Great Falls Park

Visit

• What to Do

  The Potomac River and the unique geological features have shaped the land at Great Falls for millennia. Floods regularly occur along this stretch of the river, taking away soils and plants and depositing new silt and seeds to take their place. 

  Most of the park's 800 acres are forested. Throughout the year, over 150 different species of birds can be seen at Great Falls Park. Native animals, such as whitetail deer, fox, box turtles, squirrels, coyotes, bats and chipmunks also call this place home. A wide variety of plants, including several rare species, thrives in this environment.

• Accessibility

  Accessible parking is available in the main parking lot. The unloading zone by the main picnic area has an accessible ramp. Overlooks Two and Three are fully accessible, as is the Patowmack Canal Trail to the Holding Basin and the guard gate.

  The exhibits, programs, and slide presentations on the upper floor of the Visitor Center are reached via a ramp on either end of the building. There is one wheelchair available in the visitor center for loan, free of charge, on a first come, first serve basis.

  If you have any questions, please contact the park at 703-285-2965.

• Entrance Fees

  Great Falls Park is part of the National Park System. There is an entrance fee to enter the park.

  Admission to Great Falls Park is for seven consecutive days including date of purchase. Entrance fees are collected during all hours of operation, unless for posted Fee Free dates.

  Great Falls Park Vehicle Permit: $20.00

  Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

  Great Falls Park Motorcycle Permit: $15.00

  Admits one single private motorcycle and its passengers. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
  

  Great Falls Park Individual Permit: $10.00

  Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, or equestrian. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

  Great Falls Park Annual Pass: $35.00

  Valid for twelve months from the date of purchase. Pass is valid at Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park for entrance fees only. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle OR pass holder and three person (16 and older) where per person entrance fees are charged. Not valid for organized groups or concession operated facilities or activities. The park is not responsible for misplaced, lost or stolen cards. Representations of pass are prohibited. Physical pass must be presented at time of use. Void if altered, and pass is non transferable/ non refundable.

  Visitors may also enjoy five entrance fee-free days in 2023. On these significant days of celebration or commemoration, all national parks will waive entrance fees. The dates for 2023 are:

  • January 16 – Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • April 22 – First Day of National Park Week
  • August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • September 23 – National Public Lands Day
  • November 11 – Veterans Day
• Know Before You Go

   

  • The busiest park times are on nice weekend afternoons. There is usually a line to enter the park on those days.
  • Dogs and other pets are welcome, but must be on a six foot leash and under physical control at all times. Remember to clean up after your pet.
  • Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
  • Swimming and wading are not allowed in the park.
  • Picnic tables and grills are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations are needed for picnics.
  • There is an entrance fee to enter the park.
  • The snack bar is open seasonally. There are no vending machines in the park.
  • One wheelchair is available for loan on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Visitor Center. There is no cost to use the wheelchair.
  • Rules and regulations for Great Falls Park can be found at the National Park Service website.