Mather Gorge.
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